Darren Whitta
SEPTEMBER 11, 1975 – MARCH 25, 2022
After a brave battle with Glioblastoma, Darren Whitta passed away at home with his wife and two sons by his side. Darren spent his much too short 46 years as a resident of Kenora exploring the place he loved and enjoying all it had to offer an avid outdoorsman.
Darren is survived by his reason for everything, his two sons, Blake and Chase. He will be forever missed by them and his wife Amanda, whom he spent the past 17 years building an amazing life with. He taught all three of them such valuable lessons about living a full life, always being there to help anyone in need, investing in what is important and of course about hunting and fishing. He will also be lovingly remembered by his parents Peggy and Garry Whitta, his sister, Crystal Whitta, his mother-in-law Debby Van Walleghem, sister-in-law Michelle Buechner(Vaughn), brother-in-law Jeff Van Walleghem(Cindy), his nephew Gunner and his nieces Addison and Amelia. Darren will also be missed by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and Amanda’s grandparents Mary Ellen and Mederick Lemay whom he had a special bond with.
Darren was preceded by his grandparents, Hazel and Morgan Whitta, Marjorie and Norman White, his uncles Terry Whitta and Ron White and his father-in-law Dave Van Walleghem. A man as amazing and kind as Darren leaves so many behind grieving his loss that a list could go on and on and never tell the whole story of the lives he touched and the friends he made.
Darren was born in Kenora to his Mom Peggy and father/best friend Garry, who instilled in him his passion for family and the outdoors. He spent his younger days playing in the bush, camping with his family and enjoying the lake year round with his friends, although too numerous to mention, each one held a special place in his heart. For all the close connections he made in life, he was just as comfortable by himself but usually had a canine companion by his side, Boggie, Rocky, Abby and most recently Allie. Darren was a lover of all dogs and often gave more attention to the dogs in the room than the people. As he grew older he claims that school was not his thing but not only completed high school but went on to get a diploma in drilling and then after 10 years working for Nelson Granite, decided to switch careers and went to school in Calgary to be a railway conductor. He left everything he had built in Kenora with his then girlfriend Amanda, and moved in with Crystal in Calgary. After years of living apart, he got to spend more time with his sister, which he always felt lucky to have gotten to do. He was hired by CP Rail upon returning home and enjoyed his job at the railway but was laid off for a period of time where he found another job he enjoyed. The time he spent working for Wagenaar Construction he not only refined his skills building things that came in handy over the years but he also met many new friends that shared his passions and he enjoyed many hunting and fishing adventures with. Eventually he was recalled back to the railway and happily worked there until his illness.
Throughout this time he was also busy at home with his most important projects. Building his family and their life together. 2011 was a busy year, Darren and Amanda were married and welcomed their first son Blake. Chase came soon after in 2013 and his family was complete. Darren kept in touch with so many of the friends he made over the years but even if you hadn’t, rest assured he told your stories and kept you close to his heart. He lived right now, appreciated everyone and when you were with him it was contagious, you couldn’t help but be happy.
A come and go gathering to celebrate Darren’s life will be held outdoors at his home on Saturday May 14, 2022. Please watch facebook or contact the family for additional details. Anyone wishing to donate in Darren’s memory is asked to make a donation to Central Community Club through The City of Kenora, or to brain cancer research at www.braintumour.ca
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Whitta family.