Darren and I became friends over 35 years ago, working in a grocery store. We finished high school together at Colonel By and both attended Carleton University. I stood in his wedding and he stood in mine. Our wives became close friends and we grew closer over the years as our children grew up. My kids called him Uncle Darren. We were that close. We went camping as families, took vacations to PEI, and spent almost every Canada Day together lighting up our small piece of the sky with the best fireworks that 200 bucks could buy. We were both huge Springsteen fans and we took several road trips together to attend concerts, some with our sons who became fans despite the pressure we had applied. Darren was a great guy, the kind of friend you want to keep for life. He was smart, funny and kind hearted. I am grateful for the years of friendship and I will miss him dearly. RIP Darren.