Chris Darrow passed away on July 20 in Massachusetts. He lived on the island from the 70’s on and most remember him as a carpenter and musician. He moved back east about 10 years ago to be close to his mom and siblings and worked in the Union. He was in a Quebecois band called “Le Coin Voillant” and played the piano and accordion for the French-Irish band. His mom says he started playing little tunes as just a little boy climbing up on the piano bench. He was a kind, happy man who has touched many lives.
Chris was born to Joe Lee and Kitty Sue on July 4, 1953 in Los Angeles. He was a true Boy Scout and always packed “the 10 essentials”. He has many fond memories of hiking with his father throughout the Sierra Madres and other ranges. Chris always loved to play instruments too and was in many garage bands. His father passed away when Chris was just 13 and he then became more involved with music. Their mother moved them to Massachusetts then.
He hitched out west when he was young and found work on the Island at Wax Orchards like many did back then. He had an old black cruiser with fins that he and his friends could ride all over the island for only 50 cents. He got jobs building and helped with the Thriftway center and others. He bought some land on Wax Orchards Rd. and built a house. Marshal Sohl said he found the water source with rods like a water witch. He washed dishes with Bob the Baker at Sound foods and they rode skateboards down Gold beach hill. He started building boats with friends and playing stand up base in jazz bands. He played at the Blue Heron then. He had curly brown hair and rosy cheeks. He had a twinkle in his eye and he walked a little crooked from carpentry. Remember Chris?
Aside from building on Vashon, Chris was a peace activist in Seattle and Tacoma during the war in El Salvador. He believed in non-violence, liberation, revolution, poetry and the transformative power of the mind, and love. He played us music and for awhile we could float with him there, lifting us from time and space. He became to like Buddhism very much lately, spending most of his time at retreats learning about love, impermanence, and the “natural goodness” that can be found in all beings. Dad you left me many great tools for this life. Please wait for me and please keep playing music. We love you more than you ever could imagine. A nice potluck for Chris will be in November, and all are invited. Bring your instruments and stories please. You can contact Jolee Bell at wildflowerbee@yahoo.com
