Darrel Lawrence DelaRonde

Darrel passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Comox, BC, on October 23rd of this year (2020) at 65 years of age.

Darrel is survived by his wife Saskia; children (Cindy Scott) daughter Paige Laura, sons Jordan Scott and Joshua Gregory;  mother Ruth Catherine; sister Wendy Lynne; and brother Wayne Murray. When he married Saskia, Darrel inherited step-sons Michael Adam (April Dawn) and Mark Edward (Kristy Liane), and their children Brook Ilse and Elliot Henk; step-sister Ingrid Overbeek; step-brother Harold de Jong. Darrel is predeceased by his father, Vern Llewellyn DelaRonde.

Darrel was born in Shellbrook and raised in Mont Nebo, Saskatchewan. In his youth, he explored and loved “The Green Hills of His Father’s Land,” where, while growing up on the family farm, he discovered his great passion: Music.  Music opened a world of discovery, love, heartache, and adventure. In his early years, Darrel played pubs and dance halls with his friends while honing his guitar playing and song-writing skills, preparing him for his later years as the guy everybody knew and loved. A touring Canadian Folk icon, Darrel was living the dream with his wife Saskia, playing throughout Canada and Europe. His life was not always easy or without its share of ups and downs. He was a Gemini, highly intelligent, complicated, very loving, impulsive, and exquisitely artistic. Darrel gave us a little bit of his spiritual journey and soul in every song he wrote.  He gave his all in every performance; he gave his all in everyday life. Darrel left us with a beautiful, rich tapestry of words and melodies which we can use as a tool to forge a path forward. He loved his kids, mom, family, extended families, community, friends, and all animals.  Darrel loved breathing in the fresh ocean air and the prairie breezes; he loved big tall trees in the coastal forests and beautiful flowers across the land, but most of all, he loved his life with his sweetheart: his wife, Saskia.

If so desired, donations may be made to your local SPCA.

Due to COVID restrictions, a celebration of his life will be held online via Zoom in January 2021. In the meantime, he lives on in all of us through his music and big mischievous smile.

~ “Darrel, my soul-mate, my love, I will always “Leave the Porchlight on.” I miss you terribly. See you again on the other side, because I know for a fact, you will wait for me on “The Far Side Banks of Jordan.”  Until then, rest in peace, my love. You are free! Light up the skies with your big love, your beautiful songs, and throwback your head with laughter and joy in the safety of God’s love.” Your Saskia.~