Myron Darrel Sharrard passed away October 14, 2021, following complications from a fall and stroke. Dad was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and good friend. He was a talented, smart, and caring man who taught with passion and humor.
Darrel, son of Myron and Nancy Sharrard, was born in Endicott, Washington. Growing up a preacher’s kid he moved often. He started playing the piano at a young age and excelled in playing both the piano and organ throughout his life. He graduated from Auburn High School and then attended Washington State College (GO COUGS!) with a degree in Bioscience, Education, and Music.
He was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity and led an active college life. It was there that he met his wife Barbie who shared his love of Art, Music, and education. Together they made many great friends locally and around the world!
They married and moved to Puerto Rico while he was drafted in the Army doing research.
They returned to Auburn to begin their teaching careers. Darrel taught for 36 years in the Auburn School District, teaching Science, English, and Drama. As an accomplished musician he served as church organist for Auburn First United Methodist for over 50 years, played over 1000 weddings and 400 funerals/memorials. He also played the organ at Messiah Lutheran Church. He accompanied many vocalists and musicians in music competitions as well as teaching piano lessons to over 200 students. He played yearly at Watson’s Nursery in Puyallup during the Christmas season, which was one of his favorite things to do!
Darrel loved collecting art, reading, playing bridge, and going to movies and dinner with friends. He supported the
Oregon Shakespeare festival for over 50 years, the Seattle ACT theater, Seattle Rep, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Seattle Opera! He really loved to travel the world and was happy to reach all 7 continents. A goal that brought great joy and many collectibles along the way. Darrel brought the world to his children. The family had many exchange students that lived with them throughout the years connecting our family with friends all over the world. These global friends have become extended family to us. He also loved CHRISTMAS! He loved everything about it and decorated the entire home each year leaving it up through Epiphany.
Darrel is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, J’Anna Sharrard. He is survived by his brother Dr. David Sharrard, and his four children Jill (Clif)Johnson, Terry (June) Sharrard, Margot (Paul) Hightower, Tor Sharrard and numerous cousins, nephews. He loved his grandchildren, Hannah Johnson, Kjersti (Ted) Steingraber, Elle (Austin) Sharrard, and TJ (Cam) Sharrard. He is also survived by his honorary families from Japan, Germany, Denmark, Australia and many life long friends who will miss him dearly. A family celebration was held on October 28th which would have been his 87th birthday, at Auburn Mountain View Cemetery. Due to Covid we ask that you honor Darrel with listening to great music, a cup of earl grey tea and your favorite Christmas cookie in hand.
Memorials may be made to WESLEY HOMES LEA HILL Memorial Garden or to a charity of your choice.
WE LOVE YOU DAD, OPA, UNCLE D, MY FRIEND…
You made beautiful music in our lives!
“If music be the food of love, play on!” Shakespeare WE LOVE YOU MORE!
