September 29, 1961 to December 25, 2011
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of a true fighter, husband, father, son, brother, and friend much too early in life. Darrell was called to Heaven Christmas Day after a courageous and hard-fought 26 month battle with Multiple Myeloma. Darrell leaves behind his loving wife of almost 32 years Kelly. Proud father of daughter Jennifer (Kris Klassen), son Adam (fiancee Shannon McFarlane), and son and firefighter brother Ian (girlfriend Christine Scott). Cherished son of Orville “Bud” and Marie Ellwood. Brother of Tameron Hunsuck (Jim) of Troutman, North Carolina, and Melody Christie (Gord) of Alberta. He was a dear son-in-law to Rudy and Shirley Thiessen, and brother in-law to Carey Papineau and Randy “Beav” Thiessen (Renee). Darrell was godfather to Derek David and is survived by many many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Darrell always fought for what he thought was right, and lived for helping others through his work as a firefighter for over 31 years (11 years on the Kingsville Fire Department). Darrell was very proud to be a Windsor Firefighter. During his time on the force, he served on the Executive Board for 7 years, 4 as secretary. Darrell always said, “This is the best job in the world”. Darrell was an advocate for firefighter safety and has represented the Windsor Firefighters on their Health and Safety
Committee for over 12 years, 7 as Co-chair. In addition, Darrell was appointed by the OPFFA to the Health and Safety Committee as well as by the Ministry of Labour to the Firefighter’s Section 21 Committee. Darrell also served for many years on the Essex County Firefighters Burn Foundation and helped many burn patients. Darrell’s other love was hockey. He was a referee for over 31 years in the OMHA and
for 22 years in the OHA. He served as an Instructor/Supervisor for many years and initiated the Windsor OMHA Referee School in 2002. Darrell thoroughly enjoyed being an integral part of his son Adam’s baseball teams, the Windsor Junior Selects and the Windsor Stars. He was very proud to be with them when they won the Canadian Championships this summer in Miramichi, New Brunswick. Darrell was known for his many nicknames, most of which we cannot print; and he will always be remembered as the “shortest” firefighter in Windsor. Darrell and his family would like to thank all the nurses and doctors for their care and patience they showed him during his hospital stays in Windsor and London. A special thanks to Dr. Caroline Hamm and staff at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre and to Dr. Laura Penava, who helped us so much throughout this journey. Special thanks to Darrell’s brothers and sisters of the Windsor Professional Firefighters Association for everything they have done for us over the past 26 months. He would like to send his thanks to each and every one of them for their thoughts, prayers, friendship, love, and support during his illness.Donations, if so desired can be made to the Windsor Regional Hospital Cancer Centre, the Diabetes Association of Canada, or the Windsor Essex County Firefighters Burn Foundation. Visiting on Friday January 13, 2012 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm with a Firefighter Walk-through in the evening at Families First 3260 Dougall Ave. South Windsor, 519-969-5841. on Saturday January 14, 2012 family and friends are invited to meet at Parkwood Gospel Temple (3005 Temple Dr.) after 11 am until Funeral Service at 12 noon. Cremation to follow.
“Signing off one last time, Darrell” |
