My sincere condolences on Darren’s passing. I had the privilege of first meeting Darren when he was teaching in Red Deer. His work with STOP in Red Deer was exemplary. He inspired many young people to speak up and be the change we need so desperately in Alberta/Canada and globally. To follow his example, I started a youth group in Calgary many years ago called Youth ROAR (Reach Out Against Racism). On many an occasion, he came out to meet the ROAR group and shared his wisdom with them.

He also helped me celebrate my 70th birthday at my daughter’s home in Evergreen, and I even have wonderful pictures with him on my special day.

May you (his beloved family) find the strength and courage to cope with this heartbreaking loss and may Darren Rest In Peace.

My daughter (a teacher in the CCSD) was fortunate to have obtained her teaching degree with support and guidance from him.

My condolences to the Lund family and all those who loved Dr. Lund. I was fortunate enough to be a student in one of his university classes. Dr. Lund was an amazing public speaker. Even though the subject matter of his lectures was quite serious, he was so darn entertaining. He had a wonderful sense of humour and knew how to make you laugh as well as cry. More importantly, he was genuine. I never doubted his sincerity. He was the real deal. No doubt, he helped a lot of people and the world was better because he was in it.

I am just now learning of Darren’s passing. What a loss for this world. He was incredibly impactful to who I became as a teacher and was endlessly supportive, caring and engaged with his students. He was a true inspiration. I was lucky enough to also teach Darren’s wonderful daughter and she is a shining example of Darren’s beautiful spirit. So sorry to the family for this great loss. My heart hurts for your missing piece. He was just so great. -Shanna Corning

I'm so sorry to hear about Dr. Darren Lund's passing. A talent that left us too soon. May his soul Rest In Peace. He will be remembered by thousands of lives he'd touched. May God bless all his loved ones with comfort, love and peace.

We salute your dedication, Darren, in supporting the cause of racialized communities in our pursuit of equity and social justice. You inspired us with your keynote speech at ActionDignity’s celebration of the United Nations International Day on Human Rights in December 2019. Thank you for sharing with us the importance of “Culture of Humility”.

Sincere condolences to the family of Darren Lund.

Marichu Antonio

Retired Executive Director, ActionDignity

From the first time we met Darren as a teacher, then later as we followed his scholarship as a professor, he exemplified what Maxine Greene concluded, "Part of teaching is helping people create themselves.” Darren will always be a reminder of this work. Thank you Darren for the gift of you.

J-C Couture and Mary-Lee Judah

Once in a while, we cross paths with someone who changes the direction of our path. Darren was that person for me. Feeling lost when I returned from many years working abroad, I had lunch with Darren and we discussed human rights, education and how we can make the greatest impact. Listening to his stories reminded me of what mattered the most - making an impact in the lives of those who needed it the most - our students and our very own children. After working internationally, I chose to go back to school and become a teacher and I love it. Working towards making the world a better place is something most of us aim to do, however, the battle is real. It can be exhausting and it can take the wind out of you. Following Darren's lead, many decided it was worth it, and for that, the world is a better place. Darren's spirit will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he knew, and future generations will read about his efforts and contributions. Well done Darren. May you rest in peace and may all of us continue to carry your light.

I was fortunate enough to be one of the students that passed through the classroom adorned with hip-Canadian bands and recent blockbuster movies, and also recall a retro two seat couch in the corner that was highly sought-after vs the flip top desks of the era. “Mr. Lund” as he was then known to us was every bit as unique as you have described in his tribute. Many choose to teach; few can inspire in a way that Darren did; a unique combination of boundless energy, humor and endless curiosity that could draw any high school student into a range of topics in his presence. Post-graduation, several of his former students gathered one evening to hear Winnipeg’s The Watchmen at a local Red Deer bar – knowing that he and fellow English teacher “Mr. Parker” had a love of Canadian music and small venues, we made our way to the pay phone, pulled out the white pages and dialed until we reached one of them, and they happily answered the call. Stereotypical English teacher he was not. A chance encounter at the Vancouver airport AC Lounge about six years ago offered us a brief moment to reconnect, where he had indicated he was “just teaching at UofC”. In true Mr. Lund fashion, he appears to have left out the accolades, movements and minds he had gone on to impact locally and worldwide since we last saw each other. Sincerest condolences to his family and colleagues – we lost one of the great ones.

“I think you have to show people it’s cool and fun to work together. It’s your obligation. If you can’t do it, who can you expect to do it”. Gord Downie, lead singer of the Tragically Hip, observer of English 30 by poster.

Dustin Owen, LTCHS Class of 1994

For the last couple of weeks the energies of the cosmos have put the spotlight on relationships. Relationship with self, with family, friends, coworkers and even if we zoom out - authority and government.

This energy is urging us to find ourselves and put boundaries in place that protect against manipulation, injustice and abuse.

I’ve had some time to reflect on it and its kind of ironic that this is the week one of my favourite teachers passed away. Back in the day, I knew him as Mr. Lund. He died as highly respected educator, Dr. Darren Lund.

Dr. Lund, was one of the above and beyonders! On my list of the handful of teachers that left a lasting impact on my life, his name is on it. His energy was different, his style was different, his taste in music was different, and his true individuality respected that in others.

He believed in my ability to write and express, when I was told, and then believed otherwise. He did this for almost every one else I have spoken with, who had the fortune of being in his classes. Above all else, he believed in the power of relationships.

The teachers who focus on the technical, are ... typical and only leave their mark on graded papers. We’ve all had many of those, but the teachers of legend, leave something of themselves behind. Mr. Lund, was that kind of educator! RIP

Most people know him as Dr. Lund, Professor Lund, or something in terms of academia. However I will know him as my favorite extended-family uncle, great drinking buddy, and someone who is profound of the B-52s. You have touched many people with words, and actions, and I am so happy we got to connect a few times these past few months.

You'll be dearly missed, Uncle.

My deepest sympathy at the loss of such a compassionate and brilliant man. Darren will live on in all that he touched, all those he impacted and though his words and teaching. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. With care and love to those he left behind

Why are all the best people gone too soon. I've known Darren for 30 years. He insisted I apply for the job as the inaugural Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and PD at the U of C, which I did. He was such a champion of human rights, experiencing the hate mail, online trolling and financial costs of standing up to discrimination. We always had interesting talks over beers. He adored his two children, he was experiencing the love of his life with Nina, and he was just hitting his stride in his field. It is such a loss to us all. Wherever you are my friend, I hope the beer is cold and the cards are hot! With deep sympathy to his family, his friends and our community for the loss of a titan.

My sincere condolences on Darren’s passing. I had the privilege of first meeting Darren when he was teaching in Red Deer. His work with STOP in Red Deer was exemplary. He inspired many young people to speak up and be the change we need so desperately in Alberta/Canada and globally. To follow his example, I started a youth group in Calgary many years ago called Youth ROAR (Reach Out Against Racism). On many an occasion, he came out to meet the ROAR group and shared his wisdom with them.

He also helped me celebrate my 70th birthday at my daughter’s home in Evergreen, and I even have wonderful pictures with him on my special day.

May you (his beloved family) find the strength and courage to cope with this heartbreaking loss and may Darren Rest In Peace.

My daughter (a teacher in the CCSD) was fortunate to have obtained her teaching degree with support and guidance from him.

Dr. Darren Lund was an extremely influential educator in my life. His enthusiasm to teach empathy went unmatched. He had an unexplainable presence about him and made a point to remember all students. Darren will be greatly missed and I am honoured to have been taught by him

I met him during one of his grad classes on social justice in education in the mid '00s. He was well ahead of me in social justice thinking, so he definitely helped me sharpen my moral compass and understand my cultural privilege. As an educator, I have carried his sensibilities with me since then. His legacy will live on with the many people he influenced, directly and indirectly. He is celebrated because of his honesty, authenticity, and humility - traits we are seeking from more of our public figures. He was the best Minister of Education we never had.

As a friend, we shared many laughs and some tears over the years since then. We were a 2-person Skydiggers Fan Club. He loved and lived large. Those traits also inspire me. He is missed.

Huge gratitude to Nina for all she did for him over the last tough months. He deserved his happiness.

I went to school with Darren at Valley View Elementary, Ian Bazalgette, and Forest Lawn High School . We lived in the low rentals in Forest Lawn and I spent many lunches at his home.Darren's mother was fantastic and his dad was a giant of a man ,a police officer who always welcomed me. Even back then Darren was a great person and a good friend. Anytime we had projects in class he was the guy to partner up with. He was always the smartest, and more than anything, the kindest.

R.I.P. my Friend,

Barry Venus

When I was a cub scout leader with the Salvation Army, Darren was one of my cubs. He was one of my favorites, and I watched with delight at his progress through the years. He epitomized everything we had stressed - friendship, helping and following his ideals. I am sorry that he has left us so soon. Prayers and sympathy to the family.

Sincerely.

Gordon Shrake

To the family and friends of Darren. The human rights community is deeply saddened to learn our colleague has passed away. I met Darren when we were recruited for AAME (mid 1990s). He worked hard to influence educators about important issues, such as anti-racism. He was a true friend of our organization, Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre. He was a great ally to the GLBTQ+ community. We will miss him. On a personal note, I hope Darren is having a chuckle with my beloved John, whom he knew from working at casinos for AAME. They both left us too soon.

May you be comforted by your memories. Linda McKay-Panos