Darrell Alexander Wright
January 21, 1963 - May 18, 2018
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Obituary For Darrell Alexander Wright
Darrell Alexander Wright died in Baltimore, Maryland on May 18, 2018. He was beloved by his family and many friends around the world. Darrell’s kind and generous spirit led him to make new friends wherever he traveled, and he cherished those friendships for decades. He was a gentle soul who loved experiencing the beauty of this world and sharing it through a long conversation or some of his beautiful photographs. He packed a lot of living into every moment of his 55 years.
Darrell worked as a senior systems engineer for the computer firm Stromasys, Inc. since 2008. Born in Philadelphia, he actually spent all of his childhood, through high school, in upstate New York in the town of Rhinebeck. He graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in mathematics and computer science, went on to work at Armco Stainless and Alloy Products, in Baltimore, for four years as a senior systems engineer, then at Energy Conversion Systems (formerly Morganite), in Dunn, NC, for 14 years as a systems administrator, and finally for Stromasys, whose U.S. office is in Raleigh. The main headquarters of Stromasys is in Switzerland, and Darrell had the opportunity to travel extensively, completing assignments in various U.S. and Canadian locations and ones as far afield as London, Russia, Dubai (UAE), and Brazil. It seemed he was never home for more than a couple of weeks at a time, and, in fact, in the last year and a half, Darrell had traveled to 21 countries.
Over the years, Darrell took delight in participating in various games, including a tactical-level board war game called Advanced Squad Leader, and he attended ASLOK, the ASL Oktoberfest War Game Tournament, in Cleveland yearly. He made a point, too, for the last several years of attending the annual Burning Man Festival, in “Black Rock City,” NV. Among his many interests were watching and collecting all the episodes of Doctor Who; reading extensively, especially the works of Philip K. Dick; and traveling, especially to various key locations of World War II. Last year he traveled to Hawaii for the Pearl Harbor 75th anniversary. Earlier this year he went on a vacation that took him to Geneva, Dubai (UAE), Singapore, Malaysia, and Tokyo. This past December, most of his family had the good fortune of joining him for a vacation in Key West, Florida. Darrell’s car, when he got to drive it, was a 1992 Mazda Miata, purchased new, which in February turned over 250,000 miles.
Darrell is survived by his father, Robert, and by two brothers; Michael and Eric and their families. His mother, Dorothy, passed in December 1992.
A service to celebrate Darrell's life will take place on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at the Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27615. Telephone for the funeral home is (919) 866-1866. Viewing is at 1:00 p.m., with the service at 2:00 p.m. with a gathering to follow.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to contribute to one of Darrell’s favorite charities: Chesapeake Bay Foundation, ASPCA, or Doctors Without Borders.
Services
Visitation
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Funeral Service
02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
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Condolences
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September 01, 2020
From Max Silakov, Russia, Stromasys Oh, such a horrible sad news. It is great loss for all us - Darrell was such guy "here to help", no matter what you are asking for - a tough, work-related unix question, or to be your guide in Raleigh, while you are on vacation. He did that always in so kind and friendly manner! Darrell, we will be missing you, rest in peace... My condolences to his family.
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September 01, 2020
From Marco Wang, APAC, Stromasys Even at the moment when I started reading John's message, I thought it's about something else. The first sentence shocked me, can't describe by words, it's far more than shock and sadness... Still remember the first time I met Darrell in Geneva hotel several years ago, like just happened yesterday. Darrell is typical professional and serious engineer, he never needs others to tell him how to do, he knows how and what to do by himself and always does excellent job. On Darrell's Instagram, he posted beautiful flowers pictures and happy moments with friends. We are all together with Darrell, the happiness and beauty are with him forever. Thanks, Marco
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September 01, 2020
I cannot find enough words to express how Darrell was truly a remarkable individual, colleague, and friend, who was so kind , supportive and professional !!!! I'm so grateful for the opportunities to have worked with Darrell since 2009, on many successful Stromasys opportunities for our Customers in Canada. Although I never had the chance to meet Darrell in person, our connection via our phone calls, emails, was more than a vendor relationship. Darrell was such a kind hearted person and it felt as we had known each other for years and our connection was as friends helping each other. No matter how busy he was or wherever in the World he was traveling Darrell would ALWAYS find time, no matter what time of day, to respond and provide his Support & Guidance!! My sincere condolences and prayers to his family and loved ones, and to his colleagues at Stromasys. Darrell will always remain with us. Yad Banga, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Canada Co.
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September 01, 2020
Thank you, John, for giving us this glimpse of Darrell.
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September 01, 2020
I am so, so sorry Bob.
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September 01, 2020
Deepest sympathies on your loss. I knew Darrell from ASL and would see him 2 or 3 times a year at various tourneys over the years probably going back around 25 years. Darrell was a constant source of humor and cheer and his light will be missed. I cherished the chances to catch a meal between games with Darrell and catch up on his latest ventures whether it be Burning Man, a visit to Stalingrad or some other exotic locale. I'm deeply saddened I won't get a chance to see him again this October. Darrell will certainly be missed... Bret Hildebran
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September 01, 2020
From Frank Mueller, USA, Stromasys So very, very sad. Hes one of the smartest guys I knew and never hesitated on sharing knowledge. He will be missed by many people. Rest I Peace Darrell, you deserve it
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September 01, 2020
From Igor Abramov, Russia, Stromasys Really shocking and sad news. Its so pity to loose such extraordinary man, brilliant in his work, in his humour, in so many areas of his interest.
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September 01, 2020
From Boris Ovsyankin, Russia, Stromasys Very sad. We lost significant portion of our knowledge and expertise and a very good colleague who always gave a hand. RIP Darrell
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September 01, 2020
From Waltraud Erber, Germany, Stromasys What incredibly sad news. I will always remember Darrell for his kind and patient help he often gave me.
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September 01, 2020
From Khaled Jilani, Jordan, Stromasys RIP Darrell you will be missed . A very Sad day indeed , My Condolences and prayers goes to his Family .
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September 01, 2020
From Perrine Hue, Switzerland, Stromasys: There is no word. You were so dedicated and a pleasure to work with. Cannot put my head to think it is real. Rest in peace Darrell. This is so sad to see you go...
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September 01, 2020
From Ray Lebrun, USA, Stromasys Having worked with Darrell for the past almost 9 years, I am saddened, shocked and left with a very big hole. He was a true friend, professionally and personally and I... like all that had the pleasure of working with him will miss him greatly. We, as well as Stromasys, are better for having known him. Darrell you will be missed!
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September 01, 2020
From Kirrill Nikolaev, Russia, Stromasys It is really sad news... Darrell was one of the most creative and brilliant people I knew
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September 01, 2020
To the family and friends of Darrell, I'm sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in all your cherished memories and in the fact that he enjoyed his life. God has put eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11) and he has also made it possible to achieve it(John 17:3). May you find comfort in God's promises for a time when when we can enjoy life without end.
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September 01, 2020
It is so sad to see a person so busy with life have it cut so short. We offer our condolences at this tragic moment. Pete and Shelley Gum
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September 01, 2020
From John Prot, Stromasys: Darrell celebrated his 10th anniversary with Stromasys on April 28th, 2018. He was one of the founding members of our US operation, and one of the most crucial contributors since the early days. He was the perfect professional. Because of his unparalleled knowledge and experience he was constantly assigned the most unpredictable and sensitive projects. He simply never failed to complete a single one. For us, if Darrell was in charge of a project then it was a guaranteed success. He was also such a humble colleague. Despite his obviously superior skills, at the end of every day he took the time to write and send a daily brief to his fellow deal team members, so that everyone would be assured that the project is proceeding smoothly. When colleagues asked him for help he scheduled quality time with them and focused 100% of his attention there. If he was needed in Riyadh, in Dubai, in Europe, in Argentina, in a secure installation in the middle of the USA with no access to the outside world, at late night or during a holiday weekend, he was always there, no questions asked, no complaints made. At the same time he respected himself and his own time and drew clear lines where he should in order to protect his wish to travel personally and be with his friends around the world. This contributed to his balanced personality and solid presence in our Raleigh office. Beyond his solid and humble professionalism, he was the kind of person who saw you, who knew what you felt today, what could be discussed and what not. Thus it is no wonder that, despite not being a talkative personality, he would not be allowed out the door for a business trip without being hugged as he passed out of each open office door. We miss him terribly.
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September 01, 2020
My deepest condolences to Darrell's family. We had the opportunity to work with Darrell for his most recent project at Northrop Grumman. His technical expertise and breadth of knowledge was amazing. Even though we worked with him for only a few days he fit right in with our team as if it were years! Very easy to see why he had so many friends around the world ! Rest in Peace Darrell. Nick LePore, Northrop Grumman Corp.
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September 01, 2020
I used to work with Darrell at the headquarters Stromasy Inc. in Geneva. He was a devoted, reliable and friendly person. We finally finished to be friends. I made him enjoyed the Swiss fondue. He loved it so much. I did enjoyed to follow him all over the world with all his pictures via Facebook. I pray for you, rest in peace and God bless you. Warm regards from Virginie from France
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September 01, 2020
I will carry forward many happy memories of Darrell, collected over the 8 years I have known him. One that comes to mind now is our fun conversations around the writer Philip K Dick, a favorite of ours, and some of the writer's quotes seem appropriate now: "Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away." "...you cant feel grief unless youve had love before it - grief is the final outcome of love, because its love lost." "Everything in life is just for a while." So sorry you left us so suddenly. My heartfelt condolences to those of us left behind in a world made poorer by your loss.
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September 01, 2020
From Paolo Battimiello, Italy, Stromasys: Can't believe, really can't believe. We had lot of fun together in Dubai last week, really great time together talking about many, many things. RIP Darrell.
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September 01, 2020
From Mickwid Lam, Hong Kong, Stromasys This is a very sad and shocking news. I met Darrell several times and had good chat. Wish he rest in peace and peace be with his family
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September 01, 2020
From Chris Li, Hong Kong, Stromasys Very sad and shocking. A great loss to Stromasys. Met Darrell early this year, such a genius and a gentleman. My condolences to his family.
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September 01, 2020
From Phil Smith, USA, Stromasys My heart goes out to Darrell's family and all that knew him. Great guy, always ready to help and answer our questions. Darrell will be missed by many here and around our Stromasys world.
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