Darren Markus passed away at home on August 13, 2022 after a brief, but valiant, battle against a very aggressive form of cancer.  Darren accepted his impending death with courage and dignity.  Darren's wife of 29 years Melissa Durkin, and friend and Euchre partner Karen Nolan, were at his side when he passed.

Darren was born in Mountain View, California on April 30, 1964 to Henry and Diane Markus and grew up in Santa Clara and Cupertino.  Darren graduated from Monta Vista High School in 1982.  Darren, always sociable, connected with people easily.  Many of his high school friends became lifelong friends, with those friendships continuing until his last day.  He was very grateful that he was able to speak with many of those friends before he passed.  Their support and expressions of love meant everything to him in his final days.

Darren studied agronomy and plant pathology at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.  This education led to a career as a golf course superintendent, a field Darren worked in for many years.  Although he enjoyed that career, it was in his late 30s that Darren found his true calling when he changed careers to become a registered nurse.  Darren's compassionate and nurturing personality made nursing a natural fit.  He made a positive and lasting impression on many of his patients.

Darren had a good life.  He enjoyed going to punk rock shows with his wife and friends; gardening; rooting for the Oakland As and Golden State Warriors; and working on classic cars.  One of Darren's greatest pleasures was thrifting for "treasures," a large collection of which Darren curated and displayed proudly throughout the home he shared with Melissa.  Darren loved spending time with his family and playing Euchre on Saturday nights with Melissa and friends Tom and Karen Nolan.  Darren was fun!

Darren is survived by the love of his life, his wife Melissa; father, Henry Markus; sister Laurie DeVine (husband Jim); father-in-law Phil Durkin (wife Kathy); sister-in-law Laura Highsmith (husband Selby); brother-in-law Michael Durkin (wife Cherie); best friends Tom and Karen Nolan; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved cats.  Darren was preceded in death by his mother, Diane Markus; brother Richard Markus; and mother-in-law Sharon Durkin.

Darren's memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Habing Family Funeral Home in Gilroy on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. To celebrate Darren's fun-loving spirit, we ask that attendees wear Hawaiian shirts and bring fond memories to share.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or the San Martin Animal Shelter.