Chris worked for several years in the English Department at New Mexico State University, where I am Head. When I let folks know about his passing, many many people wrote to share what he had meant to them. I wanted to share just a few of those comments here:  

"In the many years I knew him, Chris was not only a wonderful person to work with, but also a friend who I was still getting to know. He made the front office feel personable and welcoming. Whenever I came to him with a need, we would always have a conversation about something as well...He would always ask about the family."

"Chris was such an amazing person, a man who gets the job done. May he rest in peace and my  condolence to the family."

"Chris was one of my people in the department for a variety of reasons too long to list. As the years passed, there were fewer and fewer left standing and I appreciated him more than I think he knew."

"Chris served our department for the better part of a decade with care and intelligence, and he will be missed."

"We've lost a very kind and intelligent person. He lived near me and any time spent was so great! It's so sad to hear this happened to our friend.  Rest in peace, Chris. "

"This is very sad news. Mr. Chris Darnell was a humble and friendly person who was dedicated to his work in the department. "

"Chris was always helpful, and I am amazed at the lack of negativity in him. He was always positive toward me and any questions I had. He went beyond in his wish to assist the need I'd presented. If more human beings, Including myself, could be free of these mechanical reactions like Chris, we'd be relieved by one another's' being. He brought a fine light in an unexpected place."

I know you’re enjoying a round of golf upstairs. Rest easy Chris. You’re missed.

Sending our condolences ,our heart is with you all even if we couldn't be there.Sending prayers for Rick,Brain , Brenda and the rest of the family.May God watch over you all and comfort you.Love Greg and Annie Darnel 

Chris was a truly special person, whom as some may know, during his undergraduate years at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, NM, joined a leadership organization called Alpha Tau Omega, or "ATO". This experience bound him together with members, or "brothers", spanning generations and universities. He grew and maintained many friendships with undergraduate members and alumni who joined the fraternity over time, including myself. It became so evident from spending time with Chris that he had a special place in his heart to mentor and foster upcoming leaders in the organization. It was a true blessing to have an ATO alumnus so close to the chapter, and continued to elevated  his mentorship role by serving as the faculty advisor for the chapter in his capacity at NMSU. In terms of my personal relationship with Chris: we drifted apart overtime, especially after I graduated and moved away from NMSU, but it didn't stop me from thinking of him often, and remembering all of the invaluable wisdom and guidance he gave me. I could go on and on with stories and memories, but I only wish we had more time together to have rekindled that friendship and create more. We now carry him forward with us in our hearts and minds. With Love & Respect to my True and Worthy Brother. Always. - Matty.

Chris,  you were always kind and caring. You listened when I had a question, need, and concern. I wish I could be at your funeral, but you know I truly appreciated you. I will pray for your soul and wish you strength and love and support on your new journey. It was remarkable that you were never negative in your attitude toward me or what I was asking of you at work. You were a true light in the office. Your smile made my day! Thank you again for your kindness. God bless your soul and the angels too!
With love,
Kim Klorer
at New Mexico State

Smoked one in your honor. Thinking of you.

I worked closely with Chris for several years and we grew to be good friends. I admired his intelligence, his deep loyalty to friends and family, his particular brand of dry humor, and the way he would really *listen*.  Chris was an excellent judge of character and a sharp politician. I got my job as Dept Head on a moment's notice, and Chris, who'd been serving as office manager for a year or so, took a risk and stayed on as my assistant. He taught me the ropes and quickly became a trusted sounding-board, patiently walking me through scenarios and helping me navigate some really challenging situations.  A far more experienced manager than I, Chris made me believe I could do it.  We are--were--very different people; but we earned each other's trust and respect, and my life is better for having had Chris in it. Rest in peace, friend. You are missed. 

I am in tears as I write this. My heart is filled with sorrow. Chris was an amazing person. This loss hurts me to the core. He was someone I called a friend. 
He was always helpful and kind. In our last phone convo I remember we spoke for about an hour. Chris’s personality always made it great to talk to him. 
At work whenever we run into each other Chris will call me “brother..” 
Chris was indeed a brother to me and he showed loyalty, love, respect, professionalism and kindness  throughout the entire time I have know him. 
May your soul Rest In Peace, Chris.
My condolences to your family.
T.J. 

Fortunate to meet Chris in Las Cruces while attending NMSU.  Became one of my best friends and eventual roommate.  Truly one of a kind.  Thoughts and prayers to the family.  Rest up, CD.

-Kyle Ringeisen  

I asked Chris one time if I could get him a key made so he didn't have to break into our apartment every morning to watch Dawson' Creek...he said "no, my student ID works just fine."  



OBITUARY

Christopher James Darnell

January 26, 1980 – March 12, 2022

Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, Mortuary & Crematory

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