Samuel Darden, III
January 11, 1959 ~ July 1, 2017
Resided in:
Fremont, CA
This is My Story’
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me
the crown of righteousness€¦ (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
I was blessed to have grown up in a loving family environment. My Mommy, Barbara Jean Irby, has been by my side from the time I was born, to the very end. She supported me through all the good times, and times I struggled. For that, I am truly grateful and love her with all my heart. My biological father is Samuel Darden, Jr., (deceased) however, I am grateful for my “Daddy”, Solomon Wortz, Jr., (deceased), who helped raise me to be a good person and have good morals when I was just a little boy.
I graduated in 1977 from Piedmont Hills High School in San Jose, CA. Upon entering high school, I met Randy Heggem. For over 40 years, I have been blessed to have the Heggem family welcome me into their family. At the age of 15, I got my first real job at Moffett Field Naval Air Base Commissary. I was bagging groceries for tips. The tips were really good back then, and I would make $60 to $70 dollars a day (working weekends). In 1975, my Mom helped me get a job at Lucky Stores where she did her grocery shopping in San Jose, CA. Although, I had a passion for the court system to be a court reporter, I chose to work in the retail grocery business. In 1982, I became an “Apprentice Butcher” and began my career. I was promoted to a Meat Manager at the age of 21 and worked for Lucky Stores for over 35 years. I retired from Lucky Stores in 2010 due to health issues.
In 1987, I married Michele Terese Wilkinson and to that union my wonderful and beautiful son, Ryan Andrew Darden was born on March 30, 1993. Ryan, never forget you have always been the love of my life. I have always been proud of your academic achievements and your commitment to excellence. Ryan, I thank you for making your Dad proud. My Mother-in-law, Bea Sullivan has been the greatest. She is an amazing best friend and I am grateful for her and her husband George Sullivan and family. Many awesome family and friends have come into my life, but I am eternally grateful for Elizabeth Ann Tiapon and her family. Elizabeth has been an Angel sent from Heaven. She has helped me raise my only son, Ryan for over 20 years. Her loyalty and commitment is beyond words.
My hobbies were bowling, chess and basketball. Although, I have bowled twenty-one 300 games and four 800 series, my bowling goals were always to challenge myself to be the best I could be and help others succeed.
My later years have been very special, and I had the opportunity to be reunited with my awesome brother Gabriel Christopher Darden, three more beautiful sisters, Gisele Marie Darden, Diedrick Alexandra Darden and Yvette Elaine Darden-Irving. All of you have been a true blessing to have in my life, and it would not have been possible without the kind and giving heart of my Mom, Barbara. In my early years, it was very special growing up with three beautiful and wonderful sisters; Monica Anne Darden, Michele Denise Darden-Smith, and Marla Colleen Wortz. You each are unique in your own special way and I have loved you unconditionally. Throughout my life, I have cherished the memories of our childhood. From going to church in Oakland, CA at Christ Holy Sanctified, to visiting both Grandmother Irby and my Grandfather Irby (Gramps), and Grandma Watts. It wasn’t until my later years that I understood why my Mom and ‘Daddy’ made my sisters and I attend church ALL the time. I believe they knew God would be in our hearts forever, because God never left me.
One of the most powerful messages I ever heard, was from Pastor Stanley Long of South Bay Community Church in Fremont, CA. In brief, he said, “some of us spend our whole lives trying to accomplish something to get to the top. We start climbing the ladder “rung by rung”, sometimes being frustrated wondering why we can’t make it to the top; but we continue climbing and climbing€¦ then “finally” one day we reach our goal and make it to the top, only to realize our ladder was leaning up against the wrong building”€¦.
For those of you I leave to cherish my memory, my Son, Ryan Andrew Darden, my ‘Mommy’ Barbara Jean Irby, my devoted friend, Elizabeth Tiapon, my two Step-Mom’s, Ruth Darden and Jeanette Wortz; my brother, Chris Darden and Solomon Wortz III, sisters, Monica Anne Darden-Batchelor, Michelle Denise Darden-Smith, Marla Colleen Wortz, Dorcas Wortz, Gisele Marie Darden, Diedrick Alexandra Darden, and Yvette Elaine Darden-Irving; my Aunts, Joanne M. Ikner, Betty, J. Irby, Christia B. Irby and Vivian McCathrion; my Uncles, Joe B. Irby, John L. Ikner and William Watts; a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, family, friends (and ‘Casper’).
Please don’t weep too long, for I am in a much better place. The pain that I kept from you is no more! The sadness I often expressed is gone, and my tears have been wiped away, I am with my Heavenly Father now and rejoicing forevermore. I held on as long as I could, and although I didn’t want to leave you, my time had come€¦ and on that glorious morning of Saturday July 1, 2017, around 6:20 AM, Jesus wrapped me in His loving arms and gently carried me to my Heavenly Home. I am now resting peacefully and all is well with my soul.
Sam Darden
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May you rest in Piece, a great friend and gentle man, never saw him without a smile on his face and a warm greeting….he will be missed
RIP Sam. You will be missed. You smile and your memory will last forever. Someday, I’ll see you again.
I’ll never forget all the times you’d coach me all those fridays, and how we’d always end up laughing. I wish I’d of seen you more but I’m so happy and grateful I got to know you and had the pleasure & privelage of being around you when I got to. Thank you for the laughs and all the tips, I’ll never forget you man. Rest in paradise Sam, love you buddy.
Sam you will be missed. Kids camp won’t be the same without you. May the angels welcome you into paradise
I only had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of times, but it was always with a bright smile and friendly conversation. I knew his name before meeting him, from posting his honor scores. I know his beautiful spirit will live long in the memories of his friends and family. Rest in Peace, much comfort to the family.
As I think back at your smile and laugh, you could always change a gloomy day, to make it so much nicer! Thank you for all your help the during the years we bowled the Sport League together. What a great teammate you were and what fun we had. Your great spirit willl be missed. Ivwish I could be there for you final goodbye. RIP Sam Darden, safe journey! <3
The world lost a wonderful man, father, coach, friend. Sam was an amazing, patient, loving man and coach. He always had a smile on his face no matter how much he was suffering. He was always ready to listen and offer words of encouragement. He loved his children and was so very proud of them. When his son was on leave and he introduced him to my son James and we also had the pleasure of meeting his daughter. He loved them so much. I could call Sam and he would meet us at the bowling alley and help James on difficult days. He would fill him with such joy and encouragement. I will miss you Sam! God bless you and your family always.
Sam you will forever be in our hearts and minds. You always had a bright infectious smile that always brought happiness to everyone who knew you, and in a bowling alley everyone knew you. Thanks for being a great friend and team mate who always knew where the line was when we struggled. We will miss you dearly Sam. May you rest in paradise, we love you buddy!
Sam you will forever be in my heart and in my mind I will miss you. Thank you for your love and friendship that you gave to me and my family, and all the fun times we had together bowling. You are truly going to me missed by many. Rest In Peace My Friend
I am so sorry to hear of my bowling buddy’s passing. Sam was a great bowler and truly kind and pleasant guy to be around; on and off the lanes. He and I bowled in Morgan Hill one summer ~20 years ago. It was a doubles league. We had a great session with one or both of us striking out in the 10th frame every time we needed it. Whenever we ran into each other after that summer, we always smiled and recalled the special summer league we shared. He will be missed. My prayers and condolences to his family. We lost a special man.
On behalf of the entire Memorial Tabernacle Church Family we offer our sincere prayers and condolence to the entire Darden and Wortz Families. May God give you strength during your hour of need.
Rest in Peace my friend. Your smile and your kindness will always be remembered.You will always be in the hearts of the ones you loved.
Sam – always a smile on your face and joyful words spoken. I am a better person for having you touch my life and will always remember your words of encouragement.
Words that will resonate with me – “good things happen to good people” (usually after a poorly deposited ball that ended up with a good result), “okay, okay check this out” (when providing some needed adjustment) and “there ya go” (when done well).
A touch of fists and “there ya go” my man – Godspeed on your journey!
Samuellllll, love you n will forever miss your smiling face n the humor we shared. You were always down to help always there with a ride whatever was needed. Making me really laugh at the same things. Rest now n know you will not b forgotten. Catch you in the rebound! Tree
Sam, you have always been a special person to MacKenzie and myself. The love, commitment, respect, humor that you shared with us will never be forgotten. You were a bright light in our lives and we will never forget you. We will love and remember you always, Sam. Goodnight, sweet prince. <3
All of the memories that I have of you my friend are filled with your graciousness and genuine affilibilty. You were always such a delight and you will genuinely be missed. I cannot begin to explain how much of a pleasure it was to bowl with and against you for all those years. The bowling world will never be the same. May you rest in peace my friend.
I can describe Sam with one word “GENTLEMAN”
Love you Sam. You are one of a kind. A man of character
true friendship, and always with a smile and a joke. You called
Courtney the Goddess and you played a game of chess with her at
the bowl. God bless you, I’ll forever miss you. Sending strength and prayers
to you family. â¤
What a pleasure and honor to have met you Sam!! All the sentiments shared in this guest book is truly a testament of a wonderful human being you are. You’ve touch many lives, you’ve shared your love of bowling to many and you were a loving son, husband, father and friend. Thank you for having been a part of our life even though for only a short while. We will miss you!
Words can not express how much of a pleasure it was to know you. Our time spend in a bowling alley was priceless. We had a lot of good laughs and a few tournaments. Im glad to say that you were such a great friend. You made sure that my business was always doing good. My candy dish will never be empty. Im sorry that you are gone, but glad to know that you are no longer in any pain. As I write this a tear comes to my eye and all i can think is you saying “Scotty, come on man, dont cry. I will always have you in my heart. I will miss you till we meet again.
Sam was such a kind, warm and patient man. He was fantastic with the kids and with anyone who needed help with bowling. He always greeted and encouraged others. Sam was a fun bowling team mate for my husband who enjoyed bowling with both Sam and his son. Rest easy Sam, as you will be remembered by so many as one of the good ones.
Sam,
I miss you and love you, may you rest in peace!
My most precious son, every moment of each day, since you departed this life — my tears keep filling my eyes. Then, unexpectedly they roll down my face and I can’t stop them. I thank God for the 58 years of joy unspeakable we shared. Our love for each other will live forever and one day I will join you. Love you. Missing you and I thank God for the honor of giving birth and raising THE BEST SON EVER. — Mommy
Dear Sam, You have been the most faithful friend. I will love you forever. I will miss our phone calls and the stories we have told each other. You were the best dad ever to my grandson, Ryan. Aside from being a great friend and wonderful father, you were the best person I have ever known. God Bless You and rest in piece.
Although I did not know Sam, knowing his baby sister Marla and seeing her speak of him and so many others speak of him, I realize he was one of Gods favored jewels.
To the family and all his friends, the heart wants what the heart wants although we know God is in full control and knows exactly what he is doing. Rest also on the fact that God gave you a jewel and although you may not physically see or hear him you have memories that has forever changed your minds. You have memories that will make you smile. The memories that make you smile will change the world continuously. Marla you know that I love you and I will always have your back. I am praying with and for you all. Be blessed… RIParadise Sam
Sam and I knew each other from high school. I remember a person who was always so kind to me and that his broad smile would make my day. Recently, I tried contacting Sam for our upcoming 40th hs reunion, our only contact was a disconnected phone number to and only to sadly find out he just passed away.
Sam, we may have lost touch through the years but your kindness and friendship during hs had never left me. You leave such a legacy through your son and through the love you bestowed upon your family and friends who loved and supported you throughout your life. You were blessed beyond what many experience in a lifetime and although you left us so soon, I know you continue to do good work, reuniting with friends and family in the beyond and you are finally free from pain. I so look forward to the day on meeting you again and being welcomed by your warm, broad smile.
I only found out today that my dear friend Sam who I always called “Sam the Man” passed away on July 1st. I loved Sam like a brother…he was a wonderful man, friend, father and all around awesome person. Sam and I shared several memories together and he will never be forgotten. He was one of the most kindest man I knew…rest in peace my beautiful friend, until we meet again.
Dearest Sam,
I just wanted to write this letter to let you know how much I care for you and what you mean to me and my entire family. You have and will always have a special place in my heart. You are the sweetest and dearest man I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. We are all so devastated about what you are going through. Next to Danny, you are the one man my kids admire and love more than any other man other than their husbands. You have always had a presence and impact in our lives even though we have been miles apart. I so regret we haven’t visited you more often when we were in the Bay Area. I believed we would have many more years with you. The years have just gone by so fast. I totally understand your not wanting to have visitors. I would feel the same way if I were in your place. Hence, I am writing to you to let you know how deeply you have impacted our lives.
I’m so grateful you have Ryan, Marla and Liz in your life at this time. They are a great support system. I will never forget that you were once my dearest support when I was pregnant with Stacie and going through one of the most difficult times in my life when Danny abandoned us. You were there, such a sweet shoulder to cry on when I needed it the most. I wish I could be there for you now, but you are in the best of hands. and please know that I am there with you in spirit. I think of you daily and pray for you nightly. My heart aches every time I think of what you are going through and then it fills with joy remembering how lucky we are to have you in our lives.
I remember you coaching this 129 average bowler to bowl her best scratch series ,595, in winter league at Mission Lanes. I can’t believe I ended up with the High Scratch Series for league that winter. Linda Humphries usually won it. I still have and cherish that trophy and the memories of you that it brings. I know you deny this, but I had the honor of scoring for you when you were practicing and watched you throw 36 strikes in a row. Amazing! Three 300 games in a row. You were the best of the best and remained so humble. We had so many good times bowling. I still can’t believe you never went pro. All of our old bowling buddies like Cheryl, Linda and Gary, Janet are all praying for you and were so sad to hear of your illness.
You have raised a sweet, adorable little boy into an amazing young man. How could he not be be? Ryan is after all, your son. I wish we had spent more time with him as he was growing up, but cherish the memories of when he was a little man and how wonderful you were with him. I know you are so very proud of him and he adores you. My hearts breaks most of all for him, but he is one of the luckiest young men on earth to have you as a father.
I am going to miss you so much, Sammy. My entire family will miss you, especially Tinka, Stacie and Nick and of course, Danny. You are his dearest friend. I am sure you have many who feel that same way. Honest truth, Sam, I have never heard anybody say a negative thing about you. You are so beloved by all whose lives you have touched They are all heartbroken and praying for you. You are such a strong man, never complained, never wanting anybody to see your pain. My only solace is knowing that you are a man of faith and truly believe there is an afterlife. Knowing that you will be with our Lord Jesus Christ.You are blessed with such a sweet, sweet and kind soul. I believe we have many lives, but yet one soul and that we have spirit families. I pray to God that we will once again be in each others lives, but in another place, time and vessel.
It has been an honor and one of my greatest blessings to have known and loved you, Samuel Darden . I love you with all of my heart as a friend and family. This world will be a little darker without your beautiful face and spirit, but was oh such much the better for having you for the precious short time we have. I will remember and think of you always with a smile in my heart and thankful for having known the amazing man you are. I will wait for that day when we are together again in paradise and hopefully again on earth. Save me a seat, sweetie and say lots of prayers for me, because I am going to need plenty of help to get to where you’re going.
I love you, Sam, now, always and forever,
Jo-Dee