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Buddy Darden's life celebrated at memorial service
Over 200 friends and family gathered Saturday at Wakefield Country Day school in Flint Hill to celebrate the life of Buddy Darden whose sudden death May 13 saddened many in the Rappahannock community.Darden, 55, was a senior architect and project manager at the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons in Washington, D.C.
But to those who spoke during the memorial service he was more than that, especially to Richard Lykes, a freelance photographer for the Rappahannock News.
“Buddy was my best friend and partner for nearly 21 years,”Lykes told the gathering . “I mourn his passing but rejoice in the legacy of his life . . . .”
One by one, friends walked up to a stage with a podium draped in a stunning floral arrangement of white hydrangeas and greens, and shared fond memories of Darden as a friend, a neighbor, and as a professional. Some included humorous anecdotes in their remembrances.
“I remember his innate dignity and gentleness of character, his graciousness and those beautiful smiling blue eyes that lit up his face,” said Denise Chandler who along with her husband, Donald, of Washington shared many social occasions with Darden and Lykes.
“. . .most of all I remember Buddy and his contagious laughter,” said Julie Portman, founder of Ki Theatre recounting how Darden built a stage set for a Chekhov play and hosted, along with Lykes, a Soup and Soul at their Vista Hermosa home in Flint Hill.
“I will miss Buddy more than anything else in the world,” said Fran Krebser of Flint Hill who is a close friend. “He was a saint.”
“Buddy didn't just visit this world,” said Barbara Adolfi of Sperryville. “He lived it.”
“For me personally, I shall always remember . . . the elegance of his being,” said Joyce Abell, a friend and playwright.
Chuck Procaccini, a colleague at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, said Darden was a “talented” architect who cared about people.
“He was the epitome of class and the Bureau of Prisons will not be the same without him,” he said.
One of the most poignant moments was when Donald Chandler on guitar sang a song entitled, “My Buddy” which he said he rearranged.
Linda Orfila led the audience in singing “Amazing Grace” and Nan Butler Roberts sang the spiritual, “Precious Lord Take My Hand” which the Rev. Jennings Hobson III said was “powerful” when he thanked her.
Charlie Currence, a friend and farmer from Winchester, who met Darden and Lykes years ago when he needed more land to make hay, wrote a letter that was read by the Rev. Jon Heddleston.
“The farm will seem empty without Buddy. . . but I am sure he'll be there overlooking the farm with the same smile he wore.”
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