Darrel David Unrau

November 18, 1960 – December 7, 2023 

Darrel’s life didn’t start off very strong. He was born to a drug addicted, alcoholic mother. As a result, he had alcohol and drug issues all his life. This eventually destroyed his health from the inside out.

Darrel grew up on a farm in Morris, Manitoba, where he had worked since he was 9 years old, and it was a hard life. When he was between the ages of 9 and 10, he was involved in a horrible accident where a car hit him when he was crossing to get to school. He was in a coma for 3 weeks, and he almost lost his leg. It had to be pinned together.

Shortly after this his family moved to Winnipeg because his dad bought a barber shop, located at 398 Talbot Avenue. It was a profitable move.

Darrel got involved with the social life, where he enjoyed rollerblading, music, bars, cars and eventually girls. When Darrel got older, he became interested in fiberglass work, and home renovations. He became a perfectionist with his painting, drywall, roofing and insulation.

Darrel was a born leader and always led a work crew. Around 2009, he fell off a roof when shingling and broke his spine. He was lucky to have survived this accident, but his life was never the same. He couldn’t work after this. He still enjoyed watching sports on TV, like the Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bombers.

Darrel was known as “happy” to all his Elwood friends, but behind closed doors he was not very happy. Darrel was known for his big smile, deep baritone voice and his deep belly laugh. He loved the social life, as we didn’t know he had so many friends until they all came visiting towards the end.

A special thank you to all the doctors and nurses at Concordia 3rd floor Est, who waited on Darrel and looked after him and made sure he was comfortable. Another thank you to the Palliative care and the home care team who were so kind and knowledgeable about helping Darrel.

Darrel put up a strong fight with his cancer. He so wanted to live, as he survived past July 2023 when they expected him to go. He at least saw his 63rd Birthday on November 18, 2023.

Darrel will be missed by his family, friends and in the community. He has now taken his wings and he is off to better things.

Darrel is survived by his sister Myrna Doyle (Chuck), and close friend Heather Sherman (Rick and Karen), and several nieces and nephews.