My sister just send me Darien’s obituary and, it’s a bit of a shock. I hadn’t seen Darien in probably more than 35 years but we were close friends from grade 4 (9 years old) till about age 14 or 15. Some of the critical formative years.

Upon our meeting, at View Royal Elementary, we spent every lunch and recess (and I mean every single one) throwing paper airplanes from the hill behind the school. I remember the school Principal, Mr Bell, suggesting we should put as much effort into our school work…. Our parents, unbeknownst to them, would’ve spent a small fortune on paper, funding our obsession with avionics. As the years went on we spent all sorts of energy learning about airplanes and built all kinds of technical wood/paper model planes. We made some with flotation pontoons that we also threw from the hill/cliffs at his home (home of his grandmother, whom I also remember fondly) into the harbour below. We’d then go rescue them with his canoe. We also spent a lot of time canoeing in the harbour, over to Coal Island many times and under the 6 Mile Bridge, up the river as far as it was possible to go. I also remember climbing out his bedroom window and going swimming in the bay late at night to enjoy the phosphorescence. (Nobody knew we were doing that.) It was around that time that he became interested in music I recall. For me, music came later…

I remember his Collie dog…can’t recall the name but he loved that dog. That property where he grew up (Gibraltar) was quite something. Have lots of memories of playing and exploring all around there. The apple orchard, the barn with some old cars in it. Frank the old hippie with his old VW bus, who lived in the house out front..and a nice old man who lived in another small house on-site. 

After Junior High we lost touch. I think we just grew apart, which is fairly normal at that age in life. I send my condolences to his mother Julie. I remember her and she was always pretty sweet to us as I recall.  

Dear Julie:

I just saw the obituary for Darian Martay.  I remember Darian coming to the office on Fort Street and will always remember his beautiful smile.  This must be such a difficult time for you.  My heart goes out to you and your family.  Cherish the wonderful memories and the music.  My condolences to you and your family.

Devi Jawl


Julie,  Martay/extended families,
With sincere condolences, we can't imagine your sorrow.  May  cherished memories help ease your pain as time passes on.   You're in our hearts, Bob and Gloria

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OBITUARY

Darien Roland Martay

30 January, 1972 – 7 June, 2022

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