Darrell Dehart Memorial Site
We remember our friend and colleague...
Click here to submit your thoughts and memories
from Jason Dehart:
My name is Jason Dehart I am Darrell's son. I am so proud to be able to say that even though he is gone no one can ever take that away from me. Do you think he was ever hard on you? Well I bet he was but I hope it made each and every one of you a better person. Because I know he made me not just a better person but he made me a man. Not everyone gets a dad like that and no one has ever had a dad like mine.
Thank you all for your kind words and your prayers, it is so nice to know my dad touched all of you in one way or another. If you ever met him consider yourself lucky; if you had not met him I am sorry, you missed the kindest most carring man I have ever and will ever know.
from Edna Dehart:
Darrell was my whole world. The pain Jason and I are going to have to endure seems unbearable. I would appreciate your indulgence in letting me say a few words. I always told Darrell he had the greatest respect and admiration of the people in life that he dealt with. He would argue with me that he was not trying to "win friends and influence people". He was trying to live a life that his parents would be proud of. His straight forward demeanor didn't always set well with others at first. When you got to know him, you realized that he would not expect anything from you that he didn't feel you weren't capable of. He was a very good judge of character. He was always pushing himself more and more because there just wasn't enough time in this life for him to get everything done. He felt all of us could do amazing things if we had the passion for it. The world and Jason and I are better off for him being with us this short time.
I would just like to share one story since Shanda and Dan mentioned the "green mashed potatos". Darrell and I were married less than two years. He got home from work before me and made supper for us. Never wanting to do just the ordinary, he made me green mashed potatoes. He put green food coloring in the potatoes and a lot of salt. I thought they were perfect and told him so. Thank you for helping me keep this memory alive. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to talk about him. And most of all thank you all for your kind words. It will be a tremendous source of comfort for mine and Jason's broken hearts.
from Paul Meli Jr., Enviroline Group:
In the 50 years that I have been in the coating business, I found Darrell to be one of the most intelligent, articulate, hard working, honest, ethical people I have had the pleasure of knowing. His laser-like focus made me as a chemist and formulator, better at what I do. He was always challenging me and the Enviroline Group to make us better at what we did and for that we are forever grateful and respectful.
from Paul Meli III:
At the end of my days as an orthopaedic surgeon, I would call my father to see how things were going at Enviroline. He would invariably tell me about new opportunities and challenges that were presented by Darrell. Darrell was always encouraging my father to develop new technologies and new methods to make him a better chemist and make Enviroline a better organization. His energy and passion for the coating business was truly inspirational. He will be greatly missed. We send our condolences to all of his family and friends.
from Richard Meli:
Darrell taught us the "Texas way" of thinking about things. We never knew what green mashed potatoes were until we met Darrell. He was truly as professional, hardworking, honest, and passionate as everyone has said. He will be greatly missed by us both personally and professionally.
from Mark George, Cloverdale Paint:
I had the opportunity to meet Darrell during a training seminar in Calgary Alberta.I got to talk with Darrell after the seminar talking about different applications as well his experiences.We even talked about his involvement with the local airport. You were a true gentleman.
from Glenn Matthews:
I'm sitting here thinking about all the things I could say about my dear friend Darrell. Most of it has already been said by friends, co-workers and family. Having known Darrell for the last eleven years, both professionally and personally, I have a lot of memories of him. I'll hold on to those memories and not say "Goodbye, Old Friend"; but, rather, "I'll see you later". We'd been involved on tank lining projects too numerous to mention, going back to his days as Tech Service Rep at Devoe. If I ever needed someone to bounce a problem off of regarding a tank lining issue, I called Darrell. We've both been in this business way too long. But, our "personal" friendship is what I think of first. Fishing trips, shooting matches; those are the things I remember. He was fiercely competitive! We usually shot matches to a draw, but a couple times I beat him. Once with a pistol he sold me! That hurt him! And, he was shooting a rifle, so it really hurt! He loved the AR-15, I love the AK-47. He loved the 1911 pistol, I love the Glock. We had many spirited conversations about those things. I was looking forward to being his "gunfighting" instructor in a class I teach. I guess we'll have to put that off for awhile, Old Pard. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Edna and Jason, and the rest of Darrell's family. I know he will be sorely missed. There will always be an emptiness in my heart, due to his untimely passing; but I'm a better man for having been his friend. Darrell Dehart had a heart as big as Texas. Texans have a saying. "He'll do to ride the river with." That's saying you can put your trust in a man; he'll cover your back in a tight spot. Darrell was that kind of man. I've ridden the river with him. Someday, I'll do it again. I'll see you later, My Dear Friend.
from Tony Altmann, Enviroline CEO:
Darrell was one of a kind in every way you can think of. I knew he would challenge everything from the inside out from the minute I met him almost four years ago. He epitomized the free spirit and independence that not only represents Texas but the spirit of this country. He was a straight shooter's straight shooter. He was hard on himself and hard on those who did not value hard work and integrity as much as he did. I always knew he had both our customers and our company in his heart no matter how he delivered the message. You always had to think twice if the 'Big D' was passionate about an issue, as he often was. He was always very thoughtful and insightful about how to approach business and customers (and people) and had a true passion for service to our customers that is rarely seen. He was truly a fine man with real passions in life which showed through in all the things he did-from flying to coatings you knew where he stood and you respected his position because it was always well conceived and considered in only the way DD could do it. He was a real asset to Enviroline and he will be sorely missed--we send our condolences to all who knew and enjoyed his spirit as we did.
from Elfriede Willson:
Darrell started working at Enviroline shortly after I did, and I can honestly say that he is a soul I will never forget. He always had a story to tell about his hunting trips, his flying - he was a pleasure to work with, always honest yet kind. I learned a lot from him about living your life on your own terms, about strength, about speaking your mind when it's important, about being real. My heart aches for his family.
from Teri B. Bergeron, Turner Industries Group, LLC:
As a buyer and office manager for the past 20 years with Turner indsutries, I can honestly say, Darrell was by far one of the most pleasant salesman I've ever dealt with. I guess you might call him "old fashioned" because he believed in putting his customers needs first. I can remember one time Darrell was in Houston and we were expecting a shipment on a Friday afternoon that did not arrive. Darrell picked up the product in Houston and personally drove it to Lake Charles to meet us, so we could finish our job on time. He defintely went above and beyond his call of duty to to help a customer. He was a man of integrity! May God comfort his family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time.
from Joe Petruzzelli, Enviroline Plant Manager:
I was introduced to Darrell when he first came aboard. Right off the bat I knew we had something in common…..we both loved the outdoors! Whenever we made a special coating for Darrell, I would call him to let him know the characteristics. He would always say “Don’t worry Joe, I will make it work”! I’m sure he is telling God, “Don’t worry I’ll make it work”. It was that kind of positive attitude that made him the person he is. He will always be in our hearts.
from Ken Jones, RE-CAL Services Inc.:
Darrell was more than an employee, he was a true friend. Darrell loved flying, he would put on shows for kids from the local schools and churches. That meant more to him than it probably did for the kids. He would say just seeing the kids smile and laugh would give him such great pleasure. That was what Darrell was about. Giving to everyone around him, not recieving anything in return. Most of us will always say that we will help, then we always have some excuse not to follow thru. Not Darrell, he was always the first to help with what ever someone needed.
Darrell was hard on people he cared for. He wouldn't let you just get by. Just as he never wanted his self to just get by. He wanted to be the best he could at what ever he did. Darrell didn't let life come to him, he went and got life and lived it to the fullest.
Every one of us at RE-CAL will miss Darrell, just as everyone that knew him. He was one of those guys that you meet maybe once in a lifetime, if you're lucky. Darrell believed in God, and I know that he had prayed with the people there at the accident scene. Just know that Darrell Dehart is in Heaven, and I'm sure he is trying to take everyone that wants to for a plane ride.
from Clayton Jumonville, Turner Industries Group, LLC :
Darrell was a friend of our business and always a pleasure. The real value of my interaction with Darrell is not in the paint sold or the jobs performed, but in the relationship built. I am truly sorry for this loss to his family and the coatings industry. My sincere prayers are extended.
from Randy M. Fair, System Coating Inspector, Boardwalk Pipelines:
I agree with all the things that Darrell’s friends, customers and co-works have said. Darrell was an outstanding individual and will be missed by everyone that had the privilege of knowing him. I truly enjoyed being around Darrell on the job as well as off the job. Along with the story about the Wasabi, I enjoyed the stories about his pet dog Willie. My prayers go out to the Darrell’s family.
from George Reichardt, former Enviroline Sales Representative:
Darrell was my very good friend and a great guy. He will be deeply missed.
from Kevin McGinley:
I was saddened to learn of the death of Darrell Dehart. Although I knew him for only a short time I found Darrell to be helpful, extremely knowledgeable and professional. Surely everyone in the Enviroline Group will miss him dearly. My sincerest condolences go out to his family.
from Michael Molonon, Enviroline Chief Financial Officer:
Darrell was a great man, even if he would never admit to it. He was often hard headed, but always had a soft heart (don't tell him I said that). When we disagreed, we had a mutual respect for each other that allowed for the right outcome. He'd be angry with you one day and the next day he'd drop everything to help you out. He was always full of life and had a story to make you laugh even if you were just calling to ask a question. Darrell, I will miss you greatly and am thankful that I knew you. Happy Flyings!
from Damon Kovacs, Golden State Paint:
I only saw Darrel occasionally during the Enviroline annual sales meeting but he has gone out of his way on multiple occasions to help me out with product recommendations and technical issues. He was fun to talk to and made me feel like a friend. I am glad to have had the opportunity to be associated with him. My prayers and condolences to his wife and children at their time of loss.
from Warren Brand, Chicago Tank Lining Sales, Inc:
Please accept our most sincere sympathies on the loss of a good friend. From
Warren, Ken and all of us at Chicago Tank Lining.
from Lynda Mink, Dow Chemical Company:
I would like to express my sincere condolences to Darrell's family, friends and co-workers. I have known Darrell for many years and truly appreciated his knowledge in the coatings/linings field and his dedication to his customers. He will be missed by all !!!!
from David R. Sparkman, Team Industrial Svcs.:
I worked with Darrell for several years. He had an excellent work ethic and was splendid company on and off the job. Darrell often had good advice to share about linings, and life in general. He was the sort of fellow that you knew would tell it like it was, and, he was never slow with a compliment. I appreciate Darrell and will miss him.
from Dan Larrington, Enbridge:
Knowing Darrell for the last few years has truly been my pleasure. He enjoyed every minute and I enjoyed all of his stories. As I read Shanda's post, where she shared the Wasabi story, I had to laugh again, as I have laughed many times about his "Green Mashed Potatoes". I have to echo many of the comments that have been posted, Always there for anyone who had a need. Would do anything for his customers, Loved his family, his pets, his plane and life.
Darrell will be deeply missed by many including myself. Our prayers go out to Darrell's family.
from Eddie Hutto, BP Pipelines N.A. Inc.:
Darrel was a kind gentleman who went out of his way to assure that his customers were getting what they needed. I enjoyed Darrell's company and we loved to talk about flying and airplanes. Just last week. I had the opertunity to run the clock and keep score at the National Little Dribblers Basketball Tournament here in Levelland Texas. The first game I worked was for the All Star Team from Elkhart, TX. First thing I asked the coach, Do you know Darrell Dehart. He replied yeah real nice guy who used to run the Phillips 66 place. We shared the same opinion of Darrell. Heck of a nice guy. I know his family will be proud of all the wonderful comments about those he touched. I am honored to have known him.
from Albert Knopf, Enviroline West Coast Territory Manager:
It is with heavy heart that I say goodbye to a friend and mentor. Although I have been in the industry a long time I could always call on Darrell for his technical knowledge and advice and learn something new (and as a treat you got his opinion on something too!). He was warm, compassionate, humorous and a leader. I, as we all, will miss him.
from Teresa Valdes, Enviroline Regional Sales & Marketing Manager:
I started with Enviroline about 4 years ago. I new very little about the coating industry and my first experience with sales, coatings and application was Darrell. Talk about intense. I have never met anybody so passionate about what he did. He was an excellent Sales person, but above all very humanitarian with his customers. There was nothing Darrell would not do for his customers and Enviroline. I would like to thank him once again for teaching me not only about coatings and applications, but most importantly for teaching perseverance, endurance and plenty of patience. God Bless you Darrell!
from Felix DeVita, Enviroline Technical Director:
All of us at Enviroline are deeply sadden by the sudden loss of Darrell. He was a most remarkable individual, well respected in the industry, and very dedicated to his profession. I will fondly remember him and regard his passing as a deeply personal loss. We can all take a measure of comfort in knowing that he is up in the clouds, a place he always enjoyed being in his plane.
from Cathie Behar, Enviroline Assistant Controller:
I worked with Darrell for only three short years. When Darrell called the office - he always made me smile! Darrell was funny, sweet and kind - and will be so missed. Enviroline will never be the same without you, Darrell.
from Lourdes Matos, Enviroline Customer Service Specialist:
My most harmonious, comforting, and healing thoughts for all the hurting hearts to a great loss. May all the peace warmly embrace his family and friends and the most profound blessing to Darrell in his new home. With love, Lourdes
from Marti Mirisola, Enviroline Purchasing Agent:
Darrell was a fun guy who was living life to the fullest. He followed his dreams and made them reality. Darrell was a great representative of Enviroline, a friend to us all, and he will be sorely missed.
from Michael McGlamry, Enviroline Technical Service Specialist:
I considered Darrell Dehart a very good friend. You always knew exactly where you stood with him because he would let you know. He had a very big heart once you got past his external shell. He always had a place in his heart for animals. He was the one person that could always make me laugh. Darrell lived life to the fullest. My thoughts and prayers go out to Edna and the rest of the lives that Darrell has touched.
from Shanda Lee, former Enviroline Sales & Marketing Director:
I remember Darryl as such a character. He made a lot of people think he was just a good ole country boy but he was one of the savviest people you'll ever meet. He could talk to just about anybody - about anything. He could figure out how to fix a $50,000 spray pump using a paperclip and duct tape but don't take him to a Japanese restaurant. At one of our sales meetings a few years ago he mistook a mound of wasabi for mashed potatoes. There was steam coming out of his ears, but he took it in stride. He just said that "those green potatoes were really not to his liking" as we all rolled with laughter.
Darryl was tough too and had a bit of a temper. When I was first put into the position of being his "boss" he wasn't thrilled. With my first directive that didn't really suit him - he quit. Then he quit again. And again. But eventually we figured out how to communicate with each other and discovered that we both could learn from each other. Probably me more from him, but he would never tell you that. The adversity brought us closer together in business and in friendship. Over the past few years even though we went in different directions on the business front we have stayed close through our friendship. He was a good man with a big heart and he is going to be truly missed by many, especially me.
To read the news release of Darrell Dehart's death, click here .
|
