Still missing you Darrell! Trying to keep your values and ideas here at Options. Although it had more meaning coming from you!! New people with "new" ideas.. I wish you were here to help put things in to perspective and keep our focus on what's really important... not the "cause" but the person!!! You will always be a part of Options. Rest in peace my friend!!

You shine your light for everyone to see in the darkness. But it was extinguished too soon before everyone around notice. Your life was a beacon to all who otherwise only see hopelessness. You will be missed, but your legacy lives on.

Darrell was very unique and honest individual that inspired those that works with him. He always provide us with a very clear and supportive messages that make all us to have confident. My deepest sympathy to his loved ones.

Darrell was one of those rare people who inspired you to be a better person and believed in you when you yourself didn't. I was blessed to have known him. He will never be forgotten.

Darrell really did make the world a better place and helped to improve the lives of many people. His dedication to Options and to the people that we serve was above and beyond. My deepest sympathy to his loved ones.

To the Ferner family - thank you for allowing us to celebrate Darrell's life today. Words will never explain the true man he was. I met Darrell at OPTIONS when I worked there almost 23 years ago. He took me under his wing and I will cherish every talk we shared. The best memories are when we'd go for a beer on a Friday after work and we'd solve all the problems of the world and come up with some creative theories on funding for our programs or just ideas on how to conquer the world. By the time Monday came, all those ideas were not realistic and our day continued as normal. I loved our get togethers still after all these years, even though I've been gone for almost 18years. I still can't believe you are gone Darrell.....I'm heart broken. Give Dave, Wade and Pam a big hug for me....until we meet again my friend....thank you for being who you were and being my hero. xo

My sincere sympathy to Darrell's family, friends and colleagues. Darrell had the rare gift of making you believe in yourself, and reaching goals with abilities you didn't know you had... And all this was done so naturally, that you didn't know he was doing it. Thank you, Darrell.

Darrell was more that a boss, more than a co-worker, even more than a friend, he was a shoulder to lean on, an inspiration and a role model. He was a guiding light when times grew dark, and he was a solid rock when times where turbulent. He is missed more than I can express in words. My thoughts go out to his family, we have all lost an incredible man!

Sam Marciniak: I remember you Darrell Ferner . I was the girl who had cancer in 2013, was in wheel chair for awhile and then walker and now cane. I did recycling and coffee tea , dishes and Sweeping leaves and Tearing up or breaking down boxs. Darrell always said I looked nice and ready for work. With his imput I was able to work at the same Job at options That I had almost two later, though my boss Had Changed.My Condolences!!!

Darrell was my cousin and my friend.  We grew up together and shared many laughs and a few pranks.  I will miss Darrell dearly and my love to Aunt Jeannette, Chery, Mark and Jodi.  He was a great guy, a true Roughrider fan living in B.C. that didn't faze him one bit.  Love you always

To the Ferner family - Our love and prayers are with you as I remember Darrell as being a helpful and dedicated team member when he was young.  He was always considerate of those around him. This earth has lost a good man.

"We rise by lifting others"
- Robert Ingersoll

I miss you Darrell and I know I always will. As someone said to me "You don't forget good people". I think of him so often. Thank you Mrs Ferner for raising such an amazing, caring, fun loving and humble son. Darrell was the best (boss) I ever had. He never wanted to hear the word boss. Thanks for the honorable legacy you left all of us at Options and in our personal lives. Your spirit lives on. I will always hear your thoughtful words of wisdom. Pat
Pat St.Jean, Langley, British Columbia

I would like to express my condolences to the Ferner family. Darrell will be remembered for being a great man and a voice for those who's voice went unheard. He was a man who made me feel like I want to do more for the people I work with, clients and co workers. You will be missed Darrell but always remembered for your dedication to your community. I feel blessed to have met you and appreciate the environment you left for the rest of us at the office to continue in. You have been an inspiration too many. Thank you.

Please join us in celebrating the life of a dear member of the Options family.

January 10, 2015
2:00-4:00 p.m.

Surrey Arts Centre
13750 88th Avenue
Surrey, BC

For more information, please contact Options Community Services at info@options.bc.ca.

To the Ferner Family:
I was saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of Darrell. I have fond memories of Darrell, his brothers and I growing up and hanging out in Sedley,SK. Lots of road hockey games and flag/tackle football. My thoughts and prayers go out to Aunt Jeannette and the rest of the Ferner Family. " The will of GOD will never take you where the grace of GOD will not protect you."

To the Ferner Family
I am saddened by Darrell's passing 
I have been in Texas for the last month and just found out 
Darrell was the best roomie I have ever had and we shared the best stories ever 
I still can't believe he is gone and I morn deeply with you all 
To my pal 
Remember the smoke alarms going off at my expense and thanks for the memories 
I will miss you my friend

"It is not length of life, but depth of life" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Darrell, you were taken from us much too soon.  We miss you terribly and will have to forge ahead without you.....we know this is what you would have wanted.....in our hearts you will always be near.  You were one of the first E-Team members I met on my orientation day 12 years ago....your task - to review some Society policies with me..... your tongue-in-cheek comments and dry sense of humour were ever-present.....as a newbie, I wasn't sure if you were serious or kidding...caught on soon enough to your fun loving ways and lighthearted pranks....of course being endlessly teased in return which you always accepted in the same spirit.  To the Ferner  family, to friends and colleagues....my deepest condolences.  Darrell was very unassuming and leaves a profound legacy.  May you find peace and comfort in knowing how much he was loved, respected and admired.

So, Darrell, it's not goodbye.....but what you always used to say when leaving CW......"later".......

Lina (Burnaby, BC)

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Darrell Ferner. He had such a compassionate soul and was always very kind to me. He interviewed me for my first position at Options, and so I can never forget how he lead me to where I am today.
Thank you Darrell, I will never forget the positive impact you had in my life.

Darrell was and will always be my colleague, mentor and friend. I have so many memories from the 28 years we worked together but the most special times were our morning talks. It was during the quiet of the morning when we were the only two in the building that I will cherish the most. He taught me so much about work, life, hockey and even dirt. His passion for developing the new Cloverdale shelter and farm project with all its challenges with drainage, dirt and zoning made his eyes light up. He loved the challenge.  He always told me that if you love your job that you will never work a day in your life.Darrell loved his job and it showed everyday. When Darrell was cranky the best way to cheer him up was with food. I sometimes wonder if he would act cranky just to get homemade cookies or tapioca. Whatever it worked. Thank you Jeanette for sharing your son with us, he was an extraordinary man. Mark,Jody and Cheryl, thank you for allowing us into your lives during this difficult time. Your families will always be a part of The Options Family.

I am very sad to hear of the passing of Darrell . I have known the Ferner Family since Darrell played for the Chiefs . What a wonderful family . and while  the first time I had seen him in years was his Father Ed's funeral he was the same man I remember . Jeannette , Mark , Cheryl and families I send my love and deepest condolences . Kerry

I could not believe it when Astrid phoned me to tell me of Darrell's passing. How could that be. It seemed like only a short while ago we were all working together at Options (formerly Surrey Community Resources Society). I worked alongside Darrell in the 80's for 10 years when we were all supervisors. It is true there was not a more genuine and compassionate man with a very highly developed sense of humour. As a team we had so much fun working and playing together; Darrell, Dave, Joe, Ken, Daniel and Astrid.   
I was not surprised he became such a respected and loved leader in the agency. He will be so sorely missed. I'm so sad we never got together for the lunch we had been talking about organizing. Every few years several of us would get together but it had been about 3 years since our last one. What I do have is great memories as I'm sure you, his family, do as well. He was a wonderful man. I am so truly sorry for your loss as well as all of his Options friends.

I miss you my friend, lots of love and I will see you someday soon. My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends.

I was very fortunate to have met Darrell recently at Options. I wish I had a chance to know him better. From what I observed he was a very humble, warm and caring individual that touched so many lives of families, youth and children. I look at his antique radio in our office and know that his presence is with us. I know that his second family at Options are truly grateful for knowing him. Deepest sympathies to Darrell's family, friends, and coworkers.

Even though I had been at Options over 20 years I got to know Darrel better in the last few years when our office was a few steps away from each other. His sense of humour was contagious, always pulling pranks, and his simple logic, for example, "pruning only requires shears and then just hack away" as he hacked away indiscriminately at the hydrangea plant in the court yard! His logic worked as the plant bloomed beautifully this summer. Thank you Darrel for bringing in the "fun" to our busy lives at Options. Miss you much...

Dec, 4th 2014
My heart was very saddened when I heard the news about Darryl. Like many of you, he played an integral part in the development of my life many years ago and even though we lost touch over the past few years, we've always had a never-ending bond. Darryl was a very humble, selfless man who was always making significant differences in many people's lives in his own quiet way. Darryl always led by example, he would never ask anyone to do anything he wouldn't do himself.
I know that Darryl dedicated his life to serving and caring for others and that trait is something that was instilled in him at a young age. Many people don't know and Darryl would never tell you, but he was a world class hockey player. Even though he never made it to the “show”, he was on the “bubble” so to speak, even with only 12 NHL teams at the time. In 1976 he was the captain and leader of the Kamloops Chiefs (now Blazers) and led us through many battles in his own unique way. For over 2 years we traveled thousands of miles on buses throughout Western Canada and Darryl's commitment, tenacity and drive were second to none. He was the strong, silent, fearless leader on the ice and full of life and humor off. 
The mantra of our team in those days was…
“There's no fault in trying and failing, the fault lies in failing to try”
And that was Darryl! Regardless of the circumstances he never quit, he was always in the lead setting the example and it's not surprising to read that he continued that throughout his life.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Ferner, Mark, Jodie and the rest of the family. I know your profound loss is hard to understand, but take comfort in knowing that Darryl made a significant impact in many, many lives and I am very blessed and grateful to have had him in mine.

For over 30 years Darrell was a mentor and a dear friend to me. However, I can really say "was" as he continues to be a mentor and dear friend. His voice continues to be heard in the work that we do at Options... "It's about the client" "We need to leave our ego at the door", and "the line workers are the most important part of our organization as they are doing the work". He was a champion to the homeless and he was friend to many that others would look down upon. He could see through the exterior and see the good inside a person. He was passionate about his work and would lose himself in pursuing a better way of doing things. His exemplary collaboration with other agencies are a testament of his concern for his community and the individuals in that community. He treated everyone with the dignity and respect that each person should receive. Yes, he was a rider fan, but no one is perfect! However, I now can't see myself ever being able to cheer against them because of Darrell. We miss you Darrell... I miss you my friend!

My heart felt grief is shared with the family of Darrell, his many many friends, and my wife Astrid.  Astrid frequently spoke of her workday interactions with Darrell.  I would often reply with "what a guy!"  It hits me with tears as we go through the days since his passing that all I have of him are just really good memories of when I met with him.  One more time I would have wanted to look him in the eye and say "Darrell....what a guy!"  He'd say something like "come on...it was nothing."  I'd say back to him now - read what everyone says about you Darrell.  What a great guy!
Eric Giesbrecht

Our community has lost a very thoughtful and important man; he will be missed.  Condolences to Darrell's family, I hope you find comfort in the amazing legacy Darrell has left behind.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we too grieve for Darrell. He was a kind and generous man dedicated to helping others and he did make a difference. His friendship and humor will be missed by so many. With tears of sadness and laughter from fond memories "Rider Pride" won't be the same without you Darrell!

A staggering, shocking and sorrowful loss not only for Darrell's family but also for his Options' family and for everyone whose lives he touched. Condolences to us all as we mourn our Darrell, cherished son, beloved brother, respected co-worker and friend. May the treasured memories of our times together comfort us now and one day bring us peace. And to Darrell....in my heart and always on my "dance card".

I was so shocked and sad to hear about Darrell's death. He was such a good friend and man that I admired for his wonderful heart and determination to make sure that others had a sense of hope in their future.  He contributed so much to our City.  I will forever  miss him and send my sincere condolences to all of you.

Our deepest condolences from the Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society and from all of us at Vancity Community Foundation.  Darrell was a dear compatriot in our struggle to end homelessness here in Surrey.  Darrell was deeply compassionate, and always so funny.  On a personal note, Darrell was also my neighbour.  I would often run into him in the summer in our local park where I have my community garden.  I know that he loved his home and his neighbourhood.  He was truly an embodiment of what it means to be a Surrey Resident.  I would often tease him that I would be by to take him running next time I was out at 5:00 am.  He responded that Hockey had ensured he would never be a runner.  I am devestated by the loss, and hope that his family and friends know how deeply this will be felt for a long time.

I knew Darrel for a few years but in that time I realized he was a great person and a great boss. He was always approachable and always laughing.My condolences to his family and friends.

Darrell, 
You will be missed so much here at Options. You were an outstanding example of hard work, dedication and support to everyone here.Whenever I walked by your office, you gave me candy and checked in to see how I was doing.  It is so hard to believe you are no longer with us. 
My condolences to your family.

My deepest condolences to Darrell's family and to all that knew Darrell.  His work at Options and with the homeless and mental health community will be long remembered. Thoughts of his friendship and support fill my days. It was an honor to have known and worked alongside him.

  I am truly sad Darrell is gone.  At Options, Darrell set the tone with his hard work and dedication to creating positive change in people's lives.  He was always willing to connect and I always appreciated his wisdom and humour. His influence will live on through the many lives he has impacted.  My condolences to his family.

Condolences to Darrell's family and friends - a wonderful human being and a significant loss to all who loved him.
Also want to extend my sympathy to his "Option's family". He was a strong, dedicated and quiet leader that cared deeply about children, youth and families - and the Options staff that served the community. We are all better for having known him.

It is with a heavy heart that I extend my sincerest condolences to Darrell's family and friends. We will always remember Darrell for his commitment to the community and his conviviality!

My Kamloops brother, boy could you make me laugh..and laugh. You would say to me "don't sit beside me because we'll get nothing done"...it was Kam-High sillyness and hilarity that nobody got..You were the best, you really were. Your sun has set far too soon buddy...

With deepest sympathies to Darrell's family, friends and coworkers.

Darrell was an amazing man. He touched the hearts of so many people and I truly miss the guy. He will be forever remembered and I will always grateful that i got the chance to know him. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Darrell was an amazing person to have in our society and kept us all on the right track of clients first. He was fun to be around and made options a fun place to work...water fights in the office... dressing up the snowman ..funny stories around the coffee pot...I could go on and on ... He also always made time for the kids in our program. It didn't matter your role in the society he would open his door and talk to you this enabled him to become  an amazing mentor for so many staff over the years -- Even my own kids loved Darrell as when they came to the office he made time to say hi and give them a candy--what an amazing guy! He will be missed Joan Hurley

"Of all the properties which belong to honorable men, not one is so highly prized as that of character." 
(Henry Clay)

I will send a separate letter to you Mrs. Ferner and family in the upcoming weeks, and try to tell you of some of  the wonderful things that Darrell was to all of us, and to me in particular, and of the things that you may not have been aware of. Darrell was just too humble to mention them to you or anyone.  I have over 30 plus years of stories of how wonderful Darrell was, but even more so, stories of his great character.  It is from this great character of his that everything else flowed.

For now I will tell you that Darrell was one of the most wonderful, honest, honorable people that I have had the privilege of knowing.  He was a very dear friend.  Darrell's middle name - Gregory - which means shepherd, was perfect as it described him exactly.  He took care of others and always put others first.  I suspect that even as he got sick he didn't want others to know because he didn't want to upset anyone, thereby putting others first.  I did not know that he was sick until late in the day the day before he was promoted to heaven.  It was a great privilege for me to be there at his bedside along with Mark, Jody, and Daniel in his last hours this side of heaven.  He would have done that for me too.

How many times I heard him talk about you Mrs Ferner, in the most warmest loving way and he always seemed happy to talk about you.  Stories about you brought him great pleasure in the retelling of them and you were obviously a great mom to him.  He loved you dearly.  I know that you must be missing him terribly.  I am very sorry for your loss.

Regarding his siblings, past and present - Darrell told me and others some funny (he had a great sense of humor) and great stories about all of them and I knew that he loved them all fiercely and was proud of each and every one of them.

His stories about his dad were also legendary.  My personal favorite was when Dad Ferner had to fix, and then fix again Darrell's ongoing problems with his garbage disposal unit in his kitchen, and Darrell seemed to always wreck it up, take it all apart trying to fix it, then couldn't put it together again, and Dad Ferner had to try to come in and fix Darrell's mess once again.  They are now together in heaven chuckling over that I am sure.

We will all miss him terribly and I want to thank his family for giving us such a wonderful person.  This world is indeed a better place, Options is a better place, and I am indeed a better person because of Darrell.

Astrid Neumann

I grew up in a house with three brothers.  Darrell's humour reminded me of this.  I will miss that.

The world is definitely a better place because of Darrell's time on earth. He will be sadly missed but remembered as a generous man.

I was lucky to work with Darrell for 14 years at Options through the 1990's. I always respected him and felt him to be such a warm and caring person. I can't believe he is gone. I have so many fond memories and he was such an inspiration.

I will never forget the last time I spoke with Darrell, we  had a little laugh at my expense...it so sad, we just never know when its going to be the last conversation....
No longer with us....but never will you be forgotten....

You positively impacted so many lives. It was a pleasure to work with you. Greatest sympathy to your family and close friends.

I knew him for 12 years and cant believe he is gone, so sad, such a huge loss. I miss him and think about him often. My condolences to his family and loved ones.

I was lucky enough to work with Darrell for nearly 7 years. He was a phenomenal boss, role model, and person. He is gone far too soon and he will be greatly missed. I am so sorry to everyone -- especially his family & close friends -- for your loss.

"Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality." ~ Emily Dickinson

My thoughts are with you, all of Darell's family, friends, and colleagues. I am so sorry for your loss.

Sadly missed by the residents of Sandell House.

You went away too soon, Darrell. I don't know if you even knew me but I always appreciated your presence in the hallways of Options. You made a difference in many people's lives. God bless.

My deepest sympathy for the loss of your brother and son. Darrell was the most kindest, authentic and generous man I have ever known. He was a kindred spirit, our lives intersected in so many ways Saskatchewan roots, hockey connections and our career paths. I will miss him forever. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, Mrs. Ferner thank-you for giving the world this rare gem, heaven just got a little brighter.

OBITUARY

Darrell Gregory Ferner

March 2, 1955 – November 23, 2014

Schoening Funeral Service

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