In Memoriam.ca - Always in our hearts

  • Carol Bloor lit a candle on 09/06/2020:
    "Darwin, you are remembered and treasured. Carol"

  • Miriam Evan Sherris lit a candle on 09/07/2020:
    "We were speechless when Sandy called to tell us Darwin had passed away! We still can’t believe it. Just a few short weeks ago we were all hanging around our kitchen having a cocktail and telling stories. One is never prepared for losing a spouse, especially when it is so unexpected. We can not imagine how Sandy is feeling, let alone managing the curve ball life has thrown her. Darwin was a great friend and summer time neighbour. We were blessed and privileged to know him and able to share a few of life’s experiences together; he will truly be missed. With love at this sad time, Miriam & Evan Sherris"

  • Kevin Marg Sandst lit a candle on 09/10/2020:
    "Our hearts and thoughts are with Sandy at this difficult time. We are still in shock from hearing the heartbreaking news of Darwin's passing. We have enjoyed many laughter filled dinner parties and get together's over the years.He and Sandy have been wonderful neighbors in the Okanagan. We will miss him dearly. Rest in peace Darwin. Kevin & Marg Sandst "

About him

Darwin Luft

Darwin Luft

Born: October 27th, 1955

Passed on: August 31st, 2020

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Darwin Laurie Luft, of Calgary, Alberta.

Darwin was born October 27, 1955, in Didsbury, Alberta. He passed away August 31, 2020, at the age of 64, at his summer home in Vernon, British Columbia.

Darwin spent the majority of his childhood in Olds, Alberta, where his parents owned and operated an autobody repair shop and where he honed his great love of tools and all things DIY.

He graduated from Olds Junior Senior High School in 1973, and went directly into the School of Engineering at the University of Calgary.

Darwin’s long career in engineering in the oil and gas industry began with Dome Petroleum in Estevan, Saskatchewan followed by positions in Calgary, Grande Prairie, Rocky Mountain House and back to Calgary. Dome was eventually purchased by Talisman Energy, from which Darwin retired in 2011 as VP of Mergers and Acquisitions.

He enjoyed all things sports, including scuba diving, skiing, cycling, golfing and working out. He approached his hobbies with the same boundless exuberance as with the other aspects of his life. He had logged a thousand kilometers on his bicycle this summer alone. He and his wife Sandra have travelled the world together in their retirements, visiting 50+ countries over the years. Darwin took up underwater photography while diving and when given a digital camera by Sandy for their 25th anniversary, he turned to digital travel photographs to capture the highlights and cultures of the places they visited. If interested, his photos can be viewed at www.imagesbydarwin.smugmug.com. He was also a member of APEGA, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta.

Darwin will be greatly missed for his energetic personality, business sense and laughter that was truly infectious. He was always available to lend a helping hand and a kind heart to anyone who needed it. He was known to his neighbors as the one who shoveled the walks in the winter, and repaired the lawn mowers in the summer.

He is survived by his wife Sandra, whom he married in 1985. They spent 35 happy years together, until his passing; and by his sister, Brenda (Cy) in Enderby, British Columbia. He will also be deeply missed by his cousins Randy (Vancouver, Washington), Lynn (Auburn, California), Kevin (Didsbury, Alberta), Darin (Yellowknife, NWT), Kristi (Didsbury, Alberta) and Stacey (Didsbury, Alberta); as well as nieces and nephews, Ben (Sylvan Lake, Alberta), Bonnie (Port Moody, BC), Luke (Comox, BC) and Alyssa (Ottawa, Ontario).

He was predeceased by his parents Don and Jane Luft of Olds, and numerous aunts and uncles.

Given the current Coronavirus situation, Darwin’s family have decided to forego a celebration of his life for the moment. A memorial to Darwin has been created and can be viewed at darwinluft.inmemoriam.ca. Expressions of condolence as well as photos and memories can be left there as well.

For those wishing to make a tribute to Darwin’s life, donations can be made to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation, at www.heartandstroke.ca.