Darren William Welyk Veach, born May 5, 1983, in Kamloops, BC, passed away suddenly, doing one of the many things he loved best, snowmobiling out in the wilderness amongst the mountains and the trees on December 16, 2006, near his home in Vavenby, BC. He was 23 years of age.
Darren loved life, and he approached it with a great sense of humour. He loved to laugh and enjoyed making others laugh as well. He was passionate about nature – the mountains, trees, and rivers. He loved coming back from the Prairies and smelling the mountain pine.
Darren’s family was the dearest to his heart, especially his mother, sister and brother-in-law. Those whose lives he touched always remembered his kind words, thoughtfulness and adventurous spirit. Darren was quiet and easygoing. He blazed many trails but never wandered too far from home. Although he enjoyed eating out, his biggest pleasure was cooking for family and friends.
Many of Darren’s greatest pleasures included being with friends, dirtbiking, snowboarding, fishing and stock car racing. His most recent love was hunting, and he was very proud to show off his first deer. He was a distinguished member of the catch and release program, which consisted mainly of redheads, blondes and brunettes.
Darren’s family will mourn his loss. He is survived by his loving parents, Bev and Roger Veach of Granum AB, and Dan and Donna Welyk of Kamloops BC, sister Krystal (Rusty) Clark of Vavenby, nephews Cole, Kayden, and niece Madyson. Grandparents Maxine Veach, Andrew (Faye) Veach, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as many friends. Darren was predeceased by his grandparents Dorothy and Nick Welyk, Lois Veach and Gramma June. Good friend Ryan Thorne and his dog, Martini.
He will be sadly missed by all those who love him. We will all be together again someday.
A Funeral Service for Darren was held on Thursday, December 21, 2006, at the Legion in Clearwater, with Lloyd Strickland officiating. Cremation to follow. Funeral arrangements entrusted to North Thompson Funeral Services.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Clearwater Minor Hockey Association in Darren’s name.
Do not stand by my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am a diamond glint on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awake in the morning, bush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight
I am the soft starshine at night
Do not stand by my grave and cry
I am not there… I did not die.