Thank you. Thank you for helping us all on our paddling journeys, for sharing your life with us in your Sunday musings, and an even bigger thank you for what you are doing in your next chapter. My mom recently passed after a brief hospice stay and I can't tell you how much I appreciated the kindness, warmth, and compassion of the staff and volunteers there. Thank you for joining their ranks and bringing comfort to those who need it.
Good luck in this [not so] new path, Darren. Anyone would be lucky to have you by their side as they navigate the liminal spaces between mortality and beyond.
Darren, I have always considered you to be one of the kindest, most evolved, down-to-earth humans on the planet. You had a way of making business dealings personal, in the very best sense of the word, and you fostered a team at Rutabaga who mirrored your ethics and beliefs in the right way to do business. Your success in a delightful but challenging industry was earned through your hard work (that you made look fun), your wicked intelligence, your character, and your heart.
Your next chapter only reinforces my respect and admiration for the man who has always inspired and led by example. You will be a blessing to everyone you accompany through their transition. Once again, you have moved me through your clarity and generosity of spirit. I wish you the very best.
What a brave and bold move! I love Rutabaga and it has grown my love for kayaking. I have sooo much Baga gear, I blush. However, as a trained spiritual director I admire and deeply respect your decision. Our pilgrimage on this earth is short and following our callings is a truly blessed journey. Good Luck to you and “family”… all of them!
So now the portage begins ... the promise of new waters beckoning. The greatest lesson of all is often the most challenging. Before you can truly minister to others, you must first minister to yourself. Proud of you, my friend. -- Michael
Thank you for all you have done for the community!! When you say "we've helped create communities that teach people to enjoy the outdoors and build relationships with nature and each other" you have no idea how deeply true that is. You have helped my non athletic, petrified of water, and not an outdoorsy friend enjoy a kayak and all the blessing that come with that!!! Best wishes in your new adventures!!!
You've been in thoughts in recent weeks Darren. I am so glad to you are answering the call of heart. You will continue to do great things. I am proud to witness your rise to even great things in the future. Best wishes to you my friend. Let's have lunch again soon.
I am extremely happy for you and your new path. I would like to say thankyou for what you have done for the canoe and kayak community. My family and I have made so many memories at canoe copia and at your store. We have had so many fun trips and have made great friends with the connections made through your store. From my grandpa to my kids, we have all bought boats from rutabaga and will continue to get out and make memories. Thanks
This is so sound and so grounded - clearly what’s calling you. And ignoring it would be a misstep when you have the inspired passion to share in this new way. Thank you for your service and for sharing your journey with us!
Thank you Darren, for all the ways you have supported the paddling community over so many years! Specifically, thank you for always believing in Chicago Adventure Therapy and for your incredible generosity to us for so long. We will miss Rutabaga but are so excited for the next chapter of your life. - Laura Statesir, Chicago Adventure Therapy
Having seen what hospice is all about with both of my parents earlier this year...I have no idea how someone could choose that as a profession, but God bless those who take that as a calling.
This is indeed the path, Boatman (oops, can't call you that anymore!). Water and consolation have been longtime partners in the nature of things. How blessed that you join them.
Thank you. Thank you for helping us all on our paddling journeys, for sharing your life with us in your Sunday musings, and an even bigger thank you for what you are doing in your next chapter. My mom recently passed after a brief hospice stay and I can't tell you how much I appreciated the kindness, warmth, and compassion of the staff and volunteers there. Thank you for joining their ranks and bringing comfort to those who need it.
Good luck in this [not so] new path, Darren. Anyone would be lucky to have you by their side as they navigate the liminal spaces between mortality and beyond.
Bless you, and your family, and your community.
Darren, I have always considered you to be one of the kindest, most evolved, down-to-earth humans on the planet. You had a way of making business dealings personal, in the very best sense of the word, and you fostered a team at Rutabaga who mirrored your ethics and beliefs in the right way to do business. Your success in a delightful but challenging industry was earned through your hard work (that you made look fun), your wicked intelligence, your character, and your heart.
Your next chapter only reinforces my respect and admiration for the man who has always inspired and led by example. You will be a blessing to everyone you accompany through their transition. Once again, you have moved me through your clarity and generosity of spirit. I wish you the very best.
You’re too kind. I feel the same about you, Ruth.
What a brave and bold move! I love Rutabaga and it has grown my love for kayaking. I have sooo much Baga gear, I blush. However, as a trained spiritual director I admire and deeply respect your decision. Our pilgrimage on this earth is short and following our callings is a truly blessed journey. Good Luck to you and “family”… all of them!
So now the portage begins ... the promise of new waters beckoning. The greatest lesson of all is often the most challenging. Before you can truly minister to others, you must first minister to yourself. Proud of you, my friend. -- Michael
I’m going to working way less May to October. Paddle trips are going to be a thing.
Congrats on the life change. I sure wish that there was someone to keep the shop running. It's a big loss for the paddlesports world.
Thank you for all you have done for the community!! When you say "we've helped create communities that teach people to enjoy the outdoors and build relationships with nature and each other" you have no idea how deeply true that is. You have helped my non athletic, petrified of water, and not an outdoorsy friend enjoy a kayak and all the blessing that come with that!!! Best wishes in your new adventures!!!
You've been in thoughts in recent weeks Darren. I am so glad to you are answering the call of heart. You will continue to do great things. I am proud to witness your rise to even great things in the future. Best wishes to you my friend. Let's have lunch again soon.
I am extremely happy for you and your new path. I would like to say thankyou for what you have done for the canoe and kayak community. My family and I have made so many memories at canoe copia and at your store. We have had so many fun trips and have made great friends with the connections made through your store. From my grandpa to my kids, we have all bought boats from rutabaga and will continue to get out and make memories. Thanks
We’re still going to put on Canoecopia. 🙂 I can’t let the community break apart! Thank you for all you’ve done.
This is so sound and so grounded - clearly what’s calling you. And ignoring it would be a misstep when you have the inspired passion to share in this new way. Thank you for your service and for sharing your journey with us!
Can’t imagine a better chaplain than you!! Sending you lots of love and peace on this next chapter! ❤️
I read every word you wrote.
It means a lot to me.
Rutabaga is 400 miles from my home. I have never been there.
But it is still my all time favorite paddle sports shop anywhere.
As I hear the amazing night sounds of being lonely in the shop I think,
Darren. You are one very special person.
My wife and I may be visiting Rutabaga this October.
On our way to an off season visit of the Wisconsin Dells.
I want to show my wife the coolness of Madison, and Rutabaga.
Patrick Forrester
Falcon Sails
Thank you Darren, for all the ways you have supported the paddling community over so many years! Specifically, thank you for always believing in Chicago Adventure Therapy and for your incredible generosity to us for so long. We will miss Rutabaga but are so excited for the next chapter of your life. - Laura Statesir, Chicago Adventure Therapy
Having seen what hospice is all about with both of my parents earlier this year...I have no idea how someone could choose that as a profession, but God bless those who take that as a calling.
Oh, it is such a privilege. Being at my kid's births and sitting with the dying are both beautiful experiences. Thank you.
This is indeed the path, Boatman (oops, can't call you that anymore!). Water and consolation have been longtime partners in the nature of things. How blessed that you join them.