CROFT, Darrell

Darrell Croft
1957 – 2024
Darrell Leslie Croft, beloved husband of Willemina Croft, passed away in Lethbridge on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at the age of 67 years.
The Funeral Service will be held at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at www.southlandfuneral.com.
Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by visiting Darrell’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 10:45 A.M. on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 11:00 A.M.
Besides his loving wife Willemina and their son Ian, Darrell is survived by his brothers Brian (Rona) Croft and Doug (Angela) Croft and their families. He is also survived his sister-in-law Jannette (Jerry) Maedel and family.
He was predeceased by his son Liam Croft, his parents James and Mary Croft and by his father-in-law William Byde-Vaate.
Darrell was born in Revelstoke, British Columbia on May 23, 1957. In his earlier years, he worked on a summer trail crew as a labor and crew foreman and later as the Assistant Chief Park Interpreter for Parks Canada.
He received a Bachelor of Music degree and a Fine Arts diploma before spending a number of years teaching music in Nanton, Stavely, Taber and Barnwell.
Darrell participated in many concert bands, jazz ensembles, pep bands, pit orchestras, choral ensembles and musicals over the years. He was a graduate of the University of British Columbia’s Opera Program and had a Masters degree in Opera Performance. He also had extensive experience with musical theatre, including with the University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge Symphony Association and Lethbridge Musical Theatre. He was well known and well respected in his teaching, music and theatre communities. His time working with Taber Players was a true joy in his life.
Darrell had a keen interest in areas of historical significance and authored several articles for the local newspaper, had experience working with and handling historical artifacts and was dedicated to the promotion of the rich history of Alberta.
Darrell’s proudest accomplishment was his family. He married Willemina Byde-Vaate on July 25, 1992 and together raised two amazing sons. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by those who knew him.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Darrell’s name may be made directly to the Barnwell School (band program), Box 160, Barnwell, Alberta  T0K 0B0.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.