Darren Dean McKellep

Darren studied Linguistics at San Diego State University. Before returning to complete his Bachelors of Arts, Darren enlisted in the United States Army in the Military Intelligence field where he was stationed in West Germany during the Cold War. Darren and the Army were akin to oil and water. Darren’s laid-back San Diego attitude clashed with the regimented environment of the Army. However, the Army did have its benefits, as it allowed Darren to fulfill his love for traveling and meet his future wife, Anne Marie Bakke, in Munich. Darren spent most of his adult years in Oslo, Norway, having moved there with Anne Marie. Darren and Anne Marie were married in Stamford, Connecticut, but returned to Norway, where they raised their children, Erik Andreas and Caitlin Johanne. Erik and Caitlin have retained dual citizenship and continue to reside in Norway. Although Darren and Anne Marie divorced, Darren remained friends with the entire Bakke family throughout his life.

Darren amassed numerous lifelong friends from his time in the Army, living in Germany, and his years in Norway. Darren stayed physically active throughout his life and loved playing sports. He spent over two decades with the Oslo Pretenders baseball team, where he was a cherished teammate. He is now looking forward to playing with some of the greatest players of all time. Although he is remembered for his youthfulness, it is his indomitable spirit that left an indelible mark on everyone he met. Darren never met a stranger!

As a minimalist who lived in the moment, Darren valued happiness, family, and friendship above all else. Darren was a devoted, fun and generous father, who will be dearly missed by his children.

Darren was preceded in death by his father Dean and mother Juanita. He is survived by his brothers Jay Evan McKellep, and Eric Carter McKellep, two children Erik and Caitlin, as well as multiple nieces and nephews. Darren’s final resting place is Cape Canaveral Military Cemetery where he will leave his final remark: “Happiness is giving love,” a sentiment he lived by.