Support Darrin Kehler's Final Journey

Support for Darrin Kehler’s Final Journey

Dear friends, family, and community,

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that our beloved Darrin Kehler has been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung, liver, and bone cancer. As he faces his final weeks, he is surrounded by love at Kirkland Evergreen Hospital on hospice care, with his devoted wife, Dena, by his side.

For years, Darrin poured his heart and soul into his work as the Chief Water Boy and Repair Guy at OMG Sykes Farm. He was more than just a hardworking hand—he was the glue that held things together, a friend to all, and a cherished member of our farm family. All of us at the farm will deeply miss his big smile and how he always left telling us all how much he loved his farm family. Even just three weeks ago, through immense pain and agony, he was still working at the farm, pushing through like he always did. Darrin struggled for over 30 years with Crohn’s and IBS disease, enduring an unimaginable level of pain. His threshold was so high that it finally took him to the emergency room thinking it was a crohns attack—where he received this heartbreaking, life-ending diagnosis. We are still in shock at how fast this has happened and are struggling to process the reality of it all.

In addition to his work at the farm, Darrin was always there to help others in his community. Whether it was lending a hand to Miss Kathy or supporting friends and neighbors in need, his kindness and generosity knew no bounds. He never hesitated to step up, always putting others before himself.

Darrin—fondly known as "Funcle Darrin"—will always be remembered for his thoughtful and personalized Christmas gifts and birthday presents, and we will never forget the crazy birthday song he would sing to you on your special day. His incredible musical talents—playing the harmonica, guitar, and singing—will forever live on in our hearts. He truly left an impression on all of us, and his presence will be missed beyond words.

As Darrin prepares to move on to the next heavenly realm, he does so with the peace of knowing that his beloved wife, Dena, and his faithful dog, Wiggly, will be cared for by the friends and family who love them. He looks forward to reuniting with his brother Sam, who left this world suddenly and unexpectedly years ago. He also leaves behind his loving mother D'Anne Schjerning, whom we all had the pleasure of meeting last summer when she visited all of us and we will never forget his infamous journey to Canada for the last time to take his beloved mom home—a trip that meant the world to him but darn near killed him with breakdown after breakdown and challenge after challenge. But in true Darrin fashion, he pushed through, laughed about it, and made sure it was an adventure none of us would forget.

Funcle Darrin will never be forgotten. His laughter, love, and unwavering spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

As Darrin’s time with us draws to a close, we want to ensure that his final days are spent in comfort, free from financial burdens. This GoFundMe is set up to help support Dena with medical expenses, hospice care, and end-of-life arrangements. Any contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a difference and ease the weight on his family during this incredibly difficult time.

Darrin has given so much love, laughter, and hard work to the people around him. Now, it’s our turn to give back. If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping Darrin, Dena, and their loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support. Let’s rally around Darrin and his family, showing them the same love he has always shown us.

With gratitude and until we meet again,

Love with Gratitude

John & Iris, Countless Friends and Family