Darby James Lindsay Grove of Freeland passed away Nov. 30, 2010 after a long, upright fight with cancer. Never one to complain, Darby chose to enjoy fresh air and laughs with friends and family until his final moments.

He was born Oct. 2, 1953. A carpenter by trade, Darby loved to work with his hands, milling lumber and rebuilding motorcycles. He also enjoyed smoking salmon, ribs, roasts and chops that he served at his annual “Townies Go Home” Labor Day potluck, ironically attended by many non-Whidbey residents.

In 2009, he surprised guests at his party with cedar Adirondack chairs to take home. Darby milled the lumber and built the chairs by hand with his buddy Jeff. It was just one of many examples of his generous spirit.

Darby was preceded in death by his brothers Patrick and Malcolm. He is survived by his daughter Sara Grove and his sisters Barbara Grove, Io Jane Patricia Grove, Kathryn Francis TalMaja Vasquez (Raul and their sons Samuel, Manuel, Roberto) and Clarica Grove.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate the life of Darby Grove this Sunday, Dec. 12, at a 2 p.m. potluck at the M-Bar-C Ranch in Freeland (http://www.m-bar-c.org). You are also invited to share photos and remembrances at http://darbygrove.com.