Darr William Gruber

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated, and disciplined person. This description fairly accurately fits Darr William Gruber who was indeed one of that rare breed, a born leader. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical, and realistic, someone who was a born manager. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Darr was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him, and let it be known just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Darr knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Darr was born on May 26, 1941. He first greeted the world in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of Gunda and William Gruber. He grew up in Port Sanilac, Michigan. Even as a youngster, Darr learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life. His early life was filled with many exciting experiences.

As a young boy, Darr was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the "Sergeant" of the family, always making sure that others did what they should do and that they avoided the things that they shouldn't. In other words, he liked to organize and direct; he was good at it. He was raised with three siblings. He had three younger sisters, Janet, Lois, and Sandy. Darr tried his best to allow for the oldest members of the family to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For him, this was the natural order of life.

Darr’s matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Darr enjoyed being part of teams and organizations, as well as groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Some of the sports he enjoyed playing during childhood included skating and swimming. Darr liked being socially active and did so by belonging to Boy Scout and 4-H Club.

He had a number of favorite pastimes, which included hunting and fishing.

Darr was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. This is how he approached his friendships.

Darr felt comfortable taking charge in just about any situation. Whether it was at home or away, he maintained a take-charge attitude. When the family would travel or take vacations, he was always organized.

In school, Darr was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Darr was always good at following directions and meeting his deadlines, whether they were set by his teachers or self-imposed. Darr’s personal motto could have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Carsonville High School in 1959.

While high school was to be taken seriously, Darr knew that there was life outside of the classroom. He approached all of his leisure activities with the same straightforward approach that he used in school. Still, he enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. His interaction with others in his circle of friends seemed to keep everyone around him well-grounded. Those close to him came to expect his high standards.

Darr seemed to have been born with a sense of responsibility. It seemed that no matter what he undertook, he treated it as though it were of the utmost importance. His sense of responsibility did not end there but flowed over into any number of other areas.

Darr’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. His orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track, but often put him ahead of schedule. When Darr saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. He earned his degree at L.A. Tradetech and a B.S. from Citrus College in 1999. His favorite courses were Biblical Literature and his favorite professor was Dale Salwals.

The college years proved to Darr that the entire world was worth exploring.

Because he was such a straight-shooter, he developed a strong group of friends during his college years.

An objective and conscientious individual, Darr reveled in the security of those closest to him. This was especially true with Celeste Ellen Wiles which they exchange vows in the backyard of Wiles home in Glendora, California.

One of Darr’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, as well as his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends. The couple made new friends during their years together.

A civic-minded person, Darr was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. He was a member of several community groups. Being generous with his time and energy, Darr liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset.

Darr was ever watchful of his family. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for how each member developed. Some may have believed he was a bit overprotective because he maintained a firm hand in most family matters. But he would give his stamp of approval to any request, as long as he could see how it might be beneficial. He also had the ability to enforce the rules if and when they were needed. Darr had two children, two sons, Eric and Christoffer.

Darr was a proud parent. He would often be filled with pride because of the accomplishments of his children.

Darr liked to believe that he provided a warm, safe and nurturing environment for his children. Darr enjoyed family vacations, and also tried to teach responsibility when the family would travel.

Later, he was also blessed with seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter, Anthony, Michael, Zoi, Woodrom, Erica, Sebasian, Elijah, and great granddaughter Katelynn.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Darr was always striving to make improvements when they were necessary or productive. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, he was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Darr upheld his high standards. His primary occupation was working as a Welder and a Pipe Fitter. He was employed for 25 years in the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Trade.

Darr’s ability to take command of any type of task caused him to be popular around the workplace. Darr was most definitely a team player. If you gave him a job, he would, without a doubt, get it done.

Darr enlisted in the Navy. He served on the U.S.S. Constellation. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations, and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow servicemen and women. As a natural leader and someone who was willing to do whatever it took to help the team, Darr was a respected member of his unit.

Darr approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached other aspects of his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly as well as one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. Some of those included Ham Radio, Rod Wrapping, Making Arrows, and fishing.

For Darr, many things brought him a little bit of joy in life.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Darr to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. He also enjoyed watching his favorite teams and events whenever he got the opportunity.

Faith was important to Darr. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. He held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in San Dimas, California for 36 years.

Darr Gruber left us on June 8, 2011. He passed away at home in San Dimas, California. He was 70 years old. He is survived by his wife Celeste; son's Eric and Chris; sister's Janet and Sandy; grandchildren Anthony, Zoi, Michael, Erica, Woody, Elijah, and Seby. Services were handled by Oakdale Mortuary. Darr was laid to rest at Oakdale Memorial Park in Glendora, California.

All who knew him would agree that Darr was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly planted on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Darr William Gruber did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched were given the chance to become a better person.