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I was very fortunate to work with Darren on the Rolls-Royce account for over 3 years. As my Chief Architect he was always supportive; an excellent team player and leader; highly intelligent and who showed a real ability to understand business issues and bring solutions forward to meet them. I'll always treasure the "discussions" we had on tree felling and the need for protective clothing; the perils of frozen pipes; and the ups and downs of gaining the right motorcycle licence. A pleasure to work with and above all a really personable, caring person.
I joined the Rolls-Royce account in 2011 and one of the first people I worked with was Darren. To put that move in context I was moving from a completely different part of HP to the services business - it was a bit like moving companies. However, Darren really took the time to help me understand what we did for our client and how we could best work together to make our respective areas more successful. I am forever thankful of that and for Darren's ongoing support and patience to explain some of the more technical aspects of what we did to a non-techy! I will always remember Darren as articulate, compassionate, a wicked sense of humour and above all as someone who wanted others to succeed. I hope that Darren's family can take some comfort in the words and memories that others are sharing. Sally
Darren and I worked together during my time on the Rolls-Royce account for EDS and HP when I was the account exec for engineering. Darren had the unique ability to make really technically complicated things very easy to understand, which was a true gift. He was an incredibly talented man with a fantastic personality, but for me, what really stood out was his ability to care for others and his compassion for those who needed help. The last time we met was when Darren came to see me at the MTC about 12 months ago in Coventry. We had both left HP by then and discussed our hopes for the future and our families (of which Darren was very proud). I am devastated about what has happened to Darren and wish I could have done more to support him. As was so clearly stressed at the service, men don't talk enough about their fears and Darren particularly was someone who would put others first. Darren was a great man with real qualities, and I, like many others, feel a huge sense of loss.
I knew Darren from his early twenties, and although I haven't seen him for many years I can still see his beaming smile and hear his rich soothing voice. He was a lovely, warm, kind and generous man - the sort that make the world a better place. The fact that he and Sarah have gifted the world two wonderful children, Hannah and Conor, bears testament to their skill and devotion as parents. He was always a pleasure to be with, and to my knowledge never selfish or unkind. I have nothing but fond memories of Darren, and it saddens me to think our paths will never cross again. I hope the family can take comfort from the many good years they shared, even though there should have been many more. He will remain forever in our thoughts.
I had the pleasure of knowing and being a work colleague with Darren for many many years at Bass/Coors/HP. He was the most gifted IT architect any organisation could wish for. His technical brilliance, work ethic and understanding with holistic views were sought by many in his field. He was always compassionate, understanding and always had an ear for listening to thoughts and ideas. Family quite rightly came first and the family holiday was always a keen subject for chatter on his return. Although contact after he left Burton was limited and myself leaving HP I still think of my old comrades from the early days. His presence will be sorely missed by many but his legacy of knowledge,compassion, support and understanding will be in our thoughts for a very long time.
Darren and I worked together on the Rolls-Royce account for 3.5 years - he was the lead architect for the Chief Technologist team on the EDS/HPE R-R account. All I can do is affirm what his family, friends and colleagues already know which is that Darren was one of the most diligent, hardworking, bright, caring and thoughtful people I have had the pleasure to work with in my 35 year career in IT. His support for me in my role at R-R was selfless he was always looking for the greater good and his concern for the individuals in the team was an example to all those that have people care responsibilities. I feel very blessed to have known and worked with Darren. When I moved on to other roles inside EDS/HPE we would occasionally catch-up on how things were going in our respective roles and I recall that when he called me to say he was leaving HPE my final comment to him was "he will be missed by us all" and gave him my best wishes. I was greatly sadden when I learned of his passing but say again "he will be missed by us all". I send my best wishes to his family at this time of their and our loss.
I worked with Darren for four years on the Rolls-Royce account when I first came over from HP to EDS an HP company before the merger. This was a new way for working for me being account based and Darren was key in my settling in. He was always very friendly and supportive and made my new role enjoyable and comfortable. That was his great approach he was always calm and level-headed which made you feel that things would be all right. After leaving the RR account my interaction with Darren reduced; however, I will always look on those early days and thank Darren for his time and patience. My thoughts and sympathy go out to his family and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
I’d like to say to Darren’s family that he was one of the most personable, sociable and friendly people I ever met in EDS/HPE – he made me feel welcome when I joined RR for a stint and helped me find my way round. He was a respected professional, regarded as one of our best Chief Architects by his friends and peers. We often compared ideas and asked each other’s opinions on technical topics, I always learned something new every time. I know he agonised over leaving HPE and I tried to support him after that via old colleagues and LinkedIn. I hope his family can take some comfort that he was so well liked and respected – and he was simply a good friend of ours
Hugh Van Dongen
Hugh Van Dongen
It with great sadness to hear the passing away of Darren. Our paths had crossed several times in the past at work, most notably meeting in Palo Alto. He was always welcoming and gifted with an easy-going rapport. Whilst distance separated us from meeting as we did in the earlier years, we did over the years keep in touch. Always a good catch-up to be had. I was always grateful for him looking out for me during the many troubled times we have faced over the years. I can't really add much to what has already been said by others. After he left, I was pleased to hear of good fortune in finding a new role. I feel deeply saddened that our paths won’t cross again, let alone hear his upbeat conversation; gone from my sight, maybe, but not from not from my memories. My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult loss.
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