Gerald Fisher Darst, 85, passed away peacefully in his home on his life-long farm in San de Fuca, at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, surrounded by family and his long-time caregiver, Mary Hansen.

After a long and courageous struggle with Parkinson’s Disease, Gerald went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for a joyous reunion with his dear wife of 58 years, Dorothy, who had just preceded him in death two and a half months ago.

Gerald was born in San de Fuca on March 21, 1921 to Glenn and Madeline Darst. Gerald was descended from the early pioneer families of Barrington, McCrohan and Fisher.

After his graduation from Coupeville High School in 1939, Gerald went to Washington State University to study agriculture. With the outbreak of World War II, he returned home to the family farm to work here on Whidbey Island. Gerald raised beef cattle, hay, wheat and other crops but became well known for his “Darst Potatoes.”

Gerald met Dorothy May Kohler, a Colorado girl and nursing student at Tacoma General while at a dance in Mount Vernon. After her graduation they were married on Sept. 5, 1948 in Tacoma.

Gerald and Dorothy lived their whole lives on the farm, raised two sons and two daughters. They enjoyed fellowshipping at the San de Fuca Chapel, the Coupeville Community Church as well as the Nazarene Church in Oak Harbor, returning to their San de Fuca Chapel roots.

Gerald enjoyed his farming, gardening, photography, reading, music and traveling while he was still able. He was a godly, hard working, kind and honest person. Many will recall working for him on his farm and being treated very well.

Gerald was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy and his two sons Marvin and Daryl. Gerald is survived by his brother Earle Darst of San de Fuca; his daughters, Gloria Bonacci and her husband Rick, Peggy Darst Townsdin and her husband Michael Rattray, all of San de Fuca; his grandchildren, Danny Bonacci in Bellingham, Sherry Bonacci Roberts and her husband Jon, and Stephanie Bonacci in Oak Harbor, Christian Townsdin in Edmonds, Jamie Townsdin in Bellingham, and Michelle Townsdin. Also surviving is his great-granddaughter Lindsey Roberts, as well as her sisters, Austin and Chloe Roberts.

Memorial services for Gerald Darst will be celebrated at the San de Fuca Community Chapel on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Cliff Horr officiating. Family graveside services will be held at Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville.

Remembrances may be made to the San de Fuca Community Chapel. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.