David Edward Dardenne

David Dardenne, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on August 5, 2026. Born on January 25, 1961, in Fremont, California, David was the cherished son of Edward Max and Evelyn Dardenne, who predeceased him.

David's journey began in Fremont, where he graduated from Mission San Jose High School in 1979. He furthered his education at California State University in Northern California, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting with a minor in Marketing. David's pursuit of knowledge and passion for business led him to a remarkable and lengthy career in the food industry. He began his professional journey at Niles Foods in the Bay Area, where he diligently worked his way up in the organization, eventually making the leap to his own successful enterprise, Golden Bear Sales and Marketing. As President, David led his company to represent major food lines in the competitive California market for close to two decades.

David's personal passions were as vibrant as his professional endeavors. From an early age he discovered a love for hunting and fishing, a passion he shared with his father from the tender age of three when he received his first set of hip waders. An accomplished athlete, David excelled in many sports and was an avid skier, golfer and outdoorsman. His zest for life was infectious, and his adventurous spirit inspired those around him.

David was widely known for his quick wit and warm smile, always ready to share a laugh and lighten the mood. His kindness and generosity were boundless, and he had a remarkable gift for making everyone he encountered feel welcomed, valued, and special. His legacy of love, laughter, and friendship will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Perhaps David’s greatest legacy is the bond he created among his four children, Matt, Jordan, Zachary, and Courtney. He shared the things that he loved most: sports, the outdoors, boating, and simply being together. And in doing so, created a lifetime of memories and traditions that will carry on for generations and beyond. More than anything, he gave them each other. He fostered a closeness among them that grew far beyond childhood, turning the siblings into lifelong friends who can always count on one another. That bond, and the love of family at its center, is one of the most meaningful parts of the legacy he leaves behind.

David's life was a testament to the power of love, laughter, and the enduring bonds of family and friendship. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Shake Dardenne, and his loving children, Matt Dardenne and wife Sam with children Nina and Cam, Jordan Dardenne and wife Brittany, Zach and Wife Amy with daughter Leila, and Courtney Dardenne and fiancé Alex. He considered Jennifer's boys Jake and Hayden Ames close family, as he did his Mother-In-Law Deanna Shake and Sister-In-law Shantel Shake.

He is also survived by three siblings who adored their brother: Debra Dardenne Segura and her husband John, Cathy Dardenne and Sandy Dardenne Thompson and husband Greg.

The family kindly requests that donations be made in David's memory to a charity of your choice, honoring his spirit of giving and compassion.