A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
 

Last Saturday, a friend of ours died suddenly during a soccer game. He was 37 years old with a wife and 3 young children.

Yesterday, we attended Darren's memorial service which saw a church filled to capacity for a man who's only been in the country for 3 years. A huge testament to what a lovely guy he was.

Darren's heart was always in Scotland, but he stayed here to be with his beloved wife and children. A Scottish flag adorned his coffin and a piper led the congregation in a walk behind his coffin.

Tonight, Darren's family are taking his body back to Scotland for burial in what will probably be the most difficult journey anyone could ever imagine.

It is truly shocking for such a young, and seemingly fit man to lose his life in such an unexpected way, and his death has deeply touched all those who knew him. It has however been heartening to see how the local expat community of Caroline Springs, and the soccer communities of Essendon have rallied round to try and help Jen and the children get through this tragic mess.

My heart and love is with Jen, Liam, Jack and Darren Jnr as they travel tonight and lay Darren to rest on Tuesday in his beloved Scotland.

The bonds forged amongst the expat communities are strong. For some, we are family to each other, and personally, I have seen this proven time and time again in the past 10 days or so.

Never take for granted that you'll have tomorrow. Make today count.

Rest in peace Darren. :(

Re: A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
 

That is terrible news. RIP.

Re: A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
 

I've just read this, its so very sad. So young and so much to live for.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Re: A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
 

That journey doesn't bear thinking about. Very very sad.

Re: A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
 

How awful :( Rest in Peace and my thoughts are with his wife and the children... and of course, you guys too..

Em x

Re: A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
 

:( Condolences to his family and friends.

Julie. x

Re: A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
 

Thanks for all the well wishes. Jen and the boys' flight leaves in 10 minutes. I can't begin to imagine how she's feeling right now :(.

I guess we just have to hope Emirates look after them and are sensitive to their needs. A few of us have all contacted them to ensure the onboard staff know the circumstances. Last thing they need tonight is some stroppy stewardess!

Re: A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
 

There for the grace of god go I. Sad time for all. May he rest in peace.:(

Re: A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
 

I don't have anything to say other than what has already been said.
Thinking of you all.xx

Re: A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
 

Some years ago I witnessed a young man in his 30's collapse and die on the football field and my sons 16 year old friend died 2 years ago on the training ground.
It's so very very sad. :(

Re: A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
 

So sad.... Lost for words.

Re: A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
 

How sad ,may he RIP, and the family have a safe trip to Scotland :(

Re: A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
 

Some men spend their youth and their lives fighting wars and the pain and sorrow that follow....some men polish their footy boots,put on their freshly washed footy gear,step on the pitch dreaming of scoring the winning goal,some never make it, but i know the man i would want to be......RIP :beer:

Re: A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
 

tragic and certainly puts things in perspective. best wishes to all who knew him.

Re: A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
 

So tragic. RIP,thinking of you all ....xx