October 11th, 1968 – January 21st, 2023
There is no deeper sadness than to announce the sudden passing of Darren William Samuel Drein on January 21st 2023. A beloved son to Judy Drein and the late Allan Drein (2020) and a cherished brother to Cindy Cross (Len Kapasky). Darren also leaves behind his treasured nephews Rhett and Gage (Paige and Kingston) and adored niece Tiara along with the family pet Chloé and many friends and family he touched throughout his life. This loss cuts deep to us all and our lives have been forever changed.
Darren was born October 11th, 1968 at Burnaby General Hospital and his primary years were spent growing up on Burke Mountain in Coquitlam where he attended Leigh Elementary. He also attended George Pearkes Junior High, and Port Coquitlam Senior Secondary School and was able to maintain honour role throughout many of his teen years including meritorious accomplishment certificates in Mechanics. Darren also possessed a natural ability to play piano by ear, and was certified with the Royal Conservatory of Music and achieved many grade levels with the Conservatory.
His childhood was spent motorbike riding and many special memories were made camping with his family at Whatcom Lake in Washington. Darren’s fondest and most wholesome memories of his life were his teen years growing up in the cul-de-sac on Lombardy Drive in Lincoln Park. Along with his best friend Sid Dann and other neighborhood and school kids, many special memories were made while living there. Sid Dann was Darren’s best friend and kindred spirit and the two were inseparable. Living side by side, the two spent countless hours sharing their love of cars by overhauling engines or just hanging out. Just teenagers they decided it was a good idea to strip a car down until there was nothing left but a shell of a car. Countless buckets full of car parts, carefully inventoried and after weeks of assembling every nut, bolt and part, and with great trepidation the car started on the first try. The neighbourhood was completely amazed when we heard the sound of the engine rumbling and there was not a single bolt, nut or part left unaccounted for. The two of them were able to completely overhaul an engine despite their young age and the joy on their faces will be a memory we will always cherish. Regrettably, Darren lost Sid in a tragic car accident (1989) and that loss deeply affected Darren his entire life. We pray with all our might that there is no more sorrow and that Darren and Sid have reunited and are soaring high in nothing but pure happiness.
Darren had many skills but would stand out most was his natural ability with anything automotive. He started his career at only 16 years old in the automotive industry while still attending high school. His first jobs in the industry were with B & J Parts and Lordco Auto Parts. This eventually led him to a long-standing career as a Certified Parts Person in the heavy-duty trucking and equipment industry. His career took him to Freightliner, Harbour International, Pacific Coast Heavy Truck Group (Volvo) and Inland Kenworth. Darren was extremely well known in the industry and made many lifelong friends throughout his career.
One of Darren’s many passions was scuba diving where he obtained certification as an Open Water Diver. Darren also held a firearms license and was briefly employed as an Armoured Car Guard with Pacific Armoured Car for a short time between 1991-1992. His love of handguns got Darren into some trouble at times but despite that his interest in guns and anything war was one of his true passions.
Darren loved all things outdoors, waterskiing, boating, camping, and taking in the scenery on his walks. He had a deep respect for the outdoors and wildlife and one of his pleasures was feeding the birds on his daily walks.
Now let’s get to one of Darren’s best traits; his extremely sharp wit and humour. He was tremendously quick witted and if you were lucky enough to experience his presence you would not have been able to contain yourself at times. One of his nephew’s greatest memories was a two-day camping trip with Darren where he thought he broke his ribs from laughing. His ability to make you laugh was one of his greatest assets and our biggest losses.
We cannot forget to mention Darren’s cleaning obsessiveness which was off the charts. If you ever needed something to look brand new, invite Darren over because he could not control his urge to clean or organize. Everything Darren touched looked pristine and better than brand new. He had a huge distaste for clutter, anything unkept or unclean and spent countless hours of his life helping others in this area. Darren had a way of making everything look better after he was there and meticulous was an understatement when describing Darren.
His icy green eyes were always a topic to anyone who ever met Darren. Many trying to dissect exactly what variation of green they were. Truly unique and unforgettable, his eyes were his strongest feature and captivated so many.
Darren became a sponsor with World Vision in 2010 and sponsored too many children to name over the years. As soon as his sponsor children would become adults, he would continue helping more children in need. He took great pleasure in knowing his contribution bettered the life of children in need. His sponsored children were able to attend college and university and many other great things that would not have been possible without the support of Darren. The children were proudly displayed on his fridge and he kept every letter, drawing or keepsake ever sent to him. Despite some financial difficulties at some points of his life, Darren always made sure his contribution was up to date.
Always living or working local his entire life, Darren never moved from B.C. He lived in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Langley and Pitt Meadows where he lived upon his passing. Darren loved his home and felt blessed to have a spectacular unrestricted view of the mountains to look at each day and to have formed so many special friendships there.
Darren had an extremely close bond with his twin nephews Rhett and Gage, that bond can and never will be broken. A part of their lives from their very first breath, this loss has shaken them to their core. The three of them shared so many memories filled with laughter and the boys relished every moment shared with their Uncle Darren. Darren loved them fiercely and they loved the same back. Darren shared his love for the twins with everyone he met. Those moments shared will never be forgotten and the endless stories will live on forever.
Darren adored his niece Tiara and beamed with pride for every milestone and accomplishment she ever made.
A cherished brother to his sister, with an undeniable bond. Only 11 months apart in age, many thinking Darren had a twin. Ups and downs like most siblings, but an undisputable love for each other. Never jealous, always proud and always there for each other.
The precious son who always made sure his mother was taken care of by doing millions of tiny little things that he did do selflessly and out of love and respect. The two shared many similar qualities but kindness and compassion were on the top of the list. Being raised by a single mother shaped Darren into the man we all loved and adored.
But the most beautiful attribute Darren possessed was his gentle heart and empathetic nature. Kind, honest, and a beautiful friend to whomever was lucky enough to call him their friend. Darren would have moved mountains for the ones he loved without a second thought.
He was always quick to help anyone in need. A son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, colleague, a neighbour or someone in passing, we were all blessed to have him in our lives, he was truly a beautiful person inside and out.
Darren you will, NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN. We promise to always keep your memory alive by living our lives with kindness and integrity and ensuring you live on through every life event.
A viewing will take place on Saturday February 18th, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m. at First Memorial Funeral Services (Burkeview Chapel) located at 1340 Dominion Avenue in Port Coquitlam with a light lunch to follow.
If you are unable to attend, First Memorial Funeral Services (Burkeview Chapel) will webcast/live stream the funeral ceremony of Darren William Samuel Drein on Saturday February 18, 2023 from 10:45 AM PST to 1:30 PM PST. You can view the ceremony live or replay at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/68450. The ceremony will be available to all without a password. We would be grateful if you shared the link above with your family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you donate to World Vision in honour of Darren Drein to account #3895-8393 by calling 1-800-268-4888. All donations will go directly to the children that Darren sponsors as Darren’s family has made sure there is no interruption to his sponsored children. The family will continue to sponsor as a legacy to Darren as this cause warmed his heart and brought him great pride.
“Always Loved, Never Forgotten, Forever Missed”
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialportcoquitlam.com for the Drein family.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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