Darrell Locklin was born February 21, 1934, and grew up in West Seattle, graduating from West Seattle High School in 1952. He entered the army in 1956, and was stationed at Killeen Base in Texas, where he earned commendations for scholastic achievement and finishing first in his class in special weapons training (despite a life-long dislike of guns). And he met Katherine Kelly.
They married in 1958, and returned to Seattle, bought a house in 1964, and settled in to raise a family, and where they lived until his death. He put many hours and even years into improving the house.
In 1970 he graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in social work and went to work for the Department of Social and Health Services. He transferred to the Department of Corrections and became a probation and parole officer. In 1984 he moved to Reynolds Work Release (a transition facility for offenders re-entering the community), and retired 1995, completing a 20+-year career in social and public service.
Along the way, he earned his pilot’s license, logged many hours of small craft flight around the Puget Sound and Cascade mountain areas, took up ballroom dancing, and developed a liking for cruise ships. He and Kathy sailed to dozens of destinations around the Caribbean, South America (including going around Cape Horn and through the Panama Canal), and Europe (where they went to Checkpoint Charlie and Red Square), during which they danced the night away, a favorite pass-time for Friday nights here, right up to the Friday before his death.
He was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis in June, and died October 6. He is survived by wife Kathy, son Kelly, daughter Laura Kirkland, and her husband Douglas. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in his name to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 23, 2012
Janice & Loren Milliman
Thinking of you Kathy, Laura & Kelly. We enjoyed looking at the photographs to learn even more about Darrell. He surely was a special guy!
October 13, 2012
Shannon Knauss
My sympathy goes out to Kathy, Kelly, Laura & Doug.
Darrell & Kathy were like family to me for many years of dance lessons and dancing vacations.
I taught them dance steps and They taught me about partnerships and demonstrated how to have a long term loving, respectful & fulfilling marraige.
I'm glad to have known them and to have had them as positive influences in my life.
October 12, 2012
Katherine you are a cool strong lady may you always have the wind at your back. Fond memories from Paula and John Hopping
October 12, 2012
Anne Kappel
Kathy and family - I am so very sorry to hear of Darrell's passing. I am sure it is a lot for you to endure. You and Darrell were wonderful to me during my time in Seattle. I even remember Darrell patiently trying to teach me to line dance, which I still cannot do. Know that he is at peace with God. Will keep you in my prayers.
October 12, 2012
Darlene Eylander
Kathy, Remember what I used to say, "Although you cannot see the vessel, it does not mean my journey ends, it only means the river bends". Darrell will always be closer than you think. May you find comfort in the love and support of family and friends at this time.
October 11, 2012
Kathy -- I can't begin to tell you how very sorry I am. My heart goes out to you and for the terrible shock you are enduring! We will miss seeing you guys but wish you the best! Happy Hour was always so much fun and Darrell was so funny with his dry humor.
Thinking of you more then you will ever know -- Love Sylvia Humphreys, a Yucaipa neighbor
October 10, 2012
Candi Beckwith-Jones
May the precious memories of Darrell linger forever in your heart. I'll always remember hearing about the love of dancing you shared together and the smile he always had for family, friends and strangers. It has been quite some time since I last saw Darrell but his smile lingers even still. You and family are in my prayers. Celebrate a life well-lived.
October 10, 2012
Jo Loudin
I'm so sorry to learn that Darrell is no longer with us. I've gotten to know Kathy and Darrell through the years on and off the dance floor; he was so pleasant, smiling all the time. Everyone liked him!!! And he was a good dancer as well! Kathy, my prayers go with you.
Jo Loudin Fox Island, WA and Sun City West, AZ
October 10, 2012
Don Newsome
I knew Darrell back in 1948-1951 from our days in the Christian Endeavor (CE) youth group at Hillcrest Presbyterian Church. We were good buddies also in West Seattle High School. In 1951 I moved to the Chicago area and did not see Darrell until I attended Seattle Pacific College in 1953. After college we lost touch, but became reconnected in 2000 when he arranged for some get togethers with some of the old CE group. I will miss Darrell very much.
October 9, 2012
Joe and Della Maricich
We are so sorry to hear of Darrell's sudden passing. Sadly, we will be out of the state this weekend and won't be able to attend the services. Please know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you all. With the fondest memories.
October 9, 2012
Katherine - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am happy to know you guys had so many wonderful years together and will keep you in our prayers that God will give you and the kids the strength and peace during this time. I love you my friend. Jan Wall Koskela
October 9, 2012
Barbara Pitt-Vasquez
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your beloved husband and father Darrell. Thank you for informing me of his passing. You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the difficult days to come.
October 9, 2012
WE are so sorry to hear about Darrell passing, we met him many years ago at the Elks, he was one of our dancing friends, we will truly miss him.
Love and prayers for Kathy and family
David and Janet Nichols
October 8, 2012
October 7, 2012
Kelly Locklin
Dad died from complications related to Pulmonary Fibrosis. In lieu of flowers, we request donations in his name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (http://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/). Coincidentally, October 13 is the date of the PFF 2012 Breathe Benefit.
October 7, 2012
Judi Dennistoun
In loving memory of my Uncle Darrell.
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