Obituary of Darren Renaud
If you can't fly, then run.
If you can't run, then walk.
If you can't walk, then crawl.
But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Darren Renaud on May 13, 2021, at the age of 54.
Darren was a devoted husband and best friend to Nicky Poulin, proud and loving father to Cole Renaud, a father figure to Cierra Laplante, Cole’s girlfriend, a kind and gentle son to Eileen Renaud, and a true friend to many. He was a loyal colleague, tireless professional, and selfless community leader who touched countless lives in more ways than will ever be measured.
Born and educated in North Bay, Darren embraced his Indigenous heritage as a proud Algonquin and chose to live his life in line with the 7 Grandfather Teachings – wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honest, humility, and truth.
Always humble, always peaceful, always smiling, always strong, Darren leaves behind a most admirable example of his cherished Grandfather Traditions, a strong legacy of love, social justice, equality, education, and service to others.
Guided by this rich spiritual foundation, Darren accomplished significant personal and professional achievements throughout his life. He was presented with an Ontario Historical Society Award for his writings and talks on the Flight of the Nipissing as well as The Governor General of Canada Award for Excellence for Healthy Workplaces.
He left his mark on many diverse organizations during an outstanding career journey – professional race car driver (GM Players series), Radio Shack Corporation, Nortec, Canadore College, Pulp & Paper Health & Safety Association, North Bay Hydro, Family Children Services Renfrew County, Children Family Services Government of Nunavut, and Rhea Group. Darren’s most recent position was Data Management Officer at Kinoomaadziwin Education Body/Anishinabek Education System. His dedication to health, safety, and the wellbeing of all lived at the heart of his work including his private consulting practice, FORWARD.
In addition, he and his wife, Nicky Poulin, built the Ohana Yoga & Wellness Centre and Naturally Well where Darren, a certified healthcare professional and yoga instructor, provided myofascial release therapy, yoga classes, anatomy and yoga teacher training, and diverse workshops dedicated to wellbeing.
Darren was truly a modern-day renaissance man. His love for life and learning kept him busy with a variety of interests and hobbies. He loved cars, motorbikes, boating, kayaking, four-wheeling, fishing, hunting, martial arts, marksmanship, and working to support youth as a cub and scout leader. Darren enjoyed sharing nature, sunsets and fun times with family and friends, living life to the fullest in the quietest of ways. If he was your friend, he had a unique way of touching your heart and making you feel truly seen and special.
As Chair of the Board of Near North Palliative Care Network, Darren was an inspiration – a loyal and strong champion of the cause of Visiting Hospice Palliative Care.
In memory of Darren, donations can be made to the NNPCN in support of Wise Tails, a book written and illustrated by The Samasta Connection, a social enterprise with the goal of benefiting charities, of which Darren was a co-founder.
Darren, you are gone, but thank you for all these soft, sweet things you have left behind
in my home, in my head, in my heart…. Love to you my dearest friend, my partner, the Yin to my Yang, the love of my life, till we meet again…Nicky
A Sunset Celebration of Life for Darren will be held June 5th. Zoom link and details can be found at Ohanawellness.ca