Darcie Kate Mcneill

Darcie Kate McNeill (Darcie Dark)

Aug.18, 1979 - June 29, 2023

It is with much sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our niece Darcie Kate McNeill (Dark) in Victoria, British Columbia, on June 29th, 2023.

Born in Victoria on Aug. 18, 1979, she was predeceased by her mother, Genny Dark, and her father, Ron McNeill: both sadly passing in the summer of 2013. Darcie is also predeceased by her grandmother, Annie Dark, and by her beloved dog, Seamus who passed January 4th, 2022.

Darcie is survived by her Auntie Joanne Hart (Keith) and family, and Auntie Jean Stevenson (Dave) and family, and step-father Ken Sinclair and family.

In her childhood, Darcie loved to go camping with her mom, many dear friends, Liz Dohan, and their dog Skooner. Childhood memories include everything from riding her bike, riding a horse, sailing, playing violin, to family gatherings and vacations. She was very fond of animals from a young age which carried over for a lifetime.

Darcie had an extensive network of friends and community in Victoria, whom she dearly loved and actively took part in supporting, in any way she could. Darcie's friends meant the world to her, and she is sadly predeceased by her dear and close friend, Derek, who passed away six months ago. Her affection for Derek is evident by the many photos and cards to and from him, and the artworks she painted of him. Darcie had a passion for connecting with people in need of support and care, and will be greatly missed by so many. Joey, an 11 month old Shih Tzu, was the new furry love of her life. Joey has found a new loving owner in Jena, who was Darcie’s neighbour, and who loves dogs as much as Darcie did. Little Joey will still see all his favourite doggie and human friends each and every day, and we know he is in great hands.

Darcie graduated in 2005 with her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria. Her artistry led her to many creative avenues to express herself. One of Darcie's more recent endeavours was her window painting company. She also designed T-shirts, made elaborate specialty greeting cards and art, and was building her non-profit, The Furniture Share House. Darcie's most recent affiliation was as Artist in Residence at Substance on Cook Street, where her art was displayed and sold, and the windows were adorned by her beautiful and ever-changing murals. Here is a link to some of her murals featured in the Victoria News:

https://www.vicnews.com/community/murals-simply-make-the-city-more-cool-says-councillor-who-wants-more-public-arts-funding-109858

https://substance.uvic.ca/blog/march-2023-monthly-report/

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=614481254054540&set=pb.100064780116376.-2207520000.&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/profile/100064780116376/search/?q=Darcie

https://substance.uvic.ca/blog/october-2022-monthly-report/

Darcie's selflessness shone though once again as she signed her organ donor card in 2020; meaning she she was able to save four lives through organ donation in her final moments on this earth. We hope her gift means four people will get a new chance at living life to the fullest.

Darcie will be fondly remembered by all, and will live in our hearts forever. Please visit Substance on Cook St to see the memorial window art display they have created in her honour.

*** There will be a Memorial Service for Darcie at the Downtown Community Centre on August 3rd at 12:00 pm. Everyone is welcome.

*** As well, there will be a Service of Internment at the “Garden of Remembrance” at Royal Oak Cemetery on August 9th at 1:00 pm. Everyone is welcome.

Messages of condolence can be left here on Darcie’s Page of Remembrance through the "Share a memory" field on the left side of the page.

If you want to memorialize Darcie, please consider donating to causes that help those in need that were either important to Darcie, or helped her personally such as:

Substance on Cook St - where Darcie was Artist in Residence.

*** They do not have a “donate” button, per se, on their website, but they do accept monetary donations and provide tax deductible receipts, as well as they encourage all to donate individually packaged snacks and drinks for the community who use their services

The Nana Foundation - Animals in Need - used for Seamus & Joey

https://mycharityfund.ca/charity/80508/nana-foundation

PEERS

https://www.safersexwork.ca/donate/

SOLID

https://solidvictoria.org/index.php/how-can-you-help/

Red Cedar Cafe

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/red-cedar-cafe-association/

Cool Aid - where Darcie’s Memorial will be held

https://coolaid.org/our-impact/news-stories/