Darleen Gail (Giles) Vignal

Darleen Gail Vignal (Giles)

Feb 2, 1945 – March 1, 2021

Born in Victoria, to Bev and Phyllis Giles Darleen grew up in Delbrook and Lynn Valley with her brother Brian, her many cousins, and her lifelong friends. Darleen was a successful hairdresser in Lynn Valley after graduating from Delbrook High. Louis and Darleen met in Lynn Valley where they married on October 9, 1965 at the Coach House Inn. Darleen became a mom to Lisa (1969), and Louis (1970). Mother to them, bonus mom to so very many.

In 1972 the young family moved to Norwest Bay Road in West Sechelt when Louis and Ron bought the Red and White grocery store. During life in Sechelt Darleen contributed immensely to our community. Extremely outgoing, generous, kind and always smiling Dar was a founding member of the Sechelt arena, Beavers, and girl’s softball association, and so many more events from organizing dances, timber days, parades anything for the kids.

During the 80’s Dar began to work in the Sechelt School District as a teacher’s aide for special needs children. All the school children benefited from Dar. She loved in later years when grown students approached her with smiles, hugs, and a catch-up visit.

Dar loved Christmas and was a secret Santa before it was ever a thing. Her love for Christmas brought great memories to many people. Her gifted quilts are all treasured.

August 8, 1989 the first Sleepy Hollow Run happened. Purely unplanned the beginning of many great years and many great memories with many great people.

During the 1990’s Dar worked in the florist industry where her artistic talent flourished. She became partners with Claire-Ann and opened a sister store in Gibsons.

Darleen’s love for quilting also brought extreme joy to her life. So many amazing friends and memories sewn together. So many.

Louis and Allison blessed Dar with her only grandchild Jaxson. He was her heart. The joy and comfort they all brought to her helped her pass peacefully.

When I die
Give what’s left of me away
To children and old men that wait to die
And if you need to cry,
Cry for your brother walking the street beside you
And when you need me,
Put your arms around anyone
And give them what you need to give to me
I want to leave you something,
Something better than words or sounds
Look for me in the people I’ve known or loved,
And if you cannot give me away,
At least let me live in your eyes and not in your mind.
You can love me best by letting hands touch hands,
And by letting go of children that need to be free
Love doesn’t die people do
So, when all that’s left of me is love
Give me away

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