p.1 #1 · RIP FM Friend Brent Darbyson ("Hockey_Nut")
Moderators: Please feel free to move this post if it's in the wrong venue. Brent spent most of his FM time here at the Sports Corner and thought best to reach those that knew him here...
I received a phone call this morning from a close family member of Brent Darbyson to inform me that while on vacation in the Caribbean this week, Brent passed away. Extremely sad news. Brent was a long time member of the FM and NikonCafe who met and shot and worked with some of our members.
Brent lived in the Ottawa area, Ontario Canada, and was a teacher at the HS level and ran a growing photography business "Top Shelf Photography". He had carved a real niche working with various ringette associations, but also spent time shooting hockey, equestrian, lacrosse, field sports and a whole lot more.
Brent's two daughters (barely into their teen years) are both very active in the rep/travel ringette leagues, and have enjoyed a good amount of success. They are both extremely fun and energetic, bright young girls who Brent was incredibly proud of. I have the privilege of meeting and spending time with Brent and the girls on many occasions, and was inspired by their relationship.
I met Brent through the forums and developed not only a working relationship with him, but also a friendship. I respected him as a shooter, but much moreso as a person. He was extremely inviting and hospitable and just the kind of guy you enjoyed calling a pal. And despite being close to 6 hours of driving time apart, he always had a way of keeping in touch and "in the loop" even when we weren't preparing to work together or get together during the girls' ringette tournament trips close to my town.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Brent's family. As I know he met a few other FM'ers I'm hoping this reaches you.
There is a memorial planned at this time for September 2, 2015. I don't have further details at this time but will try to update this thread as I can.
p.1 #3 · RIP FM Friend Brent Darbyson ("Hockey_Nut")
My heartfelt condolences go out to family and friends.
Although it is sad this person and fellow member is not physically with us, through this forum, he and his work and advice shall live on.
p.1 #11 · RIP FM Friend Brent Darbyson ("Hockey_Nut")
Life too often is very busy, and sometimes leads to regrets.
I had an invite not that long ago to join DJ and Brent for a beer. Brent was swinging through the area and DJ lives just down the road.
My wife and I had just had our first child and I passed due to being very busy with work and the new little guy. I figured there would be another chance at a beer with a couple of fellow photo nutts.
Looking back I wish I had taken the time to go and meet Brent and DJ.
Send my best to his family, and maybe I will make the trip to Guelph for a beer some time........
p.1 #14 · RIP FM Friend Brent Darbyson ("Hockey_Nut")
Looks like the Nikon family lost an awesome photog.
RIP my brother and thoughts & prayers to your family.
I wish the family nothing but the best as I know it will be
extremely hard to pick up from this sadden void in their lives.
p.1 #15 · RIP FM Friend Brent Darbyson ("Hockey_Nut")
I had an opportunity to speak with him on the phone talking shop of course. Very nice man and a sad news to hear he is gone. My condolences to his family.
p.1 #20 · RIP FM Friend Brent Darbyson ("Hockey_Nut")
Ugh. Really sad to hear this DJ.
Small story about Brent.
I had posted a few months back about going into my first season of CFL photography here in Ottawa. I'm fairly new to the sport (CFL, not sports in general) and Brent sent me a few PM's encouraging me and sending me little tips. Basically doing what he could to help me feel more comfortable. After some back and forth we agreed to grab a pint and talk shop. To me this is the kind of guy that makes the sports photog community great. Willing to meet up with a total stranger just to chat, be someone I could bounce a few questions off. Due to timing conflicts we never did get to meet, which is a real shame. Condolences/RIP.
Certainly will raise a pint in his honor this weekend.
