To the Macs. Darren was not only a great guy but class act. He was one of the good ones. Gary Mac. Volleyball friend. 

Jeff, myself, Graham and especially Andrew are heartbroken to hear this news.  We met Darin, Mandy and the boys through Spruce Grove Minor Baseball.  He coached Andrew and taught him many values on and off the field.  I don't remember him ever missing a game and I'm sure that's the same when our boys were on the volleyball court too.  When he was first diagnosed we were all frightened but he somehow put US at ease with that smile and his unwavering competitive spirit.  It is surreal to us that you are gone so young Darin.  But rest assured, you changed many lives in the short time you were here.  Logan, Duncan....he adored you and Mandy, you were his whole world.  I loved how he would look at you.  Sending love and hugs to all of you during this impossible time.

Mandy, Logan & Duncan,

Our family is so sad to hear of Darin's passing.  I think of the many hours and chats shared at the ball diamond or volleyball court and can't help feeling thankful for those special times. Always met with that great smile and sincere kindness is what will forever be in our memories of Darin. 

The Bessette Family 

I have started and stopped this post numerous times, having a hard time trying to express the great sadness, but also thankful to have known Darin. Leanne and I first met Darin in Sept. 1986. We both moved onto 5th Henday in Lister Hall at the U of A. Two farm kids from Alberta, we became fast friends, did everything together. We were roommates for the next 4 years, got to know each other's families and friends. I was always made welcome. Hung out with our group in Edmonton as we all lived away from home. We stood up for each other when we each got married. Darin had all those traits Mandy and Jane mentioned at his service, and more. I could always depend on Darin. Pushed hard in the Gym and sports, was always up for a new challenge. Helped us more that he could know when Leanne's mother faced her battle with cancer. Thanks again bud. Life and careers created distance between us, and we didn't talk or see each other as much as I would have liked, but when we did, we picked up right away as if no time had passed. The little things seem to flood back in my mind. I made a list in my mind of what I would want do one more time when I meet you on the other side.
1. Take a ride in your Burgandy Monte Carlo with the windows down.
2. Go for a skate on an outdoor rink and play shinny with a bunch of  kids. Darin would do a toe drag and kick the puck between his legs. The 10 year olds thought he was Wayne Gretzky.
3. One more beer at the Ship ( bar in Lister Hall)
4. Have dinner with the crew at Jane's ground level apartment and laugh.
5. One more round of golf with Rob, and kick you both!
6. Give you a hug.
Wayne and Sharon, you raised a great man.
Mandy, Duncan and Logan our deepest condolences. We wish we could do more to help ease your pain
The world got a little worse without Darin Wayne Mcdonald in it.
RIP my friend


I am so sorry to hear the news of the loss of such a great person, I first met Darin when I started my master's, I was going there to pick up a drug for a study that we were collaborating on. When I got there he met me with a big smile and a positive attitude and helped me through the protocol. Whenever I ran into him he would always through a joke and we would talk a bit, his energy and the smile that he had all the time were amazing. He was a kind and helpful person and I certainly hope he is in a better place. RIP Darin.

Dearest Mandy, Logan & Duncan,
Our hearts are broken as we mourn with you on the loss of your best friend, husband and Dad.  Although it was oh so many years ago that we were close, the friendship we shared still remains.  Such great memories of times past that will be forever treasured.  I knew in my heart from the start that you and Darin had something special and I was honored to be a part of your special day.  My regret is that because of the miles between us, we never crossed paths. Darin impacted so many lives through the professional work he did and through his job as a family man.  The experiences you shared in his tribute were so numerous and meaningful and certainly will leave a lasting legacy.  As sadness surrounds us, may you grow to be thankful for the blessing of Darin in your lives.  Thinking of you all with love!
***When you are ready, please get in touch with me.***

 Let me offer my sincere condolences to Darin's family.  I used to call him Master and he used to call me a little boy.  He was truly the Heart of our lab and driving force.  For the last four years, my regular working days start with an exchange of wish to my master and some light jokes.  He was an outstanding person full of energy, compassion,  kind heart, and most importantly regular infectious smile on his face.   
One day I remember he got a woolen cap and snow face mask for me, I asked him how you come to know that I need it. He replied to me since you are staying away from home there must be someone to look after you little boy.  Till today difficult for me to believe Darin's death. It will take time to realize that heaven has added another Angel like Darin.
You will be always remembered from the core of my heart, my true Master.

 

I first met Darin when I was a graduate student in Edmonton. He was a truly remarkable individual and a great friend, who deeply impacted my life. I will truly miss our visits and his occasional emails – I always did appreciate his brutal honesty and his sense of humor! I will always cherish my wonderful memories of Darin. My deepest and sincerest condolences go out to you Mandy, Duncan and Logan. May you take solace in the amazing memories you shared with your husband and Dad!

I knew Darin and family as my son Edward and daughter Emily played with his son's Ducan and Logan, high school and club Volleyball together.  Darin loved to watch the boys play. You could tell it gave him great joy to see his sons play and all their teammates. I don't honestly remember him missing a match.  He was always there to support his and the other members of both the boys and girls teams. Darin was quality guy that always seemed to be happy and that everyone liked.  Having said that, he had a real competitive edge, and definitely didn't like it when we lost.  He was always willing to help out on and off the court for the teams. The other boys enjoyed Darin's drive and spirited personality. As parents we spent almost four years together and numerous weekends at tournaments. I loved to talk shop with him and even his work at the Cross. My kids were saddened we heard he had passed. Edward especially as he knew the boys so well.  To Mandy, Duncan and Logan,  our thoughts and prayers go out to you in this very difficult time. Know that Darin will be fondly remembered as a good human who cared about his family and others, and missed by those who his path crossed.  With respect, Gary "Mac"  McDonald and Family.

Darin is a pleasant, reliable colleague to whom I can always trust with any task or help I need. We become good friends sharing many similar interests. I enjoyed to have him around with his wicked sense of humour and his infectious laugh. He has a big heart helping everyone around and he is dearly loved by everyone and will be missed by everyone knowing him. I wish I had the chance to tell him 'Thank you, Darin, for all your advices, your help, your friendships and even for dragging me to the gym classes. I am sorry to get you such poor beers in China that you even think of open a brewer  there! I wish we could go for few more rounds of golf or go to ski we talked about so many times.  You have a special place in my heart forever and you will badly missed.' To all who loved him, I can  imagine and share your pain and sadness caused by his departure as I do feel the same.   All my condolences. 

Darin and I both were technicians in labs in Experimental Oncology. I was very sad to hear that he had passed away. I am now working in the Department  of chemistry, but had seen Darin at the end of March. We often met up while I was walking my dog before I left for and he was heading into the lab as he parked in my neighbourhood. I will miss  his sense of humour and kindness. We often talked about the four things we had in common: Science, gardening, cooking and raising boys. I am the one who would give him the big pieces of squash and pickles. He gave me cucumber plants, zucchini, saskatoons and cherries. We used to leave recipes and samples of said recipes on each others desks.  I brought him muffins in the chemo room one time. We would buy whatever each other was selling to supported each others sons sports. I remember watching him walk up the road from my house carrying a particularly big squash to meet up with Mandy at the hospital to go home. Not too many people would do that, but Darin would. I liked to hear him talk about your horses and the way you were working with them. Horses are intelligent, hard working and usually gentle animals that enjoy working together with you. I used to log with horses in the Maritimes and we had a similar system as reins are not practical in the woods. We trained the horses to pay attention to where they put their feet and to note the way they came into the woods with us. All we had to do was talk to them to let them know how to position so we could hook them up to the log and which way to go when they reached the road. They were very good at navigating out on their own. The horses will miss him too. Darin knew what was important in life and was always kind and helpful. I will miss him very much. He was a great friend and colleague. My thoughts are with Mandy, Logan and Duncan and all of Darin's family as this is a difficult time for all of you.

Mandy, Logan and Duncan,

Mom and I are very saddened to hear this news.  Darin was a great guy with a lot of character and will be greatly missed.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time.

Darin was officially our lab manager at the Hendzel lab, but he was more than just that. He was a friend, a mentor, a close confidant. He taught me a great deal, from how to run western blots, live microscopy, and even how to to be successful in dating! 
Much of my success in Michael's lab is credited to Darin. He had such a positive outlook towards life. His humour and energy was inspirational. He used to be at work at 7:30 in the morning, with a bright smile on his face. 
He loved his children more than anything else in the world. He would always talk about their baseball games, their university plans, etc. Ultimately, this is what he was all about - family, fun and hard work. I will miss him a great deal. 

It was gut wrenching to hear about Darin. He was inspiring to me. He had beaten the same (or similar) lymphoma that had taken my mother when I was 12. This was additional motivation to continue to try to make an impact against cancer, knowing that someone like him could beat it several times and live to see his kids grow to adulthood. He was that guy who would call you out on silly mistakes, or challenge your logic, and you would learn quicker because of it. I wish I could have had the opportunity to reconnect with him sometime in the future, but I know this pales in comparison to the searing grief his loved ones now feel. I hope he knew that he commanded respect by his integrity, and straightforward nature. It's times like these that remind me that rarely (if ever) do people get to actually hear about the impact they have had on other people's lives. Darin showed me the ropes of cell biology, and I'll be forever grateful for the time he invested.

When I heard the sad news from Gordon, I burst into tears. I could not believe the big brother I relied on so much has passed away. He was the go-to person during my graduate study at the Cross. His superior technical skills, thoughtful scientific insights, great patience with nerdy people like me, and endless smiles guided me through many challenges during my time at Cross. There is no word that can express my appreciation. My deepest condolences go to Darin's family. RIP, Darin.   

Darin can always be depended on for a nice smile.  I enjoyed our many interactions at the Cross. Over the years, Darin has been a go-to person for advices. I will miss him dearly.  RIP Darin

Mandy and Family,
There are no words to express my sadness for your loss, may you find comfort in the loving memories you shared with each other. Darin was always a nice guy. Thinking of you all and sending my love. 


I worked with Darin in Experimental Oncology at the Cross. He was an outstanding fellow, kind, gentle, intelligent and generous and always seemed unflappable. I throughly enjoyed any interaction I had with him. They were too few. I will always remember Darin as an immensely courageous man.

Darin was the heart of the Hendzle Lab and will leave a hole in our lives.  One of my fondest memories was listening to Darin talk about him boys - pure love and pride . 

Wayne and Sharon please accept Linda and my sincerest condolences on Darrin's Passing. Losing a child is probably the hardest thing  parents can endure. I know that you are strong people but just know this our thoughts are with you.

My heart goes out to Darin’s family for their loss. A huge loss of not just a previous lab colleague but a dear friend of mine. Darin's positivity, sense of humour and smile will always be missed. He will always be remembered. RIP Darin

Darin embodied everything that was right in this world. If we all emulated his attitude and strength, we would be in a much better place.

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Mandy, Duncan, and Logan as well as Darin's parents and siblings.  We will miss him dearly.  Darin worked for me for nearly twenty years.  He was my laboratory manager and research technician.  I relied on him a great deal.  Through the years, we trained many students, postdoctoral fellows, and research technicians.  Darin held a special place in the hearts of all of them.  I will post personal messages from them in a subsequent post.  Most of these people came to the laboratory in their early twenties and Darin guided many of them through their maturation both as scientists and as individuals.  For me, Darin was the one person that I could trust absolutely.  Most decisions that I made, I made with his input.  Indeed, I put more faith in his judgement of people when it came to hiring than I did my own.  In almost every way, Darin was my partner in managing the laboratory.  He was a big part technically and scientifically in what we achieved over the past 20 years and it is going to be an enormous challenge succeeding without him.  Darin distinguished himself amongst research technicians for the quality of scientist that he was.  He was interested in the research and contributed to the ideas and interpretation that drove all of the research projects.  As long as I had Darin on board, I was confident that we could succeed, and I was looking forward to him working in the laboratory until retirement.  Because of the pandemic, I haven’t been into the laboratory.  It’s going to be a difficult return.  
Darin impressed me with his strength, character, honesty, and commitment to family.  I admired him a great deal.  Over the course of 20 years, there were lots of ups and downs in the laboratory.  Having Darin to confide in was critical for me to continue on when I was experiencing my own frustrations with work.  I will never forget his friendship and the enormous contributions that he made to the successes in my life.  


Mandy & family. So sorry to hear of your loss; it seems so hard to lose someone this young. May you find comfort within your family. Thoughts are with you. 

Darin worked at the Cross Cancer Institute for 21 years. He was a greatly-valued and much-loved colleague and friend in the Department of Experimental Oncology. We relied on him for so many things, from advice on techniques, to borrowing a couple of microliters of that much-needed antibody. Thank you for everything you've done for us, Darin. We will remember your laugh that rang down the hallway. We will remember your in-depth knowledge, your research expertise and your willingness to share in the true spirit of a scientist.  Our thoughts are with you, Mandy and family.

Mandy and family. I was so saddened to hear of Darin’s death. Our thoughts are with all of you. 

Mandy, Logan& Duncan
We share your sorrow as Darin was one of the best . Always a smile and cheerful note . Many good visits at the lake and playing volleyball with all the nieces and nephews and cousins something he loved . He fought long and hard and  got to have many more years to watch his wonderful sons grow up to be fine young men . Now is his time to rest , he will be dearly missed by all who knew him .  Our sincere condolences. 
Brian and Marilyn 

Wayne , Sharon , Trent & Corinne,Jason  & Angela and Janine & Curt
Our hearts r breaking for you , as I can’t imagine how hard it is to loose a loved one . Many good memories of camping at the lake and in Hayter with the family . 
RIP Darin you will truly be missed by all who loved you. 
Sincere sympathy 
Brian and Marilyn 

Condolences Wayne and Sharon and all the Mcdonald family on the passing of Darin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time . 

Gloria and Jim 

Brains and Braun that was Darin-he seemed to be good at everything! And he was our Valedictorian. I believe he was the only kid I went from Play School through to Grade 12 with. I was always “next” alphabetically so I learned at a very early age to listen for his name because it meant it was my turn to line up for field trips, needles, and even Grad. Boundless laughs over the years, he  entertained us all immensely with his humor and antics. My heartfelt sympathy to all his family and friends, his fun-loving spirit will live on.




My heartfelt condolences to Darin’s family!!
I will always remember his smile, his athleticism and sportsmanship’s as my partner in pairs badminton in our high school years.  May he Rest In Peace now.  

Dear Wayne, Sharon and family, we extend our deepest sympathy on the passing of your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time!
Lenn and Darlene 

To Wayne Sharon and families our deepest condolences on the passing of Darin. He was one of my best friends in high school. We did a lot together and had great times and memories. He will be dearly missed. 

My wife and I were fortunate to have known Darin - we loved his positive, friendly attitude and his seemingly permanent beautiful smile.  Without a doubt one of the  best people I have ever known.  Our condolences to all his family. 

To the McDonald families:    I went to school with Darin and have many wonderful memories of him.   He was fun, kind, and caring.   My love and sympathy to you all in this difficult time.  May your precious memories bring you comfort and peace. 

Wayne, Sharon, and families.... my sincere and deepest sympathies for the passing of Darin. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time. 

OBITUARY

Darin Wayne Mcdonald

Passed away on MAY 23, 2020

Parkland Funeral Services

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