Contributions to the tribute of Fred Darke

232 Warwick Street | Watford, Ontario N0M 2S0 | Phone: (519) 876-2218 | Email: office@dennings.ca

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In Memory of

Fred Darke

1945 - 2014

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Friday

January

First Visitation

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Friday, January 24, 2014

Watford Chapel of Denning Funeral Directors

232 Warwick St.

Watford, Ontario, Canada

Get Directions

Friday

January

Second Visitation

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Friday, January 24, 2014

Watford Chapel of Denning Funeral Directors

232 Warwick St.

Watford, Ontario, Canada

Get Directions

Saturday

January

Service Information

11:00 am

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Watford United Church

555 Ontario Street

Watford, Ontario, Canada

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jack bARNES posted a condolence

Saturday, October 17, 2015

DEAR ELEANOR, I WANTED TO EXPRESS MY SYMPATHIES AND RESPECT AFTER THE FACT. FRED WAS SUCH A SPIRIT AND HE BROUGHT SO MUCH TO ALL HE DID. I KNEW HIM PRIMARILY THROUGH DRUMMING. MY APOLOGIES FOR THE LATE CONDOLENCES, I HAVE BEEN IN AND OUT OF CARE OUTSIDE THE HOME THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS WITH MY HEAD INJURY IN A CAR ACCIDENT. WISH YOU WELL. JACK BARNES LONDON

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Clive Apps Posted Sep 20, 2023 at 5:33 PM

I knew Fred from a couple of networking groups in Toronto and a computer club; he was an interesting guy full of ideas for problem solving. A few years before he became a Habitat director he was almost homeless and looking for inexpensive living arrangements; that situation led him to work at Habitat.

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The family of Fred Darke uploaded a photo

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

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Beau Hall posted a condolence

Saturday, May 31, 2014

9 years ago I traveled with my family from Hoboken, NJ upon the passing of my grandmother Helen Margaret Ferrigno. Pastor Darke officiated the service and although it was 9 years ago January 27th 2005, I still remember his words and his comforting way that just radiated off of him and into my heart that made me feel better after the passing of the only grandparent I ever met. I'm sure he will be dearly miss among friends family and the religious community.

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Jim & Wilma Johnson posted a condolence

Saturday, January 25, 2014

We had planned on attending Fred's Memorial service today but the weather has forced us to decide not too. Our deepest sympathies to Eleanor and family. We knew Fred through Lambton Presbytery and always enjoyed his enthusiasm for Habitat for Humanity, General Council and of course his drumming. He will be missed. Wilma & Jim Johnson, Camlachie United Church

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Margaret Heilig posted a condolence

Friday, January 24, 2014

Dear Eleanor I was saddened to hear that Fred has died.You and he had quite a journey together and you will miss him.It doesn't work for me to get to Watford but Ruth and I are planning a visit after your busyness settles down a bit. May the next few days give you some peace . Margaret

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Marg Hollingsworth posted a condolence

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Eleanor: I was so sorry to hear of Fred's passing. He was a kind and gentle person who always had a smile. He will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of great loss.

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Linda Traquair posted a condolence

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

We got to know Fred when he came to our Hensall United pastoral charge. Through his actions and example, we learned much. Habitat for Humanity Huron County was founded under his guidance and there's been no looking back. On a personal note, I watched my husband learn of the satisfaction that comes with volunteering. I wonder how many others have learned this from Fred's example? We are better people for having known him. Our deepest sympathy to his loved ones. Sincerely, Jerry & Linda Traquair

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Janet Schwartz posted a condolence

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Dear Eleanor, I am so sorry to hear that Fred has passed away.I remember what a kind (and funny!)person he was. My thoughts are with you.

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Dan Peterson posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Among many other notable and memorable things Fred did in his lifetime, he was the ace photographer who took the definitive photo of our FF race team, cherished prints of which are known to reside today proudly displayed in family homes in Southern and Northern Ontario, British Columbia, Australia and Hong Kong. As a good and constant friend over many years, Fred we're gonna miss you a lot. Danno, Guthrie, Millsy, Smitty and many others

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Dan Peterson posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

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Dan Peterson posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

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Mary Jane McIntyre posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Eleanor: The members and friends of Northlea United Church in Toronto are saddened to hear of Fred's passing. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sincerely, the Northlea United Church Congregation, Toronto

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Liz Gallacher posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Eleanor, I am so sorry to hear that Fred has passed away. I am thinking of you at this very difficult time. Cherish the many memories of your life together.

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Sissy Gu posted a condolence

Monday, January 20, 2014

I worked with Fred at Habitat Toronto from 1999-2000. Here is quoting from one of the fellow founding members, Karen Visentin, to pass the news of our big loss - Fred Darke "Fred had many important roles at HFHT and Habitat for Humanity: he was a founding member of HFHT; he was one of the incorporators who signed our Letters Patent; he was a founding member of Habitat Canada; and he was also involved in the establishing of other affiliates in south-western Ontario. As he was a photographer by profession, Fred was also our first official photographer and many of the pictures taken during our first 12 years were taken by him. The attached picture is one of a few that we have of Fred as he was normally behind the camera. Fred is the gentleman with the white hard hat and beard sitting on the picnic bench (the early volunteers of this affiliate seem to have an affinity for picnic benches). The build site is Gaby's House located at 1043 Cawthra Road in Mississauga and which was built in 1997. When it became too cold to hold meetings around a picnic bench that first year we moved to Fred's office located on the south-east corner of Yonge and Davenport. We munched our way through many a pasta salad at those meetings ordered from the restaurant below. In later life Fred answered the call to enter the clergy and ministered in the United Church in Perth County. Fred was quite simply a very nice person to be around. He was gentle and kind; his eyes always had a twinkle as if he was about to say something funny - which he often did; and he did not take life too seriously. While sometimes the task of building a viable affiliate seemed overwhelming, Fred's gentle humour and common sense always helped to get everyone back on track. His manner was so low-key and unobtrusive that it was easy to miss what an extraordinary contribution he made, not only to HFHT but to Habitat as a whole. Habitat has always been so blessed with its ability to draw on the skills and commitment of so many dedicated volunteers and staff. Not just our affiliate but Habitat in Canada as a whole owes a great deal to Fred. I hope that you will send a little "thank you" his way." Fred has offered a lot to Habitat. And, thank you for being the most resourceful and pleasant co-worker/friend. Your big smile and fast talk with hand gesture/aid are still vivid, like not long ago. You are missed, Fred.

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Jane French posted a condolence

Monday, January 20, 2014

Eleanor, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. You and Fred had many chapters together both in Toronto and making your way in Southwest Ontario. I'm sure he left you wanting more. Take care, Jane French

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Joyce and Roger Touw posted a condolence

Monday, January 20, 2014

Dear Eleanor we are deeply sorry to learn of your great loss. Fred was simply a wonderful, Compassionate gentleman, and we fondly remember him and his many contributions at Northlea United Church, esp.the Audio system! God bless you and send His Love to you to help you through these difficult days..

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Karen Visentin posted a condolence

Monday, January 20, 2014

I met Fred in 1988 when we were working at establishing the Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Toronto. Many of our first meetings were held in his office. Fred was quite simply a very nice person to be around. He was gentle and kind; his eyes always had a twinkle as if he was about to say something funny - which he often did; and he did not take life too seriously. While sometimes the task of building a viable affiliate seemed overwhelming, Fred's gentle humour and common sense always helped to get everyone back on track. His manner was so low-key and unobtrusive that it was easy to miss what an extraordinary contribution he made - not only to Habitat for Humanity Toronto but to Habitat for Humanity in Canada as a whole. Everyone at Habitat owes a great deal to Fred.

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Karen Elwood posted a condolence

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Eleanor: I have fond memories of both Fred and you. First at Todmorden and then Northlea United. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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Michael Barry posted a condolence

Saturday, January 18, 2014

I had the honour of meeting and working with Fred on the board for Habitat Humanity Sarnia. I enjoyed learning about Habitat from him, working on many home builds, and enjoying his sense off humour. Fred was an intelligent, well spoken individual who was very generous. He will be missed by many people.

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Bill Drysdale DLM posted a condolence

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Please accept my heartfelt condolences in this time of loss. I first met Fred in Montreal while was there in a Ministry Program. What stands out for me was his heart of compassion and caring for all people without any sense of judgement. He in fact would go out of his way to see that you managed to get the help you needed. Even if he might not be able to fill the need you required , he would in fact send you to those who could offer you the help you needed. Selfless , caring , and compassionate is how I remember him gifted in richness of Spirit willing to share such richness of spirit with everyone he came in contact with. May God Bless and comfort you at this time ....for peace has come to a righteous soul who fulfilled many of his desires through the ministry he shared with others.

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Ann Harbridge posted a condolence

Saturday, January 18, 2014

I met Fred when we both attended the LPM training in Montreal. We spent 2 weeks each June, learning what it took to be a Minister in this United Church of ours. Fred's greatest gift to our group was initiating a Yahoo group for us to use to stay connected between our sessions together. That was in 2004. That group is still connected and others have joined since. He made it possible for us to share resources, and to stay in touch with each other. What a gift that has been. I also remember him for his drumming, and for his co-MC role at our graduation in 2006. We met up again at General Council a few years later. Fred will indeed be missed. My condolences to Eleanor and all those who loved Fred.

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Gordon Hunter posted a condolence

Saturday, January 18, 2014

I met Fred during our LPMIT training in Montreal and spent some hours talking to him and enjoying his passion for drumming. I last saw Fred during a "Ministry Voices" conference in Saskatoon when my wife and I shared dinner with Fred while he sought out a single malt. Fred was a unique individual who touched many. We shall miss him.

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Rev. Jill Rogers posted a condolence

Saturday, January 18, 2014

I first met Fred when I came to this area from Hamilton as a student intern with the Courtright Sixth Line Pastoral Charge. One of the Sixth Line youth invited me to come to a drumming circle at Watford United. Young Brian couldn't say enough about how 'awesome' Pastor Fred is! As I came through the door of the church that snowy evening, there was Fred with a big grin and welcoming handshake. We got to know each other a little during that eight months and when I was ordained and resettled with the good folks at Courtright and Sixth Line a year later, there was Fred at Lambton Presbytery with a big grin once more, emmanating his usual warmth and interest in my journey and of course, offering such a welcoming presence. Each time we connected, either at drumming or at presbytery, the greeting was the same. Such a beautiful spirit. On behalf of the Courtright Sixth Line Congregation, please accept our deepest concern and sympathies. Fred will be missed.

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Mary Datema posted a condolence

Saturday, January 18, 2014

I am so sorry to hear about Fred passing away. My condolences goes out to the family. Fred was a person that you could talk to and would listen. I am going to miss him so much.

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Sherie MacLachlan posted a condolence

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Thinking of you Eleanor--May your cherished memories help to overshadow your grief. He wad a gentle, caring Pastor.

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Valerie Pitt posted a condolence

Friday, January 17, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of the death of Fred. He was such a good man with so much enthusiasm and passion for life. He had a deep concern for people living in poverty and did his best to make a difference in the world, particularly through his involvement with Habitat for Humanity. I enjoyed working with Fred and attending several drumming circles at Watford. Fred had the ability to make drumming fun and to make a drummer out of everyone who came along, including myself. Rest in peace Fred and my deepest sympathy to your family.

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Rev'd Tom Anderson posted a condolence

Friday, January 17, 2014

I am so sorry for our loss. Fred was a pillar in my life - he welcomed me to Watford and showed me around 7 years ago. I will forever remember him as a gentle soul, a strong leader, a valiant follower when he needed to be and a dear friend who loved everyone. Rest in peace, Fred. God's greatest blessings to you.

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Fred Darke

1945 - 2014

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