Darren Gray

Alas, the sun shone bright on Saturday, June 17. A brilliant day for a karate belt test and scout hike. So, after cooking breakfast for everyone, Darren Gray and the family departed for a full morning of activities. It was while hiking Black Star Canyon with his children, that he lost his life doing something he immensely loved.

Darren was born in Dublin, Ireland, on the 7th July 1972, one of nine children. Darren was a keen musician, avid Star Wars collector, expert Lego engineer, and enjoyed tinkering with electronic equipment. After graduating from Dublin Institute of Technology at Kevin Street with his Bachelor of Science Engineering degree in Electronics and Telecommunications, Darren began his career as a Test Engineer at Analog Devices in 1997. In 1999, he landed a dream job in America with Teradyne Inc., working at IBM in Burlington, Vermont. It was here where he met Jillian – very apropos at an Irish pub, RiRa's. A few years later, Darren was presented an opportunity to start a new role within Teradyne working onsite at Qualcomm in San Diego, California. As his career grew, so did his love for Jillian. After proposing at a Nascar Race on lap 100, the two returned to Valentia Island, County Kerry, Ireland, to marry on his birthday, 07/07/07. The couple went on to have four brilliant and beautiful children. Never forgetting his Irish roots, the two embraced traditional Gaelic names and spellings for, Fearghus, Gráinne, Eimhear, and Aonghus. His children were his absolute pride and beloved joy. He was so incredibly proud of each of them – always expecting the best just as he did of himself.

Darren was dedicated to his family and loved taking them on adventures. You would often find them biking, hiking, skiing and rock climbing. During the pandemic, he and the kids together built a 12ft+ climbing wall in their backyard! For his 50th milestone birthday last year, the family ventured to Peru as hiking Machu Picchu was a top item on Darren's bucket list. On his 50th birthday, July 7, he blew out candles atop this seventh wonder of the world. From the mountains of Cusco to the Amazon Forest, adventure followed from fishing for piranha's to Darren calling monkey's to entertain the children from their open air room at the Tambupata Reserve. Darren's sense of humor was unique and he could make people laugh with a combination of his quick wit and guileless facial expressions.

Darren's work ethic was unparalleled. He was beyond passionate about his career and technology at large. His eye for detail, conscientiousness, and dedication to doing things with meticulous care was apparent in his work as an Electrical Engineer. In 2009 following the recession, Darren joined on at Broadcom in Orange County, CA. For two years, he commuted daily for his family and in 2011, the family moved fully to Orange County. Darren's career at Broadcom has grown tremendously, and he fondly spoke of his colleagues, customers and team. He was tireless and meticulous at work, and valued by all his team members as the WCC/Wifi Group Test Manager.

Next to music and his family, a lifelong passion of Darren was scouting. He spoke of adventures in Ireland with his own father and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He's been an active leader in the Boy Scouts and filled several roles with Troop 628 and the greater Orange County Council of Boy Scouts. He was a natural teacher – with patience and fortitude. He was so proud to take part in Scout backpacking trips, hikes, BBQs and campouts. He was an expert "knotsman" which was an invaluable skill in outdoor adventures. He was all about challenging himself and had received his Ham Radio License, FAA Commercial Drone License and was striving towards a sailing achievement as his next personal endeavor. He was a constant learner and imparted that interest and spark of inquisitive insight into all his children. When not outdoors or in the office, he simply loved just being at home with family playing music, watching movies, and eating popcorn or mashed potatoes.

Darren was predeceased by his parents, Breda (Lynch) and Mick Gray, and the couples four-legged children, Dingle and Roxy. Darren is survived by his adoring wife, Jillian and his four remarkable children, Fearghus, Gráinne, Eimhear, and Aonghus. Along with his siblings Paul (Anita) Griffin, Ciaran (Audrey) Gray, Michael (Lorainne) Gray, Terry (Inga) Gray, Paul (Yvonne) Gray, Aidan (Rani) Gray, Allison (Paddy) Gray, and Nigel (Niall) Gray. He is also survived by his Aunts Josephine Brennan, Margaret Lynch, Catherine Kessie and Eilish Tuite and his Uncle Joe Lynch as well as many other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and in-law relations.

Darren's brothers & sister are travelling to be by his side during this celebration of his life. Calling hours will be held on Monday, June 26 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at O'Connor's Funeral Home in Laguna Hills, CA. The funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 27 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point, CA with a Celebration of Life to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family graciously asks you consider a gift to the Orange County Boys Scouts Campership Program or the Irish Heart Foundation in his honor.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.