Walter Darran (1940 – 2013)
Walter Darran departed Friday November 15th before the sun rose. He was 73. He lived his life with a passion for his loved ones and friends, the aircraft he commanded, and the boats he sailed. Christine, the love of his life, sons Jay, and Scott and wife, Heather, and their children Hanna and Tyler, together with a host of extended family and friends around the world, will miss him. Walt experienced the thrill of a catapult launch off a carrier deck, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the serenity of sipping champagne after piloting lighter-than-air balloons. Once retired from American Airlines, he flew an airtanker for Cal Fire, out of Chico where he resided after having experienced living and traveling in many exotic locations around the world. His contemporaries felt he lived a charmed life. In reality, he charmed life with his imagination thoughtful insights, and generosity. Walt will be truly missed. A celebration of life is being planned.
Published in Chico Enterprise-Record on Nov. 23, 2013