June 14, 1950 - March 14, 2020
It is with deep sorrow and loss our family announces the passing of a jewel of a man, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and a pillar of the community on March 14, 2020. Darryl will forever be remembered and missed by his devoted wife, Diane of 39 years, daughters Natasha Sim, Sheena Pike and her fiance Trevor Bridge, grandchildren Austin, Tayvian, Nakita, Kensli, Joseph, and Owen.
He will also be fondly remembered by sister Sharon Stephenson, brother Barry Sim, brother-in-law Lloyd Stephenson, sister-in-law Marilyn Wells, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Darryl was predeceased by his son Derek Sim, his parents Alec and Marion Sim, brother Stewart Sim, sister Beverly Robertson and brother-in-law Alex Robertson.
Darryl was born to Alec and Marion Sim on June 14, 1950 and was a miracle baby to them since he was born with con-caved ribs on his left side which moved his heart to the middle of his chest. He lived with only one lung for the rest of his life.
Despite this, he played hockey and baseball In his late 20s and early 30s. When playing hockey after he got a stick above the eye he was given the nick name "Rocky" which stuck with him thru later years. This didn't stop him from playing road hockey with his kids and coaching his daughter's ringette team. He then played baseball until he blew his knee out in one of the out of town tournaments.
He was raised and schooled in Red Deer and remained here other than for a few years spent in Kelowna and Vancouver. Darryl went on to attend Red Deer College and serve two terms as Student Association President, was the first ever student member of the Red Deer College Board of Governors, was awarded "Best All Round Male Student" and graduated in 1970 with a Business Administration Degree.
In 1971 he took a two year General Arts Program. Various other Real Estate, Marketing and Property Management Courses helped him further his successful career. In June of 1999 Darryl joined the Optimist Club of Red Deer which made a path for him to contribute and volunteer with different projects to help the youth in the community which he was passionate about doing.
Though the years he served as Club President, Club Foundation Representative, Lt. Governor, District New Club Building Chair, Governor Elect, and Governor. He was a mentor to many and a dedicated volunteer. Darryl received many awards and citations throughout the years for his dedication and service. Darryl joined Sim and Thorne Realty Ltd. (later Simco Developments and Sim Management and Realty) in 1975 shortly after the company was formed by his father, Alec and an associate, Don Thorne. He eventually made the company his own and spent many years growing and diversifying it. During this time, Darryl served on and chaired numerous boards and committees within the community he was so committed to.
Above all, Darryl was a devoted family man who treasured yearly vacations with his children and wife. Whether they were spent traveling with the trailer or to special locations such as Mexico, Disneyworld, Disneyland or Maui, he looked forward to this time together. He savoured watching his kids grow and mature into young men and women and watching his grandkids grow and blossom.
Time will never erase your presence in our lives. We will always remember your smile, kindness, dry humour and many special moments shared. We would like to thank the paramedic team that responded so quickly, the hospital emergency staff that showed such compassion, the nurses in ICU and on the medical floor for the wonderful tender care, and the doctors, especially Dr. Ohanjanians Darryl's longtime friend and health advisor.
If desired, Memorial Donations in Darryl's honour may be made directly to the Mustard Seed at www.theseed.ca or to The Alberta Lung Association at www.ab.lung.ca. Because of the current situation in our world today, a service for Darryl will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040 or 1.800.481.7421.
Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium