Fredrick Neil Darnell, 51

Fredrick Neil Darnell, 51, passed away at his home on Schweitzer Mountain, Sandpoint, Idaho, on Wednesday, March 10, 2010. Memorial Services will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 28, 2010, at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, with Pastor Steve Neuder officiating. In accordance with Fred’s wishes, the service will take place at the top of the Quad chairlift. A reception will follow at the Caribou Room in Schweitzer Village.

He was born on Sept. 10, 1958, in Seattle, Wash., to Fred and Karla (Bergstrom) Darnell of Sandpoint. Fred grew up in Federal Way, Wash., until his family moved to Sandpoint in 1972. He graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1976 and attended the University of Idaho.

Fred loved the outdoors. His love for the Grand Canyon led him to hike it many times with his friends and family. Fred’s other passion was to travel the world. His love for travel began with the United States, of which he desired to touch all 50 states and almost did. Over the years he traveled throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, Mexico, Canada, South America, and various Caribbean, South Pacific, Mediterranean and South American Islands.

He was vice president of Tri State Plumbing in Bellevue, Wash., until 2001, when he returned to Sandpoint to pursue his dream of living and working on Schweitzer Mountain and eventually owning a business in Schweitzer Village. Fred worked several years in Operations for Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Fred and Eric Salontai opened Pucci’s Pub in September 2006.

Those who knew Fred will remember his smile, his laugh and his love for life. His family and friends meant everything to him. Even though Fred’s long battle with cancer ended his life early, he fought the disease with courage and determination to continue living his life to the fullest.

Fred leaves behind his parents, Fred and Karla Darnell of Sandpoint; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Debbie and Rick Howarth of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Lori and Richard Lowery of Sandpoint; his three nieces, Chelsea Kardokus of Sandpoint, and Anna and Alyssa Howarth of HCMC, Vietnam; his Great Aunt Jean Hadley of Sandpoint and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Fred also leaves behind many very dear friends whom he cherished.

Those wishing to make donations in Fred’s memory may consider giving to Bonner Community Hospice, PO Box 1448, Sandpoint, ID, 83864, or to Celebrate Life, PO Box 420, Ponderay, ID 83852.

Lakeview Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign Fred’s online guest book at www.lakeviewfuneral.com.