Dean I Darby, 76, of Clearwater, beloved husband, dad, grandfather, great grandfather and man of quiet dignity and strength passed away peacefully on September 30, 2013, after a courageous 15 month battle with Myelodyspastic Syndrome.
Dean is predeceased by his parents, William I. and Ardella Darby; and his brother, Jerry. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; children, Deanne, Jerry and Alan; six grandchildren, two great grandsons; and his beloved Chihuahua, Pebbles. He also leaves behind many friends at On Top Of The World Snowbird's Club, where he served faithfully as Vice President.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the animal rescue organization of your choice would be appreciated.
Services are 10:45 AM, October 23, 2013 at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, Florida 33744 with the Pinellas County Honor Guard, to officiate.
Veterans Funeral Care
I always knew the time would come when we would say “goodbye”
It came so soon, my heart is sad, it seems like we just said “hi”
The times we shared now have a place, so special in my heart
The memories, the laughs and tears, all from the very start
I care so very much for you, the feelings just won’t end
My love, my life, my husband, my dearest and best friend
They say it’s a beautiful journey from the old world to the new
Someday I’ll make that journey which will lead me straight to you
And when we reach that garden in which there is no pain
I’ll put my arms around you and we’ll never part again
If I listen really close when I am now alone at night
I’ll hear your voice comfort me and say that you are alright
It isn’t easy to understand why certain things must be
And the reasons why they happen are so often hard to see
But I will find comfort in the knowledge that God is always there
To keep the one I loved so much forever in His care
You gave me many things in life, gifts both great and small
But most of all you gave me love and that’s the greatest gift of all
I will love you forever, Patti
He was a very special friend to me and will never forget.
My love goes out to you Patti.
We know he has no more paine. We’re thankful about that and he is in God’s hands.
We were saddened with this news and sorry we never got to cruise together again. May God bless your soul and give you peace.
I love you very much Grandpa and can’t wait to see you in glory!
Dean, you were a special friend to both of us. My heart goes out to you Patti. Always loved listening to Dean sing to you. No more suffering. Peace to you both.
Dean
I first met you as a co-volunteer at the OTOW Snowbirds Club. Then you became a special friend with a very kind heart willing to help anyone. Thanks for your support. We will miss you.
Trev.
Dean
I first met you as a co-volunteer at the OTOW Snowbirds Club. Then you became a special friend with a very kind heart willing to help anyone. Thanks for your support. We will miss you.
Dean What a wonderful friend truly a wonderful man, What a sense of humor. We will miss him very much– but never forget him Love him always Love Rob & Charlie Bean
Dearest Dean: We were so sad to learn that you left us. What a wonderful Person, Husband, Father, Grandfather and FRIEND to All. We were one of the lucky ones that got to meet you. I loved your singing voice and will always keep you singing. You and Pat had such a Wonderful Marriage. You gave your ALL to this disease. You are in our thoughts and prayers forever BUT I know you are in heaven looking down and helping Pat, Your Wonderful Wife and Friend thru this time. Know Dean, we will always be there for Pat helping her at this so very sad time. God Bless you Dean Love Always Pat & Bob
Sam and I were truly shocked and sadden to hear about Dean. We knew how ill he was, especially of late, but we were praying he would pull through. I never met such a truly gentle man. So thoughtful and sweet. I recently saw a video of him singing and was very impressed. He and Patti were so perfect together. We send our love and prayers to Patti. May Dean rest in peace.
Too young to go, to tired to stay. Thank you for the joy and the pain and everything in between that we shared. All of it helped mold me into the person I was meant to become. You never complained nor were you bitter. You never felt sorry f…or yourself. Your courage was admirable. You held on to hope while keeping one eye fixed on reality. Thank you for giving me the chance to say so long for now. Thank you, God, for restoration and peace. I love you, Dad.See More
Dean, neighbor, I treasure our friendship, brief though it was due to your illness. Patti, may the fulling life you and Dean shared be of comfort now.