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Sorry to hear of your loss, David. Even in a world full of people, really good friends are rare. I only met Darin once, but he definitely struck me as a unique individual full of life and love for the world around him.

One of my very last conversations with Darin was a couple of months ago, after the point when he realized that it was just a matter of time before his illness would get the better of him. We had shared some wine, and he became reflective about what would happen after he was gone. Of course – being Darin – he was never worried about himself, he was simply concerned about Melissa and the boys and what his leaving would mean to them. He then choked up and cried a little as he raised the question of whether Max and Hudson would remember him. He felt that, because they are so young, perhaps his image and their memories of him would fade over time and they would grow up not knowing the man who was their father. Other than leaving the side of Melissa, his soul mate, this seemed to be his greatest fear and his sole regret.

I must say now that I have never known a man as charismatic and as … life- exuding as Darin Heimerman. It was almost magical how he would effortlessly attract people and change the vibe in a room. Complete strangers would look at him with fascination and admiration, saying with their gaze, “I don’t know who this guy is, but I want to know more.” He was engaging, non-threatening, warm and charming. He was handsome and kind and generous. He was a man’s man, while being Melissa’s man and his boys’ man. He could charge and float at the same time somehow, seemingly moving even when he was still. And, all the while, he loved his wife and boys and never strayed far from that obvious fact.

Now that Darin has left us, it is clear to me that his boys will never be able to forget their dad. As they grow up, those of us who knew and loved and admired Darin Heimerman will share the stories and our impressions of this rare gift to the world. They’ll always be content that the man who was their father was special beyond words, and that they were held and kissed and looked after by an irreplaceable gentleman.

Good-bye, Darin. And don’t worry about a thing. There’s way too much of you left here for your boys — or any of us – to ever forget you.

Love from Dave Mulligan
Another friend

I went to high school with Darin in Hutchinson and am so saddened by his death. I have not seen Darin in years, yet everything said here rings true. Darin could light up a room with his smile and generous spirit. His children are beautiful, thank you for sharing their picture with the rest of us. Melissa and the boys are in my thoughts and prayers…I will never forget him. All my best from Georgia, Kelly

This is very belated and I am sorry. I am a grade school classmate of Darin’s and met him nearly 30 years ago at Holy Cross in Hutchinson, Kansas. I also googled Darin’s name back in December and regret not contacting him. My family’s sympathies are with the Heimerman’s. Life is too short to lose touch with friends. Thank you to all his friend’s in Reno.

I knew Darin in High School and I haven’t seen him since but when I received the Trinity High newsletter the other day and read about his passing I had a feeling of sadness come over me. In high school Darin always had a great smile and was friends with just about anyone.