Birth date: Aug 23, 1969 Death date: Mar 31, 2018
Darin Wade Qualkenbush passed away on Saturday, March 31, 2018 at his home in Covington, LA. He was born on August 23, 1969 in Muncie, IN to David Qualkenbush and Larita Rutherford Qualkenbush. Darin was married to his beloved wi Read Obituary
I had the absolute honor and privilege to serve with Darin in the Coast Guard. He was truly a great mentor and friend to many and he helped me in so many ways during my time at MSU Houma that I could not even begin to recount them all here. His steady leadership kept that unit together through some very rough patches and he taught me more about leadership than I ever learned from any Coast Guard leadership class or event. He excelled at everything he did and he constantly challenged himself and others to always achieve more. He was one of the very, very few experts the Coast Guard has ever had in the field of offshore inspections. His passion for that mission and desire to learn more about OCS operations is unmatched. That passion stayed with him in his post-Coast Guard career and he was a very influential and stalwart presence in the industry. I also have him to thank for helping me establish myself in my post-Coast Guard career as well. I know I will miss his view of the world and the frequent conversations we had to resolve the issues. His love for Alabama football was only eclipsed by the love and absolute devotion he had for his family. I will miss seeing him in full dress Alabama fashion wherever he went. I think he must have had the entire catalog worth of options! We lost a good one far too soon. We need to find strength in the memories of him and the experiences we had with him because he would want us to “saddle up” and move on. I love you, brother. Roll Tide!
While I haven't seen Darin since high school, I remember him with such fondness. The photos are a reflection of a great life full of love and family he has lived with that huge smile of his. Sunday a photo album I had moved fell open to a page with him on it from my 17th birthday party. I'm not sure why in all these years it happened then, but when I saw him I sure wondered how he was and where life had taken him. My deepest condolences to the family. Laura Roberts Whitsitt
So, so sorry to hear this. We just lost my Dad (Phillip Tolbert) on Monday. My dad has many home movies of you all, and we all have great memories. Pat and I always loved playing with Darin and Carrie. My mom sends her love. Love, LeAnn (Tolbert) Pinnick
Darin,
Growing up the youngest cousin we didn't spend much time together besides holidays and a few other events. But everytime I was in your presence I knew you were a great man.
Anytime I heard through your mom about your accomplishments, it made me proud that you were part of our family. You will truly be missed.
Troy Rutherford, cousin
So sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers to all! From: Anita & Gordon Woebkenberg and family.
Dear Larita and David,
Paula and I lost our son, Robert in 2009. Like your precious son, he died far too young. You may also have heard that I lost Paula to cancer back in September. I'm traveling to Paoli tomorrow to the funeral of Rita's husband , Phillip Tolbert. I am so sorry for your loss--I truly know how it feels. May God bless the two of you and Darin's family
Ron Freed
Parker, CO
Darin there is little I can say that hasn’t already been said about you. You made room for
the life you wanted everywhere you went, and those spaces are empty now. You created a big life for your family, and we are so proud of your many accomplishments and your kind heart. You created a nFamily wherever you went, and I know there are so many who mourn this loss. What a wonderful example you are of a devoted husband, loving father and son for those left behind. May you be at peace. We love you in Indiana.
Darin,
You were always a role model for me growing up, being the oldest boy out of all of us cousins. I know you put up with a lot of nonsense from the rest of us, like my incessant kicking of the dashboard on whatever trips my mom would dream up for us (and where we had proper grammar drilled into us). You also always told it like it was, like back in 2004, when you accurately informed me of how I’d be received on a submarine walking around as a civilian with shoulder-length hair and sideburns, telling me, “Oh, those Navy chiefs are going to LOVE you!”
Rest In Peace, Darin. You will be missed.
Love, Your Cousin,
Adam
I also had the privilege of being able to work with Darin before and after his Coast Guard career. Lt. Qualkenbush was OCMI when we started up our deepwater TLP and he and his USCG team were instrumental in helping get us there. He was always fair but demanded compliance and it made or Team and project better. Even though we were not close I always felt that I missed an opportunity to get to know him better and become a good friend, even though his beloved Tide rolled my Tigers. God Bless Darin and RIP.
