Darrell Myland

It may have been Darrell Myland's friendly nature and likeable personality that made people want to be around him, but it was his ability to make light of any situation and bring out a laugh in all that made them want to stay. He was more than just a loving father or Grandpa, he was fun-loving and able to relate to his children and grandchildren in a way that few adults can. Darrell will always be remembered for his distinct laugh and great sense of humor that made the days of those around him a little brighter and whole lot better.

By the year 1950, America was already largely urbanized, but even those people who had moved to the city were still enjoying more rural pastimes. Over 13 million fishing licenses were sold that year and the number of hunters was still on the rise. Most were predicting, however, that most of the children born around this time would be of a different generation, a generation that would prefer bird watching to bass fishing any day of the week. But for those who knew Darrell Myland, they have irrefutable evidence that this just isn't the case. A born hunter, fisherman, and all around outdoorsman, Darrell came into this world on July 17, 1950, the son of Martin and Burdine (Kiewiet) Myland of Kalamazoo.

Darrell was the second child in a family that would grow to include four children altogether. As a youngster he enjoyed playing little league baseball, and never passed up the chance to get into mischief. Although attending Plainwell Schools occupied most of his days, wherever trouble was brewing, he was sure to find it. When he was 13 years old, Darrell's parents went their separate ways and eventually remarried. Darrell, his brother Darwin, and his two sisters Penny and Peggy, lived with their mother and stepfather, John Munro, who had two boys of his own. Together under one roof, they had a full house to say the least. When he wasn't in school or stirring up trouble, Darrell spent a lot of his time working on cars with his stepfather. It was also around this time that he developed a passion for the outdoors, taking camping trips with his brothers and sisters.

As a teenager, Darrell would find odd jobs around town to earn money. He went to work with his brother for a short time, but eventually landed a more permanent position as a mule driver and truck loader at James River, which later became Graphic Packaging. In August of 1968, shortly after his eighteenth birthday, Darrell got married to a lady named Shelva Terry. In the course of their two year marriage, the couple had one son they named John. In 1971, Darrell was remarried to Patricia Pinks. Although his second marriage to Patricia had the same unfortunate fate as his first, the couple had two beautiful daughters, Shannon and Jodi, and Darrell gained two stepchildren, Tanya and Josh. After their divorce the children would come visit Darrell every summer. Darrell was just a big kid at heart and that side of him really came out when he was around his own kids. Although hiking and swimming were fun, he loved to joke around and throw them out towards the sea weed.

Not ready to give up, when Darrell met Louann Warner in 1979 he decided to give love another shot. He and Louann were married just a few years later and remained committed to one another for seventeen years. In 1999, the same year that he retired from Graphic Packaging, their relationship ended. In the last few years he had developed a relationship with his current fiancée Loretta Risner. Darrell's marriages had blessed him with five wonderful children and that alone was enough to make each one a success. He loved and adored his children and grandchildren, and they felt the same way about him. His playful nature made it easy for kids to relate to him. The grandkids referred to him as Grandpa Dollar, because he always gave them a dollar when they came to visit, or Grandpa Beard, because of his full beard, which some say made him look like Kenny Rogers.

Next to his kids, Darrell's greatest love was the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, and enjoyed going camping. From fishing trips in Minnesota to elk hunting out west, Darrell was a passionate sportsman and didn't limit himself to what Michigan had to offer. He had a few good friends who shared his love of the outdoors and he spent a good deal of time with them, camping, hunting, and fishing. Steve and Sue Perkowski, Rex Fetterley, and Davey Pinks, all had accompanied Darrell on some of his wilderness adventures and knew he was the king of tall tales, or as some might say, he was full of it. Darrell couldn't let anything slip by him without putting his two cents in. Although words can speak of the endearing qualities that made Darrell the person he was, they cannot begin to capture all of the fond memories that will forever remain in the hearts and minds of all his friends and family.

Darrell Myland, age 55, died on June 24, 2006, at his home. To learn more about Darrell visit with his family and view his Life Story Film on Wednesday from 5-8 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren -Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams, where his service will be held on Thursday at 11 AM, with Pastor Dave Alderman officiating. Darrell's family includes his children: John & JoAnna Myland of Plainwell, Shannon & Doug Holder of Florida, Jodi & Dan Merica, Tanya & Glenn Merica, and Josh Ellis & fiancée Missy Wooten all of Plainwell; 11 grandchildren; step-mother, Ola Myland of Portage; siblings: Darwin "Woody" & Pamela Myland of Niles, Peggy & B.J. Lee of Plainwell, Penny & Doug Fuss of Allegan; step-brothers: Dan & Ann Munro of Lawton and Rod & Marian Munro of Paw Paw; several nieces, nephews and other special family; and his fiancée Loretta Risner. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, step-father John Munro and his son Derrick Ray Myland. Please visit Darrell's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign the online guestbook or archive a favorite memory or photo. Memorial donations may be made to his family for expenses, with checks to John Myland.