F. Darrin Perry
November 25, 2004
Resided in:
San Francisco, CA
Floyd Darrin Perry, 39, of San Francisco, CA, formerly of Asheville, died unexpectedly on Thursday, November 25, 2004.
He was born on April 9, 1965, in Durham, NC. He was the son of Pat Dennis Isaacs of Arden and Floyd E. Perry and stepmother Amy of Durham, NC. He was preceded in death by his stepfather Charles G. Isaacs. Darrin is also survived by his sister, Debra Egan, and her husband John of Orlando, FL., two nieces, Elizabeth and Alexis Egan of Orlando, FL,; and his partner, Jonathan Manzo of San Francisco, CA.
He attended TC Roberson High School and graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts. He received his BFA in 1987 from the Parsons School of Design. Darrin was a highly respected and gifted graphic designer. His exceptional work was recognized throughout his career with numerous awards from the Society of Publication Designers, the Print Design Awards and American Illustration.
In 1998, ESPN Magazine received the National Magazine Award for excellence in design under Darrin’s creative direction.
Darrin began his career in 1987 as staff designer at Conde Nast Traveller. Darrin left Conde Nast in 1988 to work as an Art Director at Sports Illustrated Weekly. Darrin worked at SI through 1997. Among the highlights of his tenure at Sports Illustrated was his design of the 1991 Swimsuit Issue and the 1996 Olympic commemorative issues. He left Sports Illustrated in 1997 to launch ESPN Magazine as its initial Design Director. He continued his association with ESPN through 2001 upon which he became the Creative Director at Wired Magazine.
He was a member of the Society of Publication Designers and was an avid rugby player with the San Francisco Fog Rugby Football Club. In 2004 Darrin traveled to London, England with the Fog in their successful defense of the Mark Kendall Bingham Memorial Cup. Darrin was a beautiful, loving, and creative man who touched the lives of all who knew him.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held 3:00 PM Sunday, December 5, 2004 in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road with the Reverend Carroll Miller officiating. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service.
Contributions in his memory may be made to NC School of the Arts at N.C.S.A. Foundation Inc. 1533 South Main Street, Winston Salem, NC 27127-2188 and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, c/o Timothy Mahoney, Human Rights Campaign Foundation, 1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20036.
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I can’t tell you how sorry I was to learn of Darrin’s passing. I was fortunate enough to work with Darrin for several years here at Sports Illustrated. Not only was he among the most creative people I’ve ever met, he was also unfailingly polite and pleasant to be around–no small thing when you are working under deadline pressure. It’s an understatement to say that Darrin will be missed.
Gabe Miller
My deepest sympathies for your loss. Darrin was always a good friend in high school. His stories about motorcross racing were a fun way to pass the time in class. He will be missed.
I’m sure I speak for everyone at Sports Illustrated when I say how sorry I am about Darrin’s passing. I had the honor of working closely with Darrin for several years at SI and I have never encountered a more talented, creative designer, nor a more professional, unflappable colleague. In the face of an often daunting workload his artistic genius and grace under pressure were truly inspirational. He no doubt made that impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be greatly missed as an artist and a friend.
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to Jon, Darrin’s family, and all his many friends. We were friends for l3 years. He achieved many dreams in his life. He was a generous, loving, and visionary person.
I had the honor of working with Darrin at both Sports Illustrated Presents and ESPN. I’ll always remember him not just for his passion for his work but for his compassion for his co-workers. We were a tight-knit little family at SIP, and Darrin’s a big reason why I’ll always remember it so fondly. Whenever I’d run into Darrin after he left ESPN, we’d greet each other with a big hug and say goodbye in the same way. I wish I could give one to you guys now.
JB
Pat & Debbie,
Please know that you and your Family are in our thoughts and prayers. I have known Darrin for about 37 years…remembering times with Aunt Louise, Uncle Sam & Aunt Daisy, when you would bring Debbie & Darrin to visit. He was like our son, David…could stand still and get into all manner of trouble. Even at an early age, it was evident that he had a fantastic creative talent and proved it by his ability to illustrate it in his artistic designs. Years later, Darrin would visit me and my partner at our home on Merrimon. I guess memories are what sustain all of us and there are nothing but wonderful thoughts that come to mind when I think of him. I will be at the service on Sunday and Joyce will try also, but she has to work. I left my number with Groce and if you will call me, I will give you Joyce’s number.
God bless.
Danny Lindsay
Joyce Blalock McCarson
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I have the deepest respect for Darrin. He will be included in my prayers. May you have strength in your loss.
With you wherever you are,
Cam
I first met Darrin in New York almost 20 years ago, a man with a huge heart and immense talent. As a friend he was incredibly supportive, he bought one of my first paintings and gave me one of the most exciting opportunities of my life, the chance to publish in Sports Illustrated. There aren’t many like Darrin, with enough wit, charm, intelligence and enthusiasm for ten people. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family and of course, to Jon. Darrin was well loved. He will be sorely missed.
When I first came to Sports Illustrated Magazine 16 years ago Darrin was the first person in the art department that I had to work with. I’ll always remember how kind and understanding he was to me during my first week of work. He will be dearly missed by so very many friends and colleagues.
I am so sorry that such a good, kind, funny individual has left us.
I was at MGM Studios with Darrin on an SI excursion in the 90s. He made me laugh. We were in Lillehammer together. I got the idea to frame all my Olympic tickets from him. I remember him purchasing a huge knife during our Arizona trip. These times and photos will be viewed with a poignancy they did not have before.
Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Beth Dalatri
Working with Darrin at SI for many years allowed all of us here to know a terrific individual. His sense of humor was a breath of fresh air around the office, his sense of style and creativity was unparalleled. Please know that all of us here are thinking about and praying for his good friends and family during this time.
Maureen Grise (now Cavanagh)
I am so sorry to hear of Darrin’s death. I met him threw his friends at Sports Illustrated and Society of Publication Designers functions. He will always be a mentor to me and I will make sure I teach my students about his talent and big heart.
I will always remember Darrin as the ultimate Olympic fan, always appearing in the Sports Illustrated offices–whether in Lillehammer or Atlanta–with a smile on his face and tickets in his hands. His talent, and his life, will be missed and mourned.
–Sandy Rosenbush
I had the privilege to work with Darrin at Sports Illustrated when I had my first child. He surprised me by how much a young, single man could enjoy a little girl. I think he liked buying her toys more than I did – he gave her her first Barbie doll. When I invited him to Thanksgiving one year, instead of food, he came bearing a huge Genie stuffed doll. We all have our own private, fond memories of Darrin we’ll keep for ourselves, but it’s to his parents and his partner that we all send our condolences and support.
Darrin… Words cannot express the devastation we are feeling knowing that you are no longer going to be a part of our lives… we are going to miss you.
Gods speed my friend!
kenn n chris
It’s so sad to hear that someone so creative and so passionate about his work has passed on. The world has lost a truly wonderful and remarkable individual – someone that has directly (and indirectly) made a contribution to the lives of people all over.
There are a lot of people that miss you Darrin. My condolence and deepest sympathies to his family and friends…
It’s so sad to hear that someone so creative and so passionate about his work has passed on. The world has lost a truly wonderful and remarkable individual – someone that has directly (and indirectly) made a contribution to the lives of people all over.
There are a lot of people that miss you Darrin. My condolence and deepest sympathies to his family and friends…
Please accept my prayers and deepest sympathy. Darrin was a true friend, with an extraordinary talent, a delightful wit and a huge, generous heart. My husband and I feel poorer upon his loss, but blessed to have had him in our lives at all.
Rest easy, sweetie.
Mary-Jane O.
Darrin helped me get my photo collage art into Sports Illustrated. He was a close personal friend while he was in NYC. He loved to be called ‘Bubba’. I gave him my Olympic Torch which I carried in the 1980 torch relay thru Waterbury, Conn. I gave it to him for his birthday. He loved to collect Olympic memorabilia. He was sweet, and gentle. I will miss you Bubba. Rest in Peace.
Darrin helped me get my photo collage art into Sports Illustrated. He was a close personal friend while he was in NYC. He loved to be called ‘Bubba’. I gave him my Olympic Torch which I carried in the 1980 torch relay thru Waterbury, Conn. I gave it to him for his birthday. He loved to collect Olympic memorabilia. He was sweet, and gentle. I will miss you Bubba. Rest in Peace.
Darrin helped me get my photo collage art into Sports Illustrated. He was a close personal friend while he was in NYC. He loved to be called ‘Bubba’. I gave him my Olympic Torch which I carried in the 1980 torch relay thru Waterbury, Conn. I gave it to him for his birthday. He loved to collect Olympic memorabilia. He was sweet, and gentle. I will miss you Bubba. Rest in Peace.
You will be missed.May you find the peace that we all search for.
Pat, I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gretchen
I respected Darrin immensley. He was helpful and pushed an aspiring designer to keep aspiring. I appriciated his candor, it is sorely lacking in our field. He will be missed’?I will miss him.
Design Director, Discover magazine
My heart sank when I read the news. My deepest condolences for John and Darrin’s family.
Darrin was one of those great design directors to work for, he hired you to do a job and then he trusted your insticts. I’ll miss working with him.
I am hard pressed to put into words how profoundly Darrin changed my life. I followed in his every footstep at Sports Illustrated, all the while hoping I could match the caliber of his work. His generosity of spirit and time knew no bounds. He got me interested in collecting tickets, treating design as an art form and devouring as much pop culture as I could. He found joy in everything and it radiated from him. This is a loss I will have great difficulty rebounding from. All my prayers go out to Darrin. John and their families.
God Bless. You were the younger brother I never had and how I wish you were still here.
Gone too soon, but never forgotton. Our prayers are with Darrin’s family.
I am shocked and truly saddened by the news of Darrin’s passing. Never in my life have I met such a truly giving, generous and feeling person. He was someone whose waters ran deeper than anyone else I have known. I had contact with Darrin for a relatively short period of time and, regrettably, allowed distance and time factors to contribute to not having spoken to him in almost 3 years. My sincerest condolences go to John and Darrin’s family. This is a terrible loss for all.
My deepest sympathies go out to you all for this terrible loss. Having worked with Darrin at SI, I have such fond memories of him.
Excellence was routine for Darrin but he was really at his best when the material he had to work with was the weakest. He’d always save the day with such quiet aplomb.
I don’t feel that I knew him all that well personally but whenever I encountered him out and about in the neighborhood I always got the feeling he lived his life joyfully and truthfully. I find that some small comfort in the face of such an early passing.
I remember when Darrin started working at Sports Illustrated. We had many spirited conversations about life and politics. I remember his sense of style ‘? crisp white shirts and fabulous ties. And his boundless creativity: from his fresh layouts for the magazine, to his ingenious birthday-gift-wrapping. It was clear that he had an out-of-the-ordinary talent. He was vibrant. It was a fun and inspiring to work with him and I was disappointed when he left SI and we lost touch. I was deeply shocked by the news of his death. My deepest sympathy goes out to his partner, his family and friends.
I was truly saddened to hear of Darrin’s passing, but I’m grateful to have worked with this young man, whose gentility matched his talent. I’ll hold on to that.
Darrin made us see the world in a different light’?an amazing and welcoming and beautiful light. I hope he knew how many lives he touched.
I personally didn’t know Darrin very well, but I was always impressed that the folks that worked in his dept at ESPN the Magazine praised him enormously for being a great boss and they loved working with him. I figured he must be special indeed to solicit that type of reaction. God Bless Darrin and I hope that he finds peace in the afterlife.
Doris Alvarez-Ramirez
My deepest condolences.
I met Darrin at SI, no more than 23 and thrilled to have landed a job that encompassed his beloved Olympics. Right off, you knew his was a special talent, but he always made it look easy. Years later, in the midst of a nail-biting national magazine launch, Darrin returned from lunch one day with a bag of excellent toys he’d found in the area. With a smile he proceeded to distribute the goodies to friends and colleagues. Mine was a foil-wrapped chocolate ball that revealed some sort of transformer, once you broke through to the center. Gifts distributed, Darrin returned to the business of creating a design for ESPN The Magazine so cutting edge it won the coveted National Magazine Award for design in its very first year. No matter how mature his work or great his passion for excellence, Darrin never lost touch with the fascinated kid you could glimpse just under the surface, delighted by the unexpected, sustained by treasured relationships with John and his family. He’ll be sorely missed.
One of my fondest memories of Darrin, among many, was sitting with him in a pub in our neighborhood after work, sharing beers and plotting the takeover of the world. In the twilight of this perfect evening in the Mission, we blabbed and droned about reengineering the dot-economy, developed crazy design and product ideas and came up with hundreds of other ingenious and impossible projects. Candlelight illuminated his eyes and mine as if the creative energy was shining out of us. The sky was the limit; no restrictions on our super-powers whenever we were together. Darrin was constantly sparking fires like that night and he radiated joy of play and curiosity. He was one of the most empathic, kind and sensitive people I knew. Why’d you go so soon, my sweet spaceman? We had only just begun! Save a seat for me out there co-pilot, wherever you are. I miss you terribly and I’ll always love you.
I only knew of him through his work at SI, ESPN and Wired. He made a significant mark on the way in which we receive information. His careful attention to making design as it applied to the subject and not an individual style has blessed the world. Thank you.
PAT: MAY GOD BLESS YOU AT THIS TIME AND SEND YOU COMFORT AND PEACE. REMEMBER JESUS LOVES YOU VERY MUCH. MAY HIS FACE SMILE UPON YOU ALWAYS.
MAY GOD BLESS ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MARY C. ANDREWS (JEFFERSON-PILOT)
I can still remember tumbling down the hall at Mamaw’s and getting yelled out by our parents. Seems like forever ago, but how short a time we are truly here together. May you find peace, Darrin. Your family will truly miss you.
NUNCA TE OLVIDARE DARRIN
SIEMPRE ESTARAS EN MI CORAZON DARRIN
My deepest condolences to Darrin’s friends and family. He will be missed and remembered.
I was stunned and saddened to hear of Darrin’s passing. I didn’t know him well, but it was obvious that he was a good and special person. My condolences to those who did know him well; his absence will be a big hole to fill.
I am deeply saddened by the news of Darrin’s passing, and my most heart felt condolences to his family. Darrin was one of the greatest influences on my life both personally and professionally. I still remember the early days of ESPN The Magazine when he and I were the only people in the office to even have macs. I will be lost without his continuing inspiration.
A brilliant art director whose work soared, gleamed and blasted off… yet never sacrificed just plain smartness.
It is so hard to find peace when you lose someone you love, but I pray that Darrin’s family can find it. What an impressive career he acheived after leaving us at T.C. Roberson! His work touched so many of us without our knowing it. I am sad that we are without him.
My deepest sympathies go out to Darrin’s family on his untimely passing. Darrin’s quiet brilliance and the mastery of his craft as a designer made him a very special artist and friend. And I will be ever grateful for his kindness to me with his special words. Prayers go with you,Darrin.
Bride Whelan
Pat; so very sorry to hear of your loss–our thoughts and prayers are with you–in deepest sympathy–Joe and Justine
I have been haunted this week by the news of Darrin, whom I met at Sports Illustrated when I came there as a novice designer. To work with Darrin was a personal and professional delight, as his combination of inventiveness, humor and kindness was unique and clearly valued by all. Through the years I’ve always held on to the SI issues he worked on (the Olympics issues in particular) because of their beauty and as a personal memento. About 18 months ago we had a warm exchange via e-mail and he was, as usual, generous in his enthusiasm for my endeavors. His presence couldn’t be more sorely missed. My condolences to his many loved ones.
Just want to let you know that your church family at Biltmore Baptist is remembering you in prayer at this sorrowful time. May you feel His presence and be assured of His peace during these difficult days.
Our love,
Lawrence & Faith Fryman
(a part of the Biltmore Baptist Church family)
Darrin was my team mate, and I will miss him very much. I already miss working with him on some marketing project I’d ask for him to do for Fog fundraising events. I envied his talent and hope that all can appreiciate his genius. Blessed be.
My heart is heavy for Darrin’s family and especially his partner, Jonathan. Both Darrin and Jon have been very generous to me, taking me in for the the night after a serious rugby injury. I will never forget that.
While I didn’t know Darrin all that well, I did feel like I got to know him thru all the amazing and ouching tributes and memories shared at the memorial service in San Franicisco. And I now see it is quite fitting that my last sighting of him was when he was dressed as a fuzzy bunny alongside Jon at Hisham’s Halloween party!
I will always hold dear the image of Darrin, tears of the purest joy in his eyes and a huge smile on his face, after our winning the Bingham Cup in London last spring. Sleep well my rugby brother. Roll Fog Roll. With you Darrin.
To my rugby mate, I will always remember your kindness to me and conversely how you played so ferociously at the top of your game in London this past May. Godspeed…..
With deepest sympathy to you in your great loss.
Dearest Lloyd and all your family, we are so saddened to hear of your
tragic loss. Only a parent can truly
feel the heartache you are going through. Remember no matter how our hearts ache and we feel God has
turned His back on us He is still right beside us. We still feel so close to all of you even though the miles have separated us for many years, you all have never left our hearts and our wonderful memories
of the days when we had such great times. From the survivors listed I assmue your daughter is in Orlando
and I would like to call her after some time has passed. Just remember
we are all thinking of you and holding the family up in prayer.
May God comfort and bless you in
the difficult days to come .
To Pat and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and always. May you find comfort and reassurance in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Darrin was a great teammate and a good friend. I got to know him through the Fog and am going to miss the sideline banter with him.
Thinking of all of you with our deepest sympathy,
All the years I knew Darrin, I never knew I was walking with a giant of a man. It speaks volumes to his humble and kind spirit. Farewell and Godspeed my friend.
I wish you peace and strength to make it though this time in your life.
Prince Harry of the Fog
I am truely blessed to have known Darrin Perry. Not only do I have some of my best friends because of the people he hired, but he also helped me so much with my Bulldog when I got one. I had no idea really what taking care of a dog actually meant, never mind a Bulldog. When I first got the dog we’d chat everyday and he’d tell me what I was doing right and wrong. I know how much he’s already missed, but he helped and taught so many people, he won’t ever be forgotten…Thanks for all you did for me and my friends, Darrin….
I will always miss you my brother. I will never forget the fun times the we have had with the Fog and always remember you as the bunny rabbit of the Fog rugby team. REST IN PEACE..
I’ll never forget the great times we shared together and although this past year I was so busy with school and work that I didn’t spend as much time with Darrin, whenever we saw each other out he brought a smile to my face like he always did. You are loved Darrin and will be missed. Love – Brandon
Jonathan-
On behalf of the Atlanta Bucks,RFC, I would like to express our deepest condolences at this time. Please know that when one brother rugger is lost, we are all deminished.
With you,
Eddie Towson
President
Atlanta Bucks, RFC
I got to spend a lot of time with Darrin at the onset of ESPN Magazine. He was a brilliant designer and a person which I will alway consider to be a friend. My deepest condolences to all of his Family and Friends. Darrin will be missed.
To Darrin, friend and teammate, may you rest in peace. You know that Paolo refers to rugby as ‘the game played in heaven’, I know that you’re up above giving it a lash, playing with the same zest and passion you had every time you pulled on a Fog jersey. I’m proud to have played with you, and to have shared your joy in being part of a wonderful band of rugby brothers.
To Darrin, friend and teammate, may you rest in peace. You know that Paolo refers to rugby as ‘the game played in heaven’, I know that you’re up above giving it a lash, playing with the same zest and passion you had every time you pulled on a Fog jersey. I’m proud to have played with you, and to have shared your joy in being part of a wonderful band of rugby brothers.
With you,
Hugh
He touched many spirits on the SF Fog team. His spirit will always be with us.
Loved and admired your design works.
As a classmate of Darrin’s at T. C. Roberson, I knew that he was bound for greater venues as he prepared to leave for the School for the Arts. He gave up a much wanted school trip to Europe to save money and prepare to attend the School for the Arts. I sold all of those candy bars he’d ordered and I went on his trip to Europe instead!
I’d been in contact with him a number of times over the past two years and I even encouraged him to come to our class reunion in Asheville.
I am proud to have known him and been able to call him friend.
My deepest sympathy to your family.
Darrin, I will always keep you close to my heart. You have been there for me during my darkest hour and will never forget your kindness, honesty, and generousity.
Thank you for letting me into your beautiful and amazing life.
Best wishes to all family & friends of Darrin from the Boca Raton RFC and Rugby magazine’s Masters column.
Best wishes to all family & friends of Darrin from the Boca Raton RFC and Rugby magazine’s Masters column.
loved your work
Dear Pat: I was saddened when I received your letter re: Darrin. Losing a child is losing one of our most prized possessions. You always mentioned what he was doing. He was truly successful in all that he did & I know how much you loved him & how proud you were.
With sincere sympathy, Alice
IAM DARRIN’S UNCLE LLOYD. ITS A SHAME A SMART & INTELLIGENT GUY HAS TO LEAVE US SO SOON. WE WILL MISS YOU DARRIN. MY CONDOLENCES TO MY BROTHER FLOYD AND TO PAT. LOVE YA BOTH
Darrin – I miss you so much and think about you daily. I hope you know how much we all loved you and what an impact you had on our lives. You were and always will be such a bright light in our lives. Oh sweet cubby bunny…
shirley and girls i am sorry to hear about landon my prayers and thoughts are with you all may god bless you, locke
Wow! Dear Darrin : what can I say ? the date is March 2011 tonight while watching tv and thinking of well, nothing – really you just popped into my mind – I thought I wonder if Darrin is around ? maybe on facebook or myspace or Linkedin websites – I googled your name and your obit came up…you were a good soul buddy and Iam now thinking of all the things that happened..but most esp when we spent a week together on the Isle of Anguilla and hung out and got to know each other: I dont know if Vince knows of your passing but I will tell him…I wish you peace – you had an awesome heart. Iam sad that you are gone and transitioned to Gods home..I hope your having fun wherever you are – rest in peace – bro hugs and love – kirk