Darren Peter Brown

Darren passed away suddenly Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Darren Peter Brown (the baby of the family), Born January 22, 1974 in Etobicoke, Ontario on a VERY cold, winter evening.  Darren is survived by his loving parents, Mike & Grace Brown, his brother Michael Brown, his sister Kim (Ray) Maher, his nephews Andrew & Sheldon (Tamara Measner) Maher, his nieces, Riley Brown, Chelsea (Dylan) Dejaegher, Alexis Brown, Great Niece Paris Espinosa, Fur niece/nephew Mary-Jane and Tuna, Fur Nephews Beau, Piddos and Leo, fur nephews/nieces Simba, Binx, Bella, Ivy, Stella, fur niece Luna and last but definitely not least, Darren’s most loving and loyal companion Knucklehead “Knuck”.  Darren also leaves behind his Aunts, Uncles and cousins in New Brunswick and some special friends who supported him for many years.

Darren was a character from the time he was small.  He was mischievous and had the most wonderful grin that earned him the name “Ditchface” because of the huge dimples he had whenever he smiled.  The older he got the less he liked this name and boy that that mean we used it every chance we got !!  Darren also had a special nickname from his dad – “Derwood”.   He also earned another name “Flakey” because his skin was so dry and would flake off while he was young.  In his youth, Darren always seemed to be carefree, and his spirit rubbed off on those around him.    Darren never had much desire for school or other organized activities.  He liked to be independent and do his own thing.  That NEVER changed throughout his life. 

We moved from Ontario to Saskatchewan in 1987.  Darren was 13 at the time and the only person beside his parents that were looking forward to the move.  That changed in a hurry once he arrived in Regina and the reality of not seeing his friends anymore really hit him.  He always missed Toronto and the many special people there – Mr & Mrs O (Bonnie & Patty) and the friends at Mississagua Temple (Salvation Army where we attended church).

One of the highlights of Darren’s life was a mission trip he took with Celebration Lutheran Church to Russia in 1993 where they visited hospitals, distributed medications and bibles.  Because they didn’t have enough bibles for everyone, they started to separate portions of the bible so that everyone could get some.  One older gentleman had tears running down his face as Darren handed him some pages and it was something Darren never forgot this trip and it was a reminder of how fortunate we are to live in Canada.

Darren finally settled down in Regina and as we knew he would for a long time began to work with his hands.  He could figure out or fix almost anything except his vehicles which frustrated him to no end.  Darren and his dad had a truly special bond and were buddies in so many projects.  They both seemed to have an ability to fix things and if one didn’t know how, the other did.  He began to work in home construction and that is where he finally found his direction and met Matt Rogina who would play such an important role in Darren’s life as not only his boss but a very good friend.

Darren loved camping and the time he spent with friends in his seasonal site at Regina Beach and more recently at Besant Campground.  He shared stories with us of some of the amazing seafood (lobster) feasts and steak nights that always ended with drinks and friends around the fire.

Darren LOVED and shared such a special bond with his nieces and nephews.  He never expressed any interest in having his own kids but he was the “Fun Uncle”.   If the boys were going to get into mischief when they were younger it was with Uncle Darren.   He once taught Andrew about “pretty girls” and taught Andrew the phrase “hubba hubba” and he was always willing to take him out and joked about using him to attract the chicks. 

One of the last things Darren did for his family was to help build some plant hangers this summer.  He built one for Chelsea and Dylan’s wedding gift and one for Mom and Dad to welcome them back home from their latest trip to New Brunswick.  These will be cherished gifts.

Darren struggled with depression and anxiety for many years.  He spent time in the hospital and was always supported by his family and some special friends through it all.  Darren tried so hard to fight this illness, however he is now at peace and free of pain.

Darren is loved beyond measure and will always be missed.