November 26, 1970 - March 30, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend at the age of 54 at our home in Yellowknife, NT. Darrel James Mack was a great man: he had the strongest of hearts, an indomitable spirit and a powerful love of family, friends and life. The way that he lived his life with dignity, integrity, generosity, humility, and a hilarious sense of humor was truly an inspiration to all who knew him. He was a charismatic person with strong values who liked to lift up everyone around him, and to help those in need. He maintained his positive energy to the very end.
Darrel was born in Yellowknife, NT, but moved to Nanaimo, BC with his parents at the age of 4. He was a proud member of the 艁谋谋虂d虂 l谋谋台 台 K懦虂臋虂 First Nation. He returned north at 17 to attend Akaitcho Hall, and stayed. His early life was marked by challenges, but he never failed to rise, or to stand up to bullies from the earliest age. Darrel loved boxing, martial arts, chess, and rock 'n' roll. He incorporated a warrior philosophy into everything he did. After high school he embarked on a career as a Correctional Officer for 23 years, where he excelled, before becoming a Behavioral Health Worker. He began his dream job as a Parks Maintenance Officer just two weeks before he was diagnosed with Stage 4 esophageal cancer and given a one-year prognosis. Ever true to his resilient spirit, he went the full 12 rounds in the ring, fighting and thriving for four years, living every moment to the fullest. In the time they had together, Darrel and his wife Leela traveled the world.
To Darrel, family was the most important of all. His cherished son Brandon (Anika) was born in 1998. He met the love of his life Leela (nee Gilday) in 2007, and they were married in 2016. He also leaves behind his brother Nathan McPherson (Kristen) and his sister Nikki Kuijt, as well as his dearest father Gary Mack, and his dearest aunt Liza McPherson (Gus), cousin Jennifer Thistle, his aunties Rosie, Aggie (Chiki), and uncles Fred (Deborah), Ernest, John, and Ken. Darrel was deeply loved by his Gilday and Taylor in-laws: Bill, Cindy, Jay (Lana), and Carla (Eric). He will be dearly missed by his nephews and nieces Sahtu, Dov, Saffia, Lhasa, Raeya, Lyric; godsons Hudson, Archer, Leo, Noah, and goddaughter Symone. And by his many cousins and dear friends in
Yellowknife, Edmonton, Nanaimo and across the world. And of course, by his little dog Coda whom he adored.
Darrel was predeceased by his loving mother Doris McPherson (Don), his loving grandparents Lucy and George McPherson and Audrey and Alan Mack, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He leaves behind a powerful legacy of love and hope. Two of his mottos were: "Never give up, never surrender", and "Nothing but love".
Special thanks to the nurses and doctors who helped us navigate Darrel's cancer journey, and to all those who stepped forward when times were tough - we are so grateful for all your support.
Darrel's Celebration of Life will be held in Yellowknife at 11am, Saturday, June 21st at the DND Gym at the Multiplex. All are welcome to the party. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Darrel Mack Memorial Fund with the Yellowknife Community Foundation. https://yellowknifecf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1660
Service Details
11:00 AM