To the Deeter Family,

I was very sad to learn of Darrell's passing. We met at Cal State Long Beach. He was a great friend--funny, fun to be around, and always looking out to be helpful to friends and strangers alike. He was a kind and thoughtful person. Even though we had lost touch, he was one of those remarkable people that you are lucky to meet in life that are unforgettable. It is wonderful to read all of the remembrances and know how loved and appreciated he was.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Langlois

First Impression
It was around 1986 when I first met Darrell. He was assigned to be the automotive instructor from AVTEC that was to train the Fairbanks mechanics to perform I/M testing. I had gone to the training facility in Fairbanks to check on the status of 2 mechanics which we had in training. I didn't immediately identify the instructor but did see this guy near the front of the room wearing sneakers and pants that would be too small for my 9 year old son, hands in his pockets rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet and a grin on his face like he just won a million bucks. I asked someone who was in charge of this show and he quickly pointed to the guy at the front of the room.
I approached Darrell who shook my hand and introduced himself. I thought, "nice guy, but does he know his stuff like the last instructor?" I stood back and listened for a while and knew my guys were in good hands. For the next 2 decades Darrell taught hundreds of mechanics in Fairbanks how to properly diagnose and repair emission systems on automobiles. And he did it well. If you know mechanics at all, you also know most of them don't like to be mandated to attend training to get a certification. If it's their idea they are fine with it, mandate it and it's a terrible idea and they hate the training. Out the hundreds of technicians that went to the training they all came away with positive things to say about the class. This is thanks to Darrell and his training techniques and knowledge.
Around the late 90's one of the I/M staff and myself traveled to Seward to attend some 'train the trainer' instruction that Darrell was offering for us. This was the first time I actually sat through an entire course which Darrell was teaching. My co-worker, Dave Anderson and I were looking forward to this. Darrell was to pick us up in the morning and take us to the classroom.
The next morning Darrell came to our room and said with a big smile, "Are you guys ready to go?" Of course we were and we proceeded to the parking lot. Darrell approached this car that looked, well, abandoned and I thought to myself, 'this surely can't be the car we are riding in'. Darrell goes directly to the driver's door, opens it and jumps in. Dave and I looked at each other wondering what kind of joke Darrell was pulling on us. We both laughed and then bent down and said to Darrell, "Very funny, now where's your car?" He simply motioned us in.
As I opened the door Darrell asked me to help support it as the hinges weren't in the best shape and he didn't want it falling on to the pavement. Dave climbed in the back seat. As I got in the front seat, Darrell cautioned me to not lean back or the seat would collapse and land on Dave. This whole time I am thinking, "This guy is an automotive mechanic, why on earth would he be driving something like this?"
As I close the door Darrell begins to explain the 'emergency procedures' in the event we need to get out fast (I guess like a fire or he drives into the ocean). He tells us the window doesn't roll down and the door handle doesn't work from the inside so he would have to let us out from the outside. Great, we are now trapped in this thing. He asks me to assist him in starting the car; I was to hold the shift lever forward as he twisted some wires together to get her running. Nice. This thing wasn't fit for a demolition derby and it's on the public roadway, and we are in it! It's a good thing he had a bunch of old manuals on the floor which I placed my feet on or they would be dragging on the pavement due to the rust holes on the floor. Well, we made it okay and made for good stories for years to come.
I often wondered why Darrell drove a vehicle like that and one day I asked him. He said that things like nice cars and other expensive items took away his ability to do what he really wanted to do and that was to provide the best things he could to his family, his wife and daughter. He said what he drove made no difference to him as long as it got him there. I really didn't know what to say I just thought to myself, what a guy.
Anyway, our instruction we received that week from Darrell was of course top notch. But sitting through those classes listening to Darrell each day I realized he was teaching us more than just automotive technology and how to better teach mechanics. He talked about respect for your students, not using foul language and certainly not to ever insult anyone. His instruction went well beyond the boundaries of automotive technology, and obviously for good reason. He was liked by the hundreds of mechanics he taught in Fairbanks and he developed friendships with many of them, myself included. He was not only one of the best automotive instructors I have encountered but one of the nicest people I knew. I am glad to have known Darrell and spent the time with him that I did.
Glenn Miller
Fairbanks North Star Borough
I/M Program Administrator

You realize what a great person Darrell was when you see how many folks from across the nation now miss him. Darrell made friends everywhere he went because he was someone everyone became attached to, the smile, the humor, the wit about him always attracted everyone to him! He will be missed for so many reasons.

I met Darryl at NACAT in Winnipeg last year.It was a pleasure knowing him
I extent my condolences to his family and to the NACAT family!

Being friends all these years through NACAT and our shared love of automotive teaching and motorcycles has richly added to our lives. Anyone who was friends with Darryl knew he always put others before himself and was ready to help at a moments notice. His positive attitude and professionalism to his trade and devotion to family and friends was equal to his love of life and we will greatly miss him.

I am sure I speak for many others when I say that Mr. Deeter will be missed. See you later Mr. Deeter...

Beth and Stephanie, I am saddened for your loss. Words can not describe what is in my heart, or how you must feel. All I want to do is be there hugging both of you. I wish we were not so far apart. I love you both I always have and always will. Contact me anytime you want to. Darrell is now with his parents and will always look over you both, as he always has.

My deepest sympathy goes out to Beth, she was a patient of mine at Sycamore Chiro. for about 2 yrs, and I am saddened to hear of her loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family

Darrell’s passing is a terrible blow to the many people whose lives he touched and made better. I knew him professionally for nearly ten years through NACAT and CAT, and I always admired his passion for teaching, his selfless dedication, his high standards, and his wonderful sense of humor. If you asked for help, he always gave it. Darrell was a shining exemplar of the teaching profession as well as a great friend. I offer my deep and sincere condolences to his family.

I had nothing but the utmost respect for Darrell. His sense of humor and his caring heart will be his legacy!

Our family morns the loss of a former classmate and friend. Words cannot describe what hurt you may feel but may be comforted by some measure that Darrell rests with our Lord and Savior. May God Bless Darrell's family and all of Darrell's many friends throughout the years. He touched so many.

I was very saddened to hear of Darrell's passing. Though we weren't in the same department at work, we were in the same division; so I had the privilege of working with Darrell quite a few times. He always made me feel welcomed. But what I remember the most about him is his incredible sense of humor (he always made me laugh) and that great smile of his - even when things at work sometimes went awry. We will all miss him - a lot!! God Bless You, Darrell Deeter!!

I am very saddened to hear about Darrell's passing. Although my only connection with him was through NACAT, he was someone who shared his time with whom ever asked him for it. I always looked forward to seeing him and looked forward to his stories and his humor.

OBITUARY

Darrell Raymond Deeter

February 10, 1954 – September 7, 2012

Miller Jones Mortuary and Crematory

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