It is with deep sadness that we announce George Daruda of Deep Bay, Vancouver Island, passed away on Tuesday March 03, 2020 at the age of 81. After a month of declining health with his children by his side, George died peacefully.
George was born in Telfordville on July 7, 1938 to Vasil and Anna Daruda. The youngest of eight children, George set out from the family farm in Telfordville to begin his life adventure but he always carried in his heart a deep appreciation of their family life, farming and a love for animals. On May 22, 1961 George married Darlene Kramer and they had three children, Faron, Troy and Nicole.
George was very creative and could fix or build anything he set his mind to. In his early work life, George drove trucks, worked road construction, owned a gas station/mechanic shop, designed and built off road vehicles, sold snowmobiles then eventually started his own oilfield consulting business and worked as an oilfield consultant for the rest of his work years.
George loved most outdoors activities such as off-roading, camping, snowmobiling and especially loved boating and fishing. He always shared these outdoor activities with his family and friends and he taught most of us how to fish!
In the late 70's George and Darlene bought a home with a beautiful view in Deep Bay, Vancouver Island where they eventually retired. George loved island life and his friends on Vancouver Island. Over his retirement years George became very proficient as a woodworker making wood mobiles, ornaments, furniture, bowls and vases which he liked to give away or sell in the various stores nearby. George also loved cooking and gardening in his retirement. He was happiest when he was creating or helping his friends and neighbours. George also never threw anything away and if you needed a part for anything he likely had it and would be happy to give it to you. George was a wonderful friend and neighbour to many in Deep Bay.
To me, Dad embodied family love and connection. When we were young no matter where we were playing we had to be home for dinner because that was family time. No matter how far Dad was working from home he always came home for all of the holidays because he wanted to spend it with his family. Dad made us feel loved and valued and was the glue connecting our family. Dad was also a very good and patient teacher of many things in life.
George is survived by his wife Darlene Daruda of Deep Bay, son Troy Daruda of Dease Lake, daughter Nicole Daruda of Deep Bay and granddaughter Haylie Marchuk of Edmonton.
George is also survived by brothers John (Kathleen) Daruda of Grand Prairie, Matthew Daruda of Edmonton, Andy (Lyn) Daruda of Kamloops and sisters Lucille (Gerald) Ohrn of Red Deer and Irene Perley of Sechelt.
George was predeceased by his infant son Faron Daruda who passed suddenly April 15, 1963, his father and mother, Vasil and Anna Daruda of Edmonton and by his sisters Sophie Chernesky and Mary Sawitsky both of Edmonton.
George was cremated right after his death but the memorial service had to be delayed due to Covid.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of George Daruda, please visit our floral store.