Edwin Speight Darden Jr.

Edwin Speight Darden Jr., AIA, a Fresno resident since 1944, was born in Pocatello Idaho on December 19, 1944. He passed away at his home in Fresno on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the age of 80. Ed was a graduate from Fresno High School in 1962. He went on to pursue a degree in architecture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he met his wife of 53 years, Janice Lane Darden. Following graduation, the couple moved to Fresno so Ed could work alongside his father, Edwin Speight Darden Sr, at Edwin S. Darden and Associates. Together the pair built the largest architectural firm in the Central Valley that later became known as Darden Architects.

He is credited with many innovations in school planning and design including the Buchanan Educational Complex, Tracy Learning Center, Fresno State softball complex, and the rainforest at the Chaffee zoo.

He was very active in the American Institute of Architects, served as a professional advisor to Fresno County, was on the California State Advisory Board to the Office of Architecture and Construction, and was the President of the San Joaquin Chapter of Architects. Ed also served as the President of San Joaquin Country Club, a Fresno Rotarian, and was on the board for Community West Bank.

He is remembered for his work ethic, moral character, infectious laugh, and sense of humor. He was the life of every party and a stranger to no one. Ed's life was a celebration of family as a husband, father, grandfather. He is survived by his wife Jan: daughter Holly Smith and her husband Jesse and grandchildren Styer, Kegan, and Blaire; daughter Brooke Bergman and her husband Jeff and grandchildren Sawyer, Trent, and Piper; son Edwin Speight Darden IV and his wife Nessa and grandchildren Edwin Speight Darden V, Remi, and June; sisters Judy Hulstrom and Diane Morgan.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Northwest Church on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Rotary Club of Fresno Foundation, 2307 N. Fine Avenue, Fresno, Ca. 93727 or to Northwest Church, 5415 N. West Ave, Fresno, Ca 93711.