Obituary of Darwin Edward Risdon

September 4, 1951 – Calgary, Alberta
November 22, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Darwin Edward Risdon, beloved husband of Palila Risdon (nee Zakariah), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, November 22, 2021 at the age of 70 years.

Besides his loving wife Palila, Darwin is survived by his son Zachary Risdon of Calgary, AB; four daughters, Shari Gannon of High River, AB, Shawna Risdon, Melanie (James) Betcher, Sarah Risdon, all of Calgary, AB; ten grandchildren, Devlin and Shaelea Gannon, Kim Wilmot, Carter Risdon-Soriano, Winter and Dylan Douglas, Fallon and Sadie Risdon-Stokes, Tanin Risdon, and Bailie Betcher; and two great-grandchildren, Hayden and Cameron Hooke. He is also survived by his two brothers and sisters-in-law, Don and Angela Risdon of Sherwood Park, AB, and Dan and Caralee Risdon of Calgary, AB; sister and brother-in-law, Sharon  and Chet Mook of Lethbridge, AB; dog and best friend, Bernie; and numerous extended family and friends.

Darwin was predeceased by his parents, Marie-Antoinette (Nettie) (nee Kuyten) and George Edward Risdon; and sister Marie Ann Bell-Ruigrok (nee Risdon).

Born in Calgary, AB on September 4, 1951, Darwin grew up in Strathmore, AB, where the family resided. After graduating from Samuel Crowther High School in 1969, he attended the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), in Calgary, where he graduated from the electronics program. Dar went on to work for AGT in Calgary, AB and Medicine Hat, AB, for about half a decade before he took a position teaching electronics at SAIT. 

Darwin was devoted to his family, raising five children - from his first marriage, daughters Shari, Shawna, and Melanie, and from his second marriage, son Zach and daughter Sarah. He maintained close relationships with his parents to the end of their lives, as well as his siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless extended family members.

Darwin took immense pride in his own and others' accomplishments. He placed a high value on academic and career achievement as evidenced by his obtaining his Bachelor of Education degree while working and raising a family and by his lengthy and fulfilling career at SAIT. Before his retirement, Darwin held the position of Academic Chair of the School of Information and Communications Technology at SAIT, winning the F.I.R.S.T. Award in 2011. 

Dar was fondly known (and relied upon by many) for his unparalleled ability to build, fix, solve, and learn anything. “If a man built it, a man can fix it,” was his motto. He was always helping family members, neighbours, and friends with their repairs and odd jobs. He was the go-to repair guy all his life. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t figure out, from home building, car fixing, pool repair, and more.

Much like his admired parents, Darwin was happy to contribute his skills and knowledge without any need for thanks or recognition while expecting nothing in return. He contributed endless amounts of time and energy to a variety of charitable causes, from canvassing door-to-door for various organizations to serving meals at homeless shelters.

To honour the charitable legacy of their parents, Darwin, along with bother Don and sister Sharon, created the “George and Nettie Risdon Quiet Contributor Award”; an award and honorarium that is presented annually to a graduate of Strathmore High School in recognition of the student’s quiet, selfless contributions. 

Dar had endless affection for babies and dogs. It was always a joy to see him light up around babies who could perceive his kind and loving heart – they always seemed to be right at home in his arms. He also loved every dog he met, especially his treasured post-retirement sidekick, Bernie.

Darwin participated in two lengthy projects with the Canadian International Development Agency whose aim is to reduce poverty, promote human rights, and support sustainable development across the globe. His first two-year contract took him to Malaysia, where he met and married his cherished wife, Palila. The second two-year contract saw Dar and Palila stationed in Egypt while Zachary was an infant. 

A lover of music, Dar possessed innate musical talent and was able to play many musical instruments which were, for the most part, self-taught. You would often find him strumming his guitar or playing his piano or organ, but he was also able to play many other instruments, including the tuba, base guitar, drums, trumpet, accordion and harmonica. In his earlier years, Darwin was often tapped at family gatherings for the musical interludes and sang or played an instrument at a wedding now and again. As a teen and into his early 20s, Dar played in a band with some friends called Dante’s Inferno.  

Often seen as a very serious fellow, Darwin also had an incredibly dry wit and disarming sense of humour. He was forever texting wild and goofy things to those he loved most, just to get a reaction out of them. 

Darwin will be forever loved, always cherished, and never forgotten.

A Celebration of Darwin’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 2:30 PM. Those attending will be asked to provide valid government identification (with name and date of birth) AND confirm one of the following: (A)Provincial vaccine record with QR code (paper or digital); OR (B)negative COVID test (within 72 hours); or (C)valid medical exemption (signed letter); OR (D)under 12 years of age. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Risdon’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the ICU staff at Foothills Medical Centre, and South Calgary Health Campus.

In living memory of Darwin Risdon, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

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