Darlene lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every single day. We used to pull our boat, car loaded with kids and dogs and go and spend vacations in Eastern Washington. Sometimes we just looked up and followed the sunshine. We would spend a week or two camping and then return. Darlene never complained about the mess left for her to clean up. She enjoyed life because she enjoyed doing for others. Darlene struggled with cancer for 8 1/2 years, even undergoing a very difficult stem cell transplant. She chose to spend her last days caring for and enjoying their eight grandchildren, being with their children and Dick. Her courage, selflessness and strength helped her life end peacefully in 1997.

Darlene and I became good friends when we started John Marshall Junior High School. She was bright and always kind. As a graduation present from Roosevelt, our parents let us take the bus to Los Angeles to spend spring break at Disneyland. We had great experiences together and arrived home safely. We were roommates at Whitworth College our freshman year and then came back to the University of Washington. Darlene and Dick Harrison dated at Roosevelt and got married when Darlene was in her sophomore year at the UW. I stayed in contact with Darlene until she died after a courageous battle with cancer. Darlene was a very strong Christian who was full of love and forgiveness for all. She especially loved her children and grandchildren and of course, her husband Dick and she spent quality time with them all. I was lucky to have a friend as good as Darlene.

When I think of high school, I also think of best friends. Darlene, Cherie Wilson, Loan Tratnik and Judy May considered ourselves best friends. Although over the years we didn't see each other much Darlene and I stayed in touch. I was very happy I got some visits in towards the end of life. She seemed so ready by then. I will miss her.

I always thought of Darlene as a sprite - she was so light in her physical movements and the way she spoke. She was a pleasure to talk with, interested in many things. And she liked to keep in touch with high school friends. I'm sure she took great delight in her grandchildren. It doesn't seem possible that such a lively spirit is gone.