Darrell George Von Driska

Darrell George Von Driska, 74 of Hemet, California passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2013, here in his beloved hometown of Hemet. Darrell was born Saturday, May 20, 1939, he was the son of the late George Von Driska and the late Helen Vulchdck Von Driska. Preceded in death by his loving wife Linda. They were married for 24 years.

Surviving are long time companion, Pat Shumway; sister, Cheryl Von Driska-Miller. son, Rick Hormel, and daughter, Tracy Dotinga. Darrell is also survived by his grand kids, Tim, Makenzie, Kaylee and Ellie; great nieces, Mykenah and Lauryn. Mr. Von Driska was a 1957 Hemet High graduate. After finishing college he returned to Hemet as a teacher and a coach. He was sometimes referred to as Mr. Hemet. He knew everyone in town and everyone knew him. Mr. Von Driska was most notably identified with Hemet High football. He played for the Hemet Bulldogs in the mid-1950's. He served as a coach at the freshman, junior varsity and varsity levels from 1960 until a few weeks ago. He bled Bulldog red. Darrell graduated from Laverne College and returned to teach in the Hemet school district. He started teaching at Hemet Elementary, then went to Whittier Elementary, He then taught for many years at Acacia Middle School. Darrell ended his teaching career at Dartmouth Middle School. His family would say that he was generous, loving, dedicated, honorable man. One of his best attributes was his unselfishness. He was a giver and cared for everyone. He loved helping the kids in the valley. This is why Valley-Wide meant so much to him. Mr. Von Driska was one of the original board members of Valley-Wide. He served from 1972 until 2008. He volunteered at his church, in fact he attended two churches. The First Presbyterian Church and The Methodist Church both of Hemet. He also volunteered for The Hemet Museum. He also coached softball here in the valley. Darrell was an avid birdwatcher. Everyone would say that his passion was football. He and his family shared going to the beach, taking camping trips and playing tennis. They took a wonderful trip to Hawaii. His family meant a lot to him. He would take the grandkids to see plays and never missed one of their dance recitals.

In lieu of Flowers donations can be made in his honor by check to Hemet High School ASB Hemet, CA

I'm Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free

I’m following the path God laid for me,

I took His hand when I heard Him call

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work, or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things I too, will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow.

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savored much.

Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me

God wanted me now, He set me free.