Obituary of Darcy James IPPOLITO

August 3, 1981 – Calgary, Alberta March 5, 2015 – Calgary, Alberta Darcy James Ippolito of Calgary, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at the age of 33 years. Darcy was an accomplished individual both in academics and martial arts. He had a love for nature and traveling. Darcy managed to often combine many of his loves and accomplishments by studying and working abroad. Darcy graduated from Bishop Carroll High School in 1999. Darcy, who was on the dean’s list, graduated in 2006 from the University of Calgary with Distinction in Geography. He was selected to attend a special project in the Arctic where he studied the Arctic Ocean ice thickness. Darcy loved nature and spent seven summers tree planting in Canada. In undergrad, Darcy was awarded a student grant to study in South East Asia where his passion for travel was ignited. After Darcy graduated from the University of Calgary, he travelled to South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Darcy returned to Canada focused and determined to become an engineer. Darcy attended the University of Victoria for engineering. Darcy took a year off to live in Brazil with his close friends Tom, Hilary and Phil, where he furthered his love of capoeira, eco-tourism, tattoos and hiking. Darcy earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering in April 2013, following in his father’s footsteps. Darcy was an excellent student, working while at school on a research project combining engineering with the science for creating polymer binding proteins. He was a research assistant for an engineering product for surgical intervention in spinal injuries. Darcy earned a work term in Calgary at the prestigious company of Penn West where he was hired on after his work term. Darcy looked forward to attending their training in southwestern Manitoba and was excited to start his career with Penn West. Darcy was diagnosed with colon cancer on May 5, 2013. Darcy battled cancer as he lived life, determined and with a shy smile. Darcy loved his life and lived it with passion. Darcy is survived by his devoted girlfriend Mireille Maheu; mother and father Joanne & Rick Ippolito; two sisters and their partners Erin Ippolito & her husband Jose Luis Sandoval and Brianne Ippolito & Jeff Bottriell; two brothers and their partners, Danny Ippolito & Karin Lienhard, Chris Ippolito & his wife Karen MacKenzie-Ippolito, and Darcy’s niece and nephew Clara-Anne Ippolito & Alexander Darcy Ippolito. He is also survived by his uncle and aunt, Art & Sheryl Tweten, his cousins Jason Tweten and Chad Tweten; his uncle and aunt, Vic & Eunice Ippolito; his cousins Stacey Pederson and Colin Ippolito and their families; his uncle and aunt, Glenn & Donna Ippolito and his cousins Darren Ippolito and Candace Ippolito; and his uncle Ray Parsons. Darcy is also survived by many extended relatives and many loyal and wonderful friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents Vern & Anne Tweten and Ray & Betsy Ippolito and his aunt Margret Parsons (nee Tweten). Darcy will be forever missed. A memorial celebrating Darcy’s life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Monday, March 9, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Surgical Oncology Jennifer Gardiner Chair Fund, www.netcommunity.ucalgary.ca/jennifergardinerfund for the research of new surgical oncology – for another life taken by colon cancer. In living memory of Darcy Ippolito, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: 403-256-9575.