Obituary of Darren Francisco

It is with profound sadness that I share with you that Captain Darren Michael Francisco, 54, passed away on June 23rd, 2024 after a valiant battle with cancer in Toronto, Ontario, surrounded by his family. It seems surreal to be writing this today because it is unfathomable that a man of such high integrity and strong character, passion for life and zest for living is no longer with us. Darren was a stoic man with many virtues; he exemplified what it meant to be a man through his caring devotion to his family and his role as a respected leader to those around him. His absence leaves an immense void in the hearts of all who knew him.

Intelligent, generous, humble, compassionate, talented, kind, mentor, friend are just some of the words that describe this wonderful man.  But if you are reading this you already knew that about Darren.

Darren’s love for music began early in his life, leading him to pursue an education in classical guitar. However, it was his discovery of a love of flying that set the course for his distinguished career. In 1996, Darren graduated from the prestigious Flight Aviation and Technology program at Seneca College. He began his career working at Bearskin, Zoom and CanJet airlines before joining Air Canada in 2006. In 2012 he achieved the esteemed title of Captain after completing his Command course upgrade giving him the title of Captain. Darren was also very active in the pilots’ union at both Bearskin and Air Canada and had a depth of experience and expertise in pilot representation and negotiations both within ACPA and ALPA. He was very well respected and loved by his colleagues and friends at Air Canada.

Beyond his professional achievements, Darren was a lover of life. He had a passion for music, golf, scotch and corvettes, and he cherished his travels. To many he will be remembered as an Air Canada pilot and entrepreneur and a man who embraced every adventure with enthusiasm.

Darren leaves behind the love of his life, Audrey, sons Taren and Tyler; his stepchildren Brandon and Cassidy; parents Jennifer and Ian; his sister, Deborah; and his nephew, Liam, niece Brynna and cousins Kim, Karen (Pascal & Morgan), and Aunt Hazel.

Captain Darren Francisco anyone who has ever had the privilege of meeting you walked away loving you. You are the Captain of everyone’s heart! If love could have saved you then you most certainly would have lived forever!

Your easy going nature and love of life were infectious!

“Tomorrow is not promised,” Darren would often say, inspiring his friends and family to live it to the fullest! We will always carry Darren in our hearts and continue his generous, kind, and caring spirit. 

Darren, you were my strength and my stay my love! Thank you for the life you gave me and thank you for showing me the world(Italy 19 times). I know you will always be holding my hand as I take each step forward.

A Celebration of Captain Darren Francisco’s life will be held on Sunday, July 14th at the De Stefano Funeral Home, 1289 Keith Ross Drive, Oshawa, Ontario at 1:00 pm.

All are welcome to join in honouring his memory.

*Darren’s was proud to wear his Air Canada uniform and had requested  that his fellow pilot colleagues attend his Celebration of life in uniform.

Below are a few quotes I would like to share with you written by Darren’s Air Canada colleagues.  We will be sharing more of this at the service.

“After chatting with Darren, I always came away feeling, how rare it was to see so much life packed into one person. There was almost nothing that was not of interest and did not attract a will to contribute to making things better. Team afterlife just got a first round draft pick”

(John Horrigan)

“So sad to hear. Darren was a guy who was always in the moment. Talk to him, or meet him, and he was “there”. You weren’t getting a canned response or casual answer but rather a genuine reply to your question or concern. I feel a great sense of loss” 

(Doug Pomedii)

“Tragic news. There aren’t enough people like Darren in this world, RIP my friend”

(Tom Melber)

Saddened to hear this news. Flew with Darren on the EMB and he as a complete gentleman and great pilot. Never any doubt that he would have your back or support in any capacity”

(Andrew Bragg)

“Darren was a very good example of doing more for humanity. I had the pleasure of an ITC with Darren who I did not know but very quickly appreciated his presence in my world at the time. I am saddened by this news and for his family! A good person and a big loss to ALPA!”

(Steven Orr)

“He was exceptional in many ways, as mentioned. Selfless and inspirational! This does hit hard.”

(Martin Rafuse)

“So sad to hear this news! What a high-class, high-calibre individual”

(Doug Cochrane)

“We all owe him a debt…he fought hard to improve our contract and the respect our profession deserves. He believed we could aspire for better and hoped one day we would… great loss, respect brother”

(Trey Jaeger)

“Absolutely shocked and saddened to hear the news that our larger than life friend and colleague Darren Francisco has passed away. Life is short, he definitely inspired people to live to the fullest”

(Nav Kainth)

For those unable to attend in person, we invite you to view via Livestream by CLICKING HERE just prior to 12:30 pm on Sunday, July 14, 2024.