Willis Keith Darling
Willis “Keith” Darling, (78), formerly of Grantley/Apple Hill, Ontario, passed away at his residence on April 29, 2023. Keith was born to Willis Frank and Isobel Darling, on November 18, 1944, in Grantley, Ontario. His sister Carol, whom he cherished greatly, soon followed. Keith was a talented athlete who loved playing sports, especially softball. He enjoyed shooting pool, throwing darts, driving fast cars, and dancing to Rock and Roll music. He loved Elvis and his ability to jive earned him the nickname “Crazy Legs”.
As a teenager, Keith began his working career with the Canadian Pacific Railroad in communications. He then transitioned into law enforcement as a dispatcher with the OPP. It was evident that he possessed excellent communication skills, remained calm under stressful emergency situations, and was able to think clearly and quickly during the most chaotic times. He thrived in the OPP and accumulated 28 years of service and after retiring he worked at Crime Stoppers and was a proud member of the OPP Veterans’ Association.
Keith married Margaret Mary Wheeler of St. Andrew’s West, Ontario in December of 1970. They were blessed with two children in quick succession, Lorrie and Blaine, whom they raised in the small hamlet of Apple Hill, prior to moving to St. Andrew’s West. He was blessed with four grandchildren: Kyra, Julia, William, and Finley whom he loved dearly.
Keith enjoyed giving back to his community and was a cornerstone in the local ladies’ softball circuit. He coached the Guindon Glenoco fast pitch team and the Dairy Queen ‘Little Darling’s’ and both teams won many tournaments and several league championships.
Never a stranger to anyone and, with his customary witty lines, Keith Darling was a friend to many. When anyone inquired how he was doing, a common response was “all the better for you asking!”
The family would like to thank the River Front Retirement Residence and their amazing staff for the care they provided Keith.
Left to pass on his memory are Blaine (Regina), Lorrie (Steve), Carman Fraser (late Isobel Fraser), his aunts Eileen McDonell (late Donald) and June Raymond (late Bernie), his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, numerous nieces, God-children, nephews and cousins. Regardless of his title: Keith, Dad, Coach, Poppy, or friend, his happy smiling face and easy-going personality will be dearly missed by many.
To commemorate Keith there will be a celebration of life this summer.
Willis “Keith” Darling, (78), formerly of Grantley/Apple Hill, Ontario, passed away at his residence on April 29, 2023. Keith was born to Willis Frank and Isobel Darling, on November 18, 1944, in Grantley, Ontario. His sister Carol, whom he cherished greatly, soon followed. Keith was a talented athlete who loved playing sports, especially softball. He enjoyed shooting pool, throwing darts, driving fast cars, and dancing to Rock and Roll music. He loved Elvis and his ability to jive earned him the nickname “Crazy Legs”.
As a teenager, Keith began his working career with the Canadian Pacific Railroad in communications. He then transitioned into law enforcement as a dispatcher with the OPP. It was evident that he possessed excellent communication skills, remained calm under stressful emergency situations, and was able to think clearly and quickly during the most chaotic times. He thrived in the OPP and accumulated 28 years of service and after retiring he worked at Crime Stoppers and was a proud member of the OPP Veterans’ Association.
Keith married Margaret Mary Wheeler of St. Andrew’s West, Ontario in December of 1970. They were blessed with two children in quick succession, Lorrie and Blaine, whom they raised in the small hamlet of Apple Hill, prior to moving to St. Andrew’s West. He was blessed with four grandchildren: Kyra, Julia, William, and Finley whom he loved dearly.
Keith enjoyed giving back to his community and was a cornerstone in the local ladies’ softball circuit. He coached the Guindon Glenoco fast pitch team and the Dairy Queen ‘Little Darling’s’ and both teams won many tournaments and several league championships.
Never a stranger to anyone and, with his customary witty lines, Keith Darling was a friend to many. When anyone inquired how he was doing, a common response was “all the better for you asking!”
The family would like to thank the River Front Retirement Residence and their amazing staff for the care they provided Keith.
Left to pass on his memory are Blaine (Regina), Lorrie (Steve), Carman Fraser (late Isobel Fraser), his aunts Eileen McDonell (late Donald) and June Raymond (late Bernie), his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, numerous nieces, God-children, nephews and cousins. Regardless of his title: Keith, Dad, Coach, Poppy, or friend, his happy smiling face and easy-going personality will be dearly missed by many.
To commemorate Keith there will be a celebration of life this summer.