Obituaries

TARVES, Howitt Darrol

It is with great sadness that the family of Darrol Howitt Tarves announces his passing on June 30th, at the age of 91 years. Pre deceased by his parents, Howitt & Freda, and his siblings Blair, Jamie, June, and Gary, he will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 69 years, Iris, and his children, Darcy, Danny, Oscar and Holly Frankin (Rick). He will forever hold a special place in the hearts of his grandchildren, Jarrod Gies, Avery Trent (Rob), Jordy Tarves (Michelle), Kim David (Aaron), David Frankin (Blair) and his great grandchildren Ben, Myles, Ryan and Jordan. He will also be remembered dearly by the Frankin, Gies, and Patton families, and the rest of the Tarves family tree.

He was born in Calgary, Alberta on August 1st, 1927. It was on this day that the world became a little bit brighter. He was a go-getter even in his youth and his many adventures and friendships were the main topics at many a Sunday dinner. It was also here that he met the love of his life, Iris, and started his family. He was a dedicated and loving father that tried his best to instill the many qualities he held in high regard--honesty, integrity, fairness, and compassion, plus a healthy dose of you can do anything if you believe in yourself and there is no such word as can't and if life hands you a lemon make lemonade. Above all, he believed laughter was the key to life.
He tried numerous careers before settling into real estate--his passion. He built a wonderful life in Calgary as a realtor, charming many people with his charisma and zest for life. His slogan Happy Deals was his legacy not only in real estate but in the way he dealt with everything! In 1965, he moved his family to the sunny Okanagan, where after many successful years in real estate he managed to build the family estate Tarves Ponds in the Hall Rd. area and finally achieved his ultimate dream of opening his own company Associated Realty. He loved the life he built in Kelowna, making many life-long friends, and colleagues.

Darrol was involved with a variety of organizations, including The Central Okanagan Lions Club where he served for numerous years (one year as president), and The Lonely Loons Fly Fishing Club of Kelowna. Aside from his social clubs, Darrol was an avid fisherman, a nature lover, picture taker (sort of) and someone who thrived in the company of friends and family. Life to him was always an adventure and he was forever exploring the upper mountain lakes with his camper loaded up with Iris and numerous grandkids. His belly-boat and fly fishing skills were handed down to them, and are now being passed on to his Great grandchildren. Some of the fondest memories made included hotdogs, Smores, and constant laughter around the campfire.

Throughout his life, no matter what he was dealt, including hearing loss, he never let anything stop his love for life. In all his tougher times he handled his life and his family with nothing but a positive and upbeat attitude. He never indulged in self-pity, and always wore a smile that could melt even the most hard-hearted. In his 91 years, Darrol spread his kindness and charm wherever he went. If you knew him, chances are you will never forget him.

An informal celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, August 3rd from 1:00pm-4:00pm at Rusty's Sports Lounge, 1525 Dilworth Drive in Kelowna. Please drop in to share a story or memory about Darrol.

Condolence Messages

Jul 24, 2019
To Iris and Family - So many good memories and funny stories from the Lonely Loon fishouts. Sorry to hear of Darrol's passing - he did so well and was an inspiration to others, always with such good humour and he was very good at reading lips as well. We will miss him - Our thoughts are with you.

Susan and Gary McLaughlin
Jul 23, 2019
Darcy, Iris and Family,

Many good memories of Darrol when we worked together in the real estate industry. I remember when he wanted to buy my truck, We agreed on $5,000. and then he asked me what my phone number was. It was 9-4780. He wrote me a cheque for the $4780 instead of the $5000. (I think he still had that truck.) What a guy, always wheeling and dealing. A very special person he was.

R.I.P

Linda Mitchell
Jul 15, 2019
Oh Darrol, what an unique man you were. You will be missed by everyone who knew you. What humour and wit you were blessed with.

Iris, Darcy, Oscar and Holly and the entire Tarves family, my sincere condolences. The memories stay in our hearts forever.

Warmest regards, Don Bifford
Jul 14, 2019
Iris, Darcy & family. Sorry for the loss of your husband, dad & grandpa. We have many memories of great times with lonely loons & many fishouts! Darroll was "larger than life" & his sense of humour kept the party going! Hugs, Jim & Liz Wilkison
Jul 13, 2019
Dear Iris and family, our paths crossed when Darrel and Jim were members of the Lonely Loons Flyfishing club. We had some wonderful outings, also the auctions were fun! Both Darrel and Jim lived wonderful rich lives, who knows, maybe they are fishing in the Great Blue Sky!

My sincere condolences, Bitten Tisdale.
Jul 11, 2019
Iris and Holly,

I'll never forget our evenings together in the Frankin home where Darrol was an absolute joy to be around. Non stop laughs! He was a ferocious young spirit and gentle kind guy. Sending lots of love to you both during this time.

-Karli Holy (formerly known as Karli Witzke of the Witzke Twins!)
Jul 09, 2019
To the Darcy and the Tarves family, our thoughts and prayers go out to you. I also was in real estate at the same time as Darrol.

Peter and Justina Duke
Jul 09, 2019
I send my condolences with a tear in my eye Iris, Darcy and family.

Darrol was a true legend and one of a kind.

Mike Fredrickson
Jul 09, 2019
Iris & Darcy & Family, thinking of all the good times we enjoyed with you in the past when Real Estate was our lifestyle. Darrol lived a good life to the fullest. May he rest in peace.

Brian & Darlene Morris
Jul 09, 2019
My heartfelt condolences to Rick and Holly and Darcy and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers today and in the days ahead.

Respectfully,

David Burgin
Jul 09, 2019
Iris, Darcy and all family members.

Remember Darrol well from the early 80's onward till his retirement.

Condolences to all...

David Langton
Jul 08, 2019
Iris, Darcy and family,,,,Darrol always had a smile and a chuckle with every greeting that simply made you feel special. Your smile is missed...RIP Darrol. Jim and Sylvia
Jul 08, 2019
So sorry.

Ted Strange
Jul 08, 2019
Iris and family, we are saddened to hear of Darrol's passing. His smile, sense of humour and his love of life and family are a wonderful legacy. Our thoughts go out to all of you with love and sympathy.

Nick, Sue van Hees and family.
Jul 08, 2019
Iris, and Family. Sending hugs and hopes you will find comfort in your memories.

Thinking of you all. Linda Martin
Jul 08, 2019
I always had a good uplifting chat with Darrol, and I am sure we did the odd deal;in my Real Estate days in Kelowna in the '70s. My condolences to Iris and Family. Dennis Denney
Jul 08, 2019
My Dear Family...there are so many memories. Long before you "youngsters" were born. Dad, Stan Frankin, went to school with Darrol in Calgary. Then, fast forward to the 1970's, when, low and behold, Darrol and Iris move in just down the street from Stan. Lol. Fun times at the Macquinna Rd homestead.

My heart goes out to all of you for the loss of a loving, teasing, fun, sweet man.

Love Heather Bauer
Jul 08, 2019
To the Tarves family, please accept my sincerest condolences. I worked in real estate at the same time as Darrol and shared many coffee breaks in the little coffee shop between the offices we worked in on Bernard Ave back in the '70s.

Gerri Cottle