My sister and i grew up with you darren and shaun, we miss you loads and loved you loads. Xxxxx Allison

When ever I see clever animation I think of Darren. We were at University in Newcastle many years ago. I had to catch the train from Tuggerah and he from Gosford. He was just a really cool guy - and had long, long hair,a big smile and a funny accent. We talked about JJJ music, art, people...anything. I was realy upset to learn of his passing. My heart goes out to those closest to him.

It has been a long time since I saw my teenage and early twentyish pal, since I briefly met Jo and the then baby Astrid. But then Darren popped into a very strong dream the other night and I woke up missing his warm smile, beautiful voice and quirky ways. If Darren were still with us I would have fired off an email, as we usually did every year or two, and caught up with how his family was doing, and what new art ventures him and Jo were embarking on. My best wishes go out to Jo, Astrid and Portia. I simply miss him.

I miss whenever he called me cheeky monkey and I would laugh all the time i miss your big hands and your art :) i remember one time when you were in the hospital you got out of your wheel chair and walked a couple steps just to prove everything was alright i miss u lots & lots!!!

Jo Brannigan

10 years ago

That's from your baby girl x

Portia is my best friend I feel for her,Astrid & Jo and wish them all the best for the future we all do

Portia is my best friend and I feel so much for her, Astrid & Jo I wish all the best to them for the future as we all do!

We miss you so much everyday, although we always try to make the most of any situation we struggle with the fact that you are not here sharing life's adventures. Your girls are growing up beautifully and even friends of theres that you didn't meet know all about you because they are so proud of their wonderful, wonderful dad. Thank you so much for loving us all, we will never stop loving you.

After a portion of Woy Woy road had washed away in 2008, Darren and his intrepid side kick arrived home from a beer appreciation evening in Sydney. When confronted by the delamer of having to take long way home or drive the one way the wrong way Woy Woy Rd, Darren's less than coherant side kick exclaimed "STUFF THAT" and proceeded to drive up the hill bacwards. The Barina screamed as did Jo when they arrived home safe (god knows how) and sounding less then able to explain what had happened, the side kick made a hasty escape and stupidly walked the journey back down the hill forwards to his abode in Woy Woy. This event was only posssibly topped by the DEVO concent adventure to soon follow. So much fun so little time, Thanks for the memories mate

Jo Brannigan

10 years ago

Very naughty boys

When Joey and Darren were not long together he defended my nature in some insignificant circumstance and after Joey told me of the conversation i just felt like i would always have this ally, that was 11 short years ago! He was really good at letting you know your strengths and even making you feel proud of them. Darren was- i hate the was- a suprisse package... he knew so much, did so much...i mean look who he was to Joey, for the love and solidarity alone that he gave my sister i could have loved him. But on his own merits alone he got a whole lotta my love, and he will always have that. Often now when i think about Darren, which is everyday i always come back to the memory of him in the hospital wanting to give my girls his jam bread so they could "be involved" with his hospital routine and of course the memory my eldest Bridie loves, that he hellucinated that she was in the hospital with him laughing and giving her cousins piggy back rides. Even while he was slipping away he allowed us all to enjoy good times, though they may have been figments of his imagination. Darren you really did do a goog BBQ

There is so much I can say. The four years I lived next door to you all, I never felt alone. From the Margarita parties to the vegetarian lasagne for my birthday to just any time when I could drift next door. Darren was the calming influence. He kept our feet on the ground but somehow still gave us the gift of feeling like we were flying. He welcomed my children into his life and gave them a hero to look up to. Someone to aspire to be like. From the first drawing lesson he gave them of cactus men in the park, they haven't stopped. Jo, Darren, Astrid and Portia opened their lives to us and we will never forget the true friendship we shared. Kath Taylor

I never met Darren but always heard pleasant things from Jo and a friend, I look forward to his art show in Gosford, a shame he couldn't be there but Im sure his spirit will be with all of those present. all my love and support to Jo, the girls and family. <3

The last time we saw Darren was in 2008 when we spent 2 lovely weeks with him, Jo, Astrid and Portia. Although we haven't seen him a lot during his short life we felt he always made us so welcome. We loved his freedom of style of living and being such a talented person he will be sadly missed by all that knew and loved him.As we live in England we didn't have the chance to know him as well as would have liked to, but we wll always love and remember him with much affection. Our thought and good wishes go to ALL his family and if there is anything we can do, just ask. Love Tony and Sheila X X X X

I am saddened to hear this news and my thoughts and compassion go out to Darren's family. The world has definitely lost a great artist and person! I went to uni with Darren in Newcastle. I remember Darren for his incredible talent and illustrations. For as long as I have known him he has always been a pleasure to know. I remember his love of tea ;-) I would often see him with a tea in one hand, art boards under the other arm and walking swiftly off to whereever he was going... or coming into class. Quietly spoken but with a large personality and great sense of humour. It was only a few months ago I was organising some freelance illustration work for him and was pleased to see some of his recent work. Though I was not in regular contact with Darren, I would 'say hello' to him and ask how he was going via one of our uni mates who was a good friend of Darren's. Gone too soon - a great legacy he has left through his family (that I know meant so much to him) and his art. On behalf of all his uni mates - we will remember you Darren and miss you. My heart-felt thoughts of support go out to his family Jo, Astrid and Portia. Louise Sykes

Dear Jo, Astrid and Portia We are so sorry to hear about Darren passing away. We only met you a few times here in New Zealand, but even on those brief occasions it was clear to see what a fantastic partner and father Darren was. He obviously doted on you all and it was clear all three of you brought such light and inspiration into his life. Since he has been sick we have been following his 'Carney Life' blog and are in awe of his talent...we had seen his work through Charlotte many years before but his recent creations are just awesome. We hope that you are able to find some comfort in your grief through friends and family, and these messages from those who share in your loss. Please accept our love and sympathy too. And to the rest of Darren's family - Ange, Daniel, Margot, Gemma and Matt - we love you very much and are thinking of you too. See you when you get home. Tama and Jackie xoxo

I am so sad to hear this news. Darren and I worked together on the backgrounds for the Kapow production of Yakkity Yak. I remember Darren as a terrifically talented guy, a very hard worker and always ready with his great big smile. He would come in, (walking quickly as it seemed to me), dive into his work and tolerate a lot of bawdy girls banter particularly between Myself, Amy and Kelly. Just when we thought he wasn’t listening through those enormous headphones he’d slip them off and get in his 2 cents worth that always cracked us up. I lost direct contact with Darren after that show but know he went on to make great contributions to many an Australian animated production and must have been great to work with. Any changes Darren always took on board with great spirit and typical efficiency. His great efforts contributed to the success that Yakkity Yak was. Having know Darren through this time and listened to the way he talked of his kids I can see he must have been a terrific Dad. He was a very sincere person, and as such must leave a great hole in all his families lives. Jo, Astrid, Portia and all of Darren’s family and friends, please accept my deepest best wishes, thoughts and support. Suzanne White