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August 9, 2021
Sadly, Darla passed away suddenly on, August 9th at Royal Jubilee Hospital surrounded by the love of her family.
She leaves to forever miss her, her husband of 40 years, Marlin (Cub) Fix; sister, Wendy Kerr; nephew, Nick (Kaitlyn) Davenock; stepmother, Anne Girbav; cousin, Mary Dennis; uncle, Ben Wagner; her two furry faced children that Darla loved with all her heart, Jack and Uzi.
Darla was predeceased by her mother, Alma Wagner; father, Ernie Girbav; cousin, Barry Dennis; and brother in law, John Kenchenten.
Born in Prince Rupert, Darla and her family moved to Port Alberni in the early sixties. She attended Gill Elementary and then AW Neil. It was there she met some of her best and lifelong friends, Cathy, Diana, Jean, and Gail. They all graduated from ADSS together.
Shortly after graduation, Darla took a job at the Alberni Pacific Division - very much a male dominated industry. It was not easy for a woman to survive in such an environment, but Darla was not a quitter. She stood her ground and spoke up when she needed to.
When she walked out of that mill for the last time after 42 years, she never told anyone she was retiring. Darla did not like anyone to make a fuss, so she slipped out quietly.
Darla met the love of her life when she was 27. Cub and Darla moved in together shortly after they met and shared their lives for many happy years.
Darla loved gardening and enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens from the yellow raspberries to the purple tomatoes - she loved growing many different types of tomatoes! She loved to spend time at their cabin on Central Lake, both winter and summer. Fishing at the head of the lake in the fall and checking out all the returning salmon or taking the dogs to the swim beach and hanging out for the afternoon.
Most important to Darla were friends and family including her many cousins from Nanaimo. She loved spending time with our large "family" of lake friends.
A very independent woman, Darla had to have her own boat so she could come and go as she pleased. She would load up her zodiac with supplies and her three dogs and head off to the cabin on her own. She would say, "Fern did it and so will I." Darla was a loving and caring person who never hesitated to invite others to share a meal, or a conversation and always welcomed family and friends to the dinner table.
She would spend a week every year on the west coast - lunch at the Wildside, then walking all the local beaches with the dogs enjoying the salt air coming off the ocean. Darla said it helped recharge her soul.
Darla had a heart as big as the whole outdoors and left us far too soon. She has now turned the last page of the final chapter of her life's story and will be sadly missed by all whose lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Darla's memory may do so by making a donation in her name to the SPCA.
A very casual gathering of friends and family will be held at Wendy's home at 3381 6th Avenue in Port Alberni on Friday, August 27th from 1:00 to 4:00. Please come by to share a story and your memories of Darla with the family. Early birds will be put to work cutting the lawn, cleaning the kitchen, or doing dishes!
To send a condolence to the family please visit www.yatesmemorial.ca
Yates Memorial Services

Service Details

Celebration of Life
Friday, August 27, 2021
1:00 PM
3381 6th Avenue, Port Alberni


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