Forrester Bushnell “Bo” Darling was born June 19, 1939, in Houston, TX, to Emeretta (Farr) and Sturgis Williams Darling, he died on January 20, 2024, at his Tempe, Arizona home.
At age 2, Texaco moved Bo and his family to New York City (Staten Island, then Westchester). This precocious child began playing spoons on his highchair at 2, learned drums as a 12-year-old freshman at Hastings on Hudson High School and became a professional musician that same year. Bo went off to Yale, at 15, for Industrial Administration, and played linebacker on the football team. Next was Oklahoma State for his Mechanical Engineering degree. This was followed by a 37-year career with Union Carbide/Linde/Praxair, which took him to California, New York, Connecticut, Ohio and Michigan. Besides being a drummer throughout his life, he also sailed competitively for 17 years, enjoyed many years of recreational skiing, caught baseball on local teams, ran marathons, and was a serious cyclist (Seattle to Portland in one day).
Bo and Patti traveled to many race sites in the US and Canada as he served as a Referee and COO of Unlimited Hydroplanes. They also loved other trips to Europe, Asia and across this Country. Oh, and we mustn’t forget the Bluegrass Festivals!
Service in Rotary International was another facet of his colorful life. Bo was a dedicated Rotary member where he served the Rotary Club of Mercer Island, WA as Club President, Seattle District 5030 as Governor, and became an Honorary Member (along with Sandra Day O’Connor) of the Phoenix 100 Rotary Club. He was a solid, and delightful, member of the Mirabella Residents Council. The Darlings served faithfully at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Paradise Valley.
Bo was kind, and welcoming; a gentle man, though his angelic smile could change if a car came too close to the Tullys’ cycling group! He was full of mirth and always had a comment–albeit occasionally off center. He was a Renaissance man; he was every person’s man and comfortable in any setting. He was an amazing and wonderful husband to Patricia for almost 38 years. He leaves behind his devoted and loving wife, Sons Jeffrey (Wendy)Darling, Marc (Di) Krein, Grandchildren Keliah (Daniel) Davidson, Philip (Lena) Krein, Zachary (Andrea) Krein, Walker (Kataya)Krein, Sean Forester Darling, Doane Edward Darling, and Great grandchildren Anara and Nolan Davidson. His last earthly breath came January 20, 2024, as he lost the battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Donations in honor of Forrester ‘Bo’ Darling, can be made to Phoenix Rotary 100 Charities 501 E Osborn Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85012 or to Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church 6715 North Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 A memorial service will be held in Seattle at a to be determined date.
