Robert William Darby, of McLaren Vale, South Australia, suddenly passed away June 8, 2022, in the Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia.
Rob was the loving and dearly loved husband of Mary Margaret Wooddell Darby, formerly of Green Bank, who survives him.
Born April 16, 1934, in South Australia, he was a son of the late Leslie and Ruth Darby.
Robert and his two sisters grew up in a small town along the Murray River, where his parents were involved in the dried fruit industry.
As a teenager, Rob attended Scotch College in Adelaide where he received Cadet training, and further developed his skills in tennis and Australian Rules football.
In his younger adult life he won Best and Fairest awards twice in “Aussie” football and, in time, focused on tennis, serving as Captain of tennis clubs in two areas in which he lived, having often won district championships. He remained an avid sportsman all his life.
Rob had grown up learning the business of grafting, growing and tending grapes at his parents’ vineyards, and in time owned his own property near McLaren Vale where he produced choice wine grapes for the local McLaren Vale wine industries. He also had a fair-sized almond orchard, making his workload a busy one.
It was at McLaren Vale where Robert and Mary first met in February 1972, when she was traveling and working throughout Australia with two other young women. They were employed with a team of workers to hand pick grapes on his vineyard.
“Two worlds met,” and in time they were dating, and before Mary left Australia to return to the States, they were promised. Mary returned to South Australia to be married to the love of her life on February 24, 1973.
Rob had become a National Serviceman in his early years and continued to be actively associated with the Nashos until recent years. As well as his various sporting clubs, he was also a member of Probus (Rotary); a Business and Community Club; the RSL (Servicemen); and was a Freemason. He continued his love of sport progressively in the areas of tennis, then golf, then lawn bowls for the rest of his life.
With his kind, good-natured ways, Rob was often referred to by his friends as “a true gentleman.” He was indeed that, but also generous to those in need; helpful to his neighbors; with a funny sense of humor and forgiving nature.
He and Mary spent 49 and a half wonderful years together, Mary working as a music teacher as Rob continued his business as a vigneron and almond orchardist.
After retirement, they moved to a new home with views toward the sea, and enjoyed 25 years there. Through the years, they travelled throughout Australia and several times abroad: the UK, Canada and several U.S. states. But the most enjoyable trips were to visit Mary’s folks in Green Bank and other areas.
Rob’s Celebration of Life was held in Adelaide in June 2022, complete with his favorite music, family reflections, smiles, laughter, faith and respect, and attended by close family members, many dear relatives, good friends and associates.
Rob is remembered as a loving husband, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. The special kind of presence he brought to every family or friends’ gathering through the years is deeply missed by everyone.
