Vernon remembers referee and community hero Darren Zupp, whose passion, fairness, and courage touched countless lives before cancer took him too soon.
A Farewell to a Local Hero
When it came to doing what was right, Darren Zupp never backed down—not even from a midnight mountain drive to retrieve a lost wallet. That’s just who he was: determined, loyal, and full of heart.
Zupp, a respected hockey referee and beloved community leader from Vernon, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 12 at the age of 63. It was the same day his late mother, Marilyn, was born—a tender twist of fate for a man who cherished family above all else.
His passing came just ten weeks after a diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer, a battle he faced with the same quiet courage that defined his life.
The Man Who Wouldn’t Quit
Those who knew Darren Zupp say he simply refused to give up—ever.
Former officiating partner Dave McClellan shared a story that perfectly captures that spirit. After refereeing a Western Hockey League exhibition in Castlegar decades ago, McClellan realized he’d lost his wallet—along with the group’s travel cash—somewhere along the Blueberry-Paulson Pass.
Most people would have accepted the loss. Not Zupp.
“Nope, nope, nope—I’m going back,” McClellan recalled him saying with a laugh.
Hours later, under the beam of Zupp’s headlights, they spotted the wallet lying in the middle of the dark highway. Money and all. It was classic Darren—persistent, dependable, and just a little bit stubborn in the best way.
A Life Built Around the Game
Born in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, and raised in Vernon, Zupp laced up his first pair of skates at just eight years old. He idolized Ken Dryden, guarded the net for the Vernon Coca-Cola Juvenile Reps, and led his team to a Western Canadian championship in 1979-80.
But Zupp’s true calling came when he picked up a whistle. By age 12, he was officiating for two bucks a game—and a cup of hot chocolate. From there, he rose through the ranks, eventually earning Level 6 certification, the highest a referee can achieve.
Across three decades, he officiated nearly 800 Junior A games, earning titles like BC Amateur Hockey Official of the Year and Canadian Amateur Hockey Association’s Most Deserving Official.
He was known for his calm authority, sense of fairness, and ability to keep his cool—qualities that earned him the respect of coaches, players, and fans alike.
Integrity on and off the Ice
Zupp’s philosophy was simple: respect breeds respect.
“I wasn’t a smart-ass, I never lipped anybody,” he once told the BCHL. “I just did my job and was professional.”
Even when fans hurled insults, Zupp brushed them off with a grin. He understood that passion for the game sometimes spilled over—and he never took it personally.
His colleague Mike Vandekamp, former Vernon Vipers head coach, called him a “BCHL icon” and praised his integrity.
“He cared. And when you’re coaching or playing, that’s all you can ask for—a referee who cares.”
A Heart That Beat for His Community
Off the ice, Zupp was just as dedicated. For 24 years, he worked shifts at the Lavington Glass Plant, while also coaching hockey, lacrosse, baseball, and women’s soccer.
He was the kind of person who showed up—whether to referee a game, help a neighbor, or cheer for his kids.
Zupp leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Karen, and their sons, Dallas and Brenden. His sister Shelley shared, “Family was always Darren’s priority. His kindness and fairness touched so many lives. He will be deeply missed.”
Saying Goodbye
A celebration of Darren Zupp’s life will be held on Saturday, November 8, at 1 p.m. at the Vernon Alliance Church.
Though he never made it to the NHL, Zupp once said, “I have no regrets.” He had something far greater—a legacy of fair play, friendship, and community spirit that will live on in every arena he ever stepped into.
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