Darrell Medcalf, 87

Darrell Gerald Medcalf, born on February 10, 1937, in Tillamook, Oregon, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024, in his home with his 3 daughters surrounding him. He was 87 years old, reuniting with Janet, his beloved wife of 61 years who passed away in June of 2022. Darrell leaves behind treasured memories and a foundation of love.

A devoted family man, he is survived by his three daughters and their families, Kathi Medcalf, Kristi and Jay Bell, children Evan Breen and Araya Bell, Kari and Scott Johnson, children Isaac, John, Christian and Jessica. Darrell’s love for his family was unwavering. Throughout his life bringing family together was important. He brought the family together in Ixtapa, Mexico for over 30 years it was such a gift. During the last year of his life, he embarked on a three-week South American cruise with Kathi and enjoyed a week-long trip to Maui with the whole family.

Darrell had a passion for golf, sailing, college basketball and anything his grandchildren were participating in, even moving to Bend OR, for the winter to attend high school basketball games. He instilled the importance of family, a love of reading, education and travel into all of us.

Darrell graduated from Lewis and Clark college and obtained his PhD from Purdue University. He enjoyed his career as a college professor at North Dakota State University and the University of Puget Sound. He left education and worked for General Foods, Hershey Foods and Kraft Foods, leaving behind a legacy of patents and food products we are still enjoying today. He was a mentor to many along the way and was always willing to give anybody advice and push them in the right direction.

Darrell and Janet built their first house in Gig Harbor in 1967, leaving in 1977 when he moved into the food industry. In 1992, they returned to Gig Harbor, when Darrell became President of HealthComm International Inc., a medical foods company from which he retired in 2002. They bought and remodeled a house with a wonderful view of Mt. Rainier and the water that brought both our parents peace and joy to the end. Darrell was humble and kind with an adventurous spirit. He had a wonderful sense of humor and will be missed by all who knew him.

Darrell did not want a service, but there will be an event at the family home to be announced sometime in the future.
Donations may be made in his honor to Lewis & Clark College or Purdue University Scholarship Foundations.