Darren Rhys Owen Gillet, of Lethbridge, AB, beloved husband of Trish York-Gillett, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the age of 73 years.

Besides his loving wife Trish, Darren is survived by his son Brett (Georgia) York; grandchildren Henry and Owen; his sisters Rhonda (Gerry), Brenda (Norm), and Debbie (Dean), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

Darren was predeceased by his parents Charles James Owen Gillett and Irma Maria Gillett (née Schulhauser); brother Randy Bing, and his son Paul York.

The Man, the Myth, the Legend! Darren was truly a one-of-a-kind human being.  Our lives were incredibly blessed by his beautiful presence. We are forever grateful for the time we shared with him.

Born in Vancouver, BC, Darren grew up surrounded by the beauty of North Vancouver. He loved getting out in nature; creek fishing, swimming and catching frogs in Lynn Canyon Park.

The Gillett Family were members of the North Shore Winter Club and the Hollyburn Country Club, embracing all the activities. After a hockey practice at age 8, Darren was amazed at the talents of a figure skater, Jay Humphrey, flying down the ice at top speed and landing a double flip jump. He promptly said to his Mom "I want to do that!"  The next day he started lessons with world renowned Olympian, Edy Rada and thus began his illustrious 65-year career in Figure Skating.

Darren's competitive skating career spanned 13 years as he attained National level competitive status in both Men's Singles and Dance. He proudly competed at the Senior Dance Level with partner Jill Miller.

Three years after graduating from Windsor Secondary in North Vancouver, BC, he accepted a coaching position with the Glengarry Figure Skating Club and moved to Penticton, accompanied by Jill who would become his wife. Once in the Okanagan, Darren enjoyed life to the fullest - boating, fishing, hunting, curling, skiing at Apex Mountain, slow-pitch baseball where he was Captain, Pitcher & MVP for many years. Everything fast suited him, hence his love of motorcycles and sport cars.

Coaching was his calling. With over 37 years with the Glengarry Figure Skating Club, he developed many champions and guided countless skaters to achieve gold level tests. His leadership extended beyond the ice; he proudly spearheaded the 1st ever National Canadian Coaching Conference for Skate Canada in 1988.

Darren’s expertise and reputation carried him to contracts in Merida, Mexico and Fernie, BC and job offers from Palm Beach, Florida & Seattle, Washington. Darren and his wife Trish joined the Lethbridge Skating Club in July 2012. It was a wonderful final coaching chapter for Coaches D & T!

Along with coaching, Darren was the go-to guy for expert figure skate sharpening in Southern Alberta & BC. Darren retired from coaching in the fall of 2025. He was grateful to have mentored many wonderful skaters and their families in Lethbridge.

Thank you, Darren for leaving such a great legacy! Rest in peace, You have left an indelible imprint on our hearts. We will miss you.

A Celebration of Darren’s Life will be held August 2026 in Penticton, BC. Dates and details to follow. We look forward to hearing all your stories about our beloved “Coach D.”

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Darren’s name to your favorite animal charity in honor of his very loved dogs Dixie, Tia, Buddy, Max, and Samson.