Darrell Mesheau

Darrell loved life and lived it.

He was a diplomat in the Canadian Foreign Service posted in Canadian Embassies in Rome and Tel Aviv, and was an executive civil servant in the Canadian Federal Immigration Department, assigned to offices in Buffalo, Ottawa, and Halifax. He served in the Canadian Naval Officer Training Program through the University Naval Training Division (UNTD), and on the boards of several charitable organizations.

Darrell was a gentleman; warm, caring, funny, and intelligent, with an infectious spirit. He was a bright light wherever he went. He was a world traveler with a map collection to rival Rand McNally; a story teller, a reader, a conversationalist, a linguist. He was an avid historian, a collector, a connector, a lover of cats, of hats, of politics, and debate. His pockets were never without treats for any dog that came his way, or without a crossword puzzle to enjoy over coffee with friends. He was a lifelong learner, an alumnus of Mount Allison University, a mentor, a music lover with eclectic taste always on the lookout for CD’s, having chosen not to embrace Spotify. He was a professional tour guide for Road Scholar, provincial travel media programs, and community events. He loved to talk about the time when he guided a tour of Dublin without ever having been there. He acted in plays and musicals all his life, was a professional actor in films, a member of Theatre St. Thomas for over 25 years (first joining them when they were looking for an ‘old guy’ to play a particular role), and was in the process of learning how to play the ukulele for an upcoming theatrical performance.

Darrell’s family was his joy. His most cherished roles were that of proud father to his two children, Alison Cavell and Michael Ryan (Rachelle); devoted Grampy to Lily Fae; caring brother to Michael (Mary), Peter (Naoko), Susan, and Shawn (Angie); loving uncle, and friend.

We loved him and we will miss him.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Modern Celebrations and Cremations. There will be a celebration of Life on Sunday, July 24 at Kingswood Lodge from 2-5 p.m. Please join us as we gather to share stories of Darrell’s life and adventures. Light refreshments will be served. Memorial donations may be made to the Arthritis Society, Local Area Food Banks, Homeless Shelters, Heart & Stroke Foundation, or the Black Box Theatre company at UNB.