A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
Sep 1st 2009, 11:29 pm
#1
Sunny Sydney
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 6,241
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.
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.
Sep 1st 2009, 11:41 pm
#2
Banned
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,733
Re: A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
That is terrible news. RIP.
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.
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.
Sep 1st 2009, 11:55 pm
#3
Banned
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,348
Re: 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.
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.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Sep 2nd 2009, 12:15 am
#4
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 65,493
Re: A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
That journey doesn't bear thinking about. Very very sad.
Sep 2nd 2009, 5:38 am
#5
Account Closed
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,821
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
Rest in Peace and my thoughts are with his wife and the children... and of course, you guys too.. Em x
Sep 2nd 2009, 7:49 am
#6
Chocoholic
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Betchworth, Surrey.
Posts: 2,899
Re: A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
Condolences to his family and friends.Julie. x
Sep 2nd 2009, 7:56 am
#7
Sunny Sydney
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 6,241
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!
.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!
Sep 2nd 2009, 8:07 am
#8
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Joined: Aug 2008
Location: utopia within my head
Posts: 1,990
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.
Sep 2nd 2009, 8:29 am
#9
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Tropical North QLD
Posts: 21,434
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
Thinking of you all.xx
Sep 2nd 2009, 9:02 am
#10
Account Closed
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 333
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.
It's so very very sad.
Sep 2nd 2009, 9:04 am
#11
Account Closed
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Posts: 10,784
Re: A Sad Day for One Expat Returning to The Land He Loved
So sad.... Lost for words.
Sep 2nd 2009, 9:06 am
#12
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Joined: Oct 2007
Location: SOUTH SIDE BRISBANE
Posts: 1,364
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
Sep 2nd 2009, 1:43 pm
#13
FREE TIBET
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 18,840
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 
Sep 2nd 2009, 2:47 pm
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 202
Re: 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.
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.
tragic and certainly puts things in perspective. best wishes to all who knew him.
Sep 3rd 2009, 7:49 am
#15
Three of us
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 207
Re: 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.
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.