Darwin Van De Graaf

Darwin Van De Graaff.  August 10, 1935 – February 12, 2014 .

OGDEN – Darwin Van De Graaff, 78, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at Wasatch Care Center in Ogden with family present.  Preceding his short stay at Wasatch Care Center, he was an active resident at Legacy House of Ogden, an assisted living centre, where he made many friends.

Born in Ogden, Utah on August 10, 1935, he was the only child of Darwin Sr. and Beth Hilton Van De Graaff.  He graduated from Ogden High School, attended Weber Senior College (Weber State University) and subsequently graduated from the University of Utah with degrees in Economics and Theatre.  While at university, he was a radio personality as well as a highly regarded actor of Shakespeare.

Darwin spent 3 years in the US armed forces serving tours of duty in the Allusion Islands and Korea.  He was employed for 12 years at Hercules Chemical Company in the Computations Department where he met many of his long-time friends. He served 8 years as Executive Director of the Utah Petroleum Association and then served in similar positions in Montana, Colorado and New Mexico until his retirement as Executive Director of the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association.  Darwin loved his career as an oil and gas lobbyist.  And, many would admit he excelled at educating Congress, State Legislatures and the Public on all matters oil and gas.

In his youth, Darwin enjoyed the outdoors, including camping, hunting and fishing.  He was a golfer and patron of the arts all his life.  He was an avid reader, enjoying history, particularly Western and World War II.  Darwin always admired the wit of smarts of Sir Winston Churchill and in many ways held him as a role model.  He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Darwin married Carole Turnquist, whom he had known since fourth grade, and was preceded by her in 2009.  He is survived by son Wayne (Dr. Jessica Tan) and granddaughter MeiXia, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Per Darwin’s request, formal memorial services will not be held. However, appropriate religious convictions will be observed.

Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.