Sue and Jess
We are saddened to hear of Badge's passing. His hard work and dedication to create the Kenogami Fire Brigade and Community Hall is his legacy that will live on. Rest in peace Badge.
DARLING, Henry "Badge"
1940 - 2025
Henry (Badge) Darling passed away March 3, 2025 at the age of 84.
Badge was born in Swastika to Sally and G.K. His childhood was spent hopping the backyard fence to Swastika Public School every morning with his siblings David and Nancy, and heading out into the bush on the Amakougami or the Blanche, with an axe, a knife, and his buddies every afternoon.
The Darling family started enjoying their cottage on Kenogami when Badge was a young teen. For Badge and the boys, waterskiing was life, and the friendships they built on the water, at the cottage, and at the Red Pines have lasted a lifetime. To Badge, Kenogami was never just a lake, it was the home, the family, and the friends that he would cherish and protect for the rest of his life.
Badge was a man of many hobbies and they grew and changed along with him. He was a mountain climber and a skier, a photographer, a hunter and a fisherman. He was a biker, a Fred Head, and an Airstream aficionado. He grew up a hockey player but ended up a soccer fan. He was a Mason, a Shriner, and member of the Provost, and he believed strongly that the purpose of Lodge was to take a good man and make him better. Badge was an electrician by trade but a woodcutter by calling and proud to still heat his home with a woodstove. While his interests might have changed, Badge never lost the friends that he made pursuing those interests, and they made his life better (and a lot more interesting!) for being part of it.
As much time as Badge spent having fun, he spent even more time helping his community. He served on many local service boards, but he will be remembered for his four decades as Fire Chief of the Kenogami and District Volunteer Fire Brigade. Badge, with help from his friends, built the Fire Brigade from a borrowed pump on the back of a pick-up to the Fire Hall and Community Centre that all of Kenogami benefits from today. He attended Fire College on the weekends, meetings in the evenings, and was on-call whenever he wasn’t at work. Being Chief of the KDVFB was 40 years of a full-time job that he did for no pay or benefits, only for the desire to build a safer community.
When Badge was younger, he never thought that he would have a family of his own. He met Sue in 1969 and she was beautiful, kind, and smart, so he thought he would give it a try. Sue had equal parts patience and determination, so she made it work. They started climbing up mountains and skiing down them together. Badge and Sue got married, and Jess came along, and suddenly Badge had a family. And it was a great one. Badge became the best father that a kid could hope to have. He taught his daughter not just what to do, but who to be. Badge learned how to be a husband. He learned how to love his wife, and to trust and respect her. Though Sue and Jess were often apart from Badge when he worked away, together, they built a life that everyone wanted to come home to.
So as is traditional in an obituary: Badge is survived by his wife and his daughter. By his brother David and by Sue’s brothers and sister and their nieces and nephews, especially Nick and Shane, of whom Badge thought the world. But Badge’s surviving family is made up of more than his relatives. He’s survived by his best friends who became his family, Bev and Jim Malnerich. He was Uncle Badge to Leanne and Eric, John and Shelagh, Andrew, Justin, Kate, and Sarah. He is survived by his chosen family, the Kryklywys. He often said that one of the best things to ever happen to the Darling family was Kathy and Ken buying the cottage next door. Badge became Papa Badge to Lisa, Jamie, and Jacqui. He watched them grow in incredible adults, and loved them like family. Then, he became Papa Badge to Riley, Kate, Jordyn, Kohen, Myla, Nora, and Sacha, and even though he won’t get to see them grown, he knew that they will be remarkable, too.
Badge’s last weeks were spent in the Kirkland Lake Hospital. It wasn’t where he wanted to be, but the nurses and doctors there made it a place where he could be. For a man who was described as looking like a “caged animal” the last time he had to be in hospital, please understand this to be the highest praise. The family’s sincerest thanks go out to the staff of the KL Hospital, and most especially to Nurse Kiki, Dr. Kurki and Dr. McPherson. Ontario’s healthcare system is in jeopardy, but you would never know that based on the amazing care Badge was given.
A memorial for Badge will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Badge’s name to
Kenogami and District Volunteer Fire Brigade
5450 Highway 11
Swastika, ON P0K1T0
Goodbye Badge. We love you. We’ll miss you, and we’ll catch you on the next big one.
Write your sympathies or tribute
44 messages received
Sue andJessica
Condolences and prayers to you both on the loss of a Husband and father. Badge was a man of many talents and will be forever remembered for his love for his family, adopted family, friends and especially his dedication to the community of Kenogami.
Andy and Pansy Attwater
Sue
Our sincere sympathies on your loss, Sue. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sue, Jessie and David
The world has lost a true Northerner when Badge dies. My heartfelt condolences to go to Sue, my colleague at KLCVI and Jess, who carries on Sue’s love of teaching. Badge has joined the spirit in the sky!
Sue & Jess
I became one of Badge 's fans over these many years. So many happy memories. I am so blessed to have shared his friendship. It has enriched my life.
May my support
warm your heart
Jess & Sue
I have a lot of fond memories of your Dad, Jess! I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. Thinking of you both during this difficult time. ️
Sue and Family
What a legacy Badge leaves behind, and to You and your Family, all the fond memories to talk about. So sorry for your loss and to the Community as well. I'll cherish my memory of Badge.
May my support
warm your heart
Sue and family
So sorry for your loss. May the love you shared stay in your hearts and bring some comfort at this time
May my support
warm your heart
Sue and Jessica
My condolences…Badge was a great guy and will be missed beyond our Kenogami community…RIP
Jess and Sue
My heart goes out to both of you. I'm here if you need a shoulder to lean on or if you need help with anything. Sending you great big hugs.
To all the family
My condolences to all the family.
Sue and Jess
My deepest condolences for your loss. May the wonderful memories you have bring you peace and comfort in the days to come. Rest in Peace, Badge.
Sue
I am so sad to read this obituary, God bless Badge on his new journey , he has plenty of friends waiting for him.
I am so sorry for your loss, Sue
Sue & Jess
I'm so sorry for your loss. Badge was quite the man and will be missed by many.
Sue & Jessica
So sorry for your loss.
Sending our deepest sympathies.
Sue
It is with a very heavy heart that I express my sincere condolences to you and your family. Kenogami just won’t be the same that it has been for me for 70 years. My annual visit to the lake was always enhanced with a visit with Badge.
Sue and Jess
Our deepest sympathies for the loss of your husband and father, Sue and Jess. Cherish the wonderful memories.
Doug & Chris McFadgen
Sue and Jess
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband/Father.
I always enjoyed my chats with Badge and will always think fondly of him as a good man. Rest Easy Badge.
Sue and family
So sorry to hear of your loss Sue. May the good memories bring you comfort
Sue
Sadso sorry..my condolences to you and the family
May my support
warm your heart
Sue and Jess
I was very saddened to hear of Badge’s passing. I never met him in all the years I knew you both, but can tell he must have been a pretty good man from the way you talked about him Sue and how well Jess turned out. I read his obituary that reflected just how influential, strong and full of love he was. I see it in both of you. I am glad to know you will have a lot of loving support to carry you through such a loss. Know that I am thinking of you and praying for a gentle healing journey.
With Love Lorraine
Sue and Jess
Sue and Jess,
Few people were as dedicated to their community as Badge was, we will miss seeing him, he always had a smile for us.
Dear Sue and Jessie
I am so very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed my chats with Badge. Robert and I extend our deepest condolences. We will remember Badge for his years of service and devotion to the Kenogami community, but also for his kindness and generosity. He will be missed. Hugs.
Barbie and Robert
sue and jessie
So, so sorry to hear this news. I really enjoyed seeing Badge every summer.... he was a one of a kind and unforgettable person. It was a pleasure to know him. Keep the memories alive!
Sue Darling and family
Sending my sincere condolences to Sue and family. Badge will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Sincerely, Lynda Clark-McTaggart
May my support
warm your heart
Sue and Jess
Badge was a talented presence in his community, in Sue and Jess’ lives, and as a friend/neighbour, over the decades.
His rest has been well earned.
Our thoughts are with you.
Susan & Jessica
My heart felt sympathy for your great loss. You are constantly in my thoughts and sending you lots of love and a big hug for you both.
Sister and Aunt
May my support
warm your heart
Aunty Sue and Jess
I have many fond memories of Uncle B, we would always have great conversations when I was over for lunch! His insight on various different things was incredible. He'll be missed! You'll be in my prayers. He always made me feel respected. God bless!
Sue and Jess
We are so sorry to learn of your loss of husband and father .
Our sincere condolences
Sue and Family
My sincere condolences in your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ines Robazza.
Sue
Dear Sue,
I am saddened to hear about Badge. Although we were not the closest of friends, I knew him through our days at KLCVI and my visits to Kenogami. I trust he will be well remembered by all the true northerners , those of us who remain that is.
SUE AND FAMILY
We were very sad to learn that Badge has passed away. So loved by his family and respected by his community for his lifelong commitment to making life better and safer for everyone. He will be remembered with fondness and gratitude by all whose lives he touched. Our sincerest condolences...
Bernie and Tanya
May my support
warm your heart
Henry (Badge) Darling
My deepest condolences.
Badge was a pillar of strength and a great leader of the Rameses Shriners Provost Escort Unit, when he rose through the ranks and became Chief of our Unit in 2007.
He will surely be missed by all to whom were blessed with his friendship.
Our fond memories will keep him in our minds forever.
God Bless.
Badges family
I would like to join your many friends in expressing my sincere condolences in Badges passing. He will be truly missed at lodge after being involved over these many years. Rest in peace my friend.Very Sincerely Rod Wert
Sue & Jess
Our brother-in-law will be missed. He was a pillar of his family and his community. Our deepest sympathies.
Sue, Jessica, and David
We are so sorry to hear the news regarding Badge! I first met Henry during our days at KlCVI, chummed around with him during our summers in Elliott Lake and of course admired his interest in the many aspects of life at Kenogami! He was always a deeply involved person with so many different interests and concerns! Our deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.
Brian and Gale Hamilton
Sue and Family
Keeping you and family close in prayer for comfort and strength during this difficult time.
May my support
warm your heart
Sue & Jesse
Hello from Badge's cousin, Scott Darling. Been many years since seeing Henry/Badge, e.g. at my father Homer's funeral. I have a fond memory of Ken & Homer, with their boys (Bruce & Scott, Badge & David) having a campfire at Ken's camp (approximately 1957). This involved making popcorn in a washtub using 2 lb of butter! I'm learning there's been trends passed on to Ken & Homer's children - to enjoy the outdoors, to contribute to their communities, and to treasure family and friends. Certainly sounds like Badge had a life well-lived. Sincere condolences from Scott & Susan Darling, Sudbury.
Sue and Jess
Dear Sue and Jess,
We are sorry to hear of Badge's passing. We know he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Kenogami has lost a champion. We are so grateful for Badge's dedication to the K.D.F.B. and your generous support of him to make it possible.
Please know you are in our thoughts.
Big hugs from Pat , Fred, Adam and Kate
Susan and Jessica Darling
My condolences in the passing of Badge.
I did not know Badge well only more recently moving to Kenogami as an adult, but we immediately found commonality in our admiration of the Toyota Landcruiser 4x4 vehicle and Airstream travel trailer as well as our having a long history with Kenogami and a love for the lake. Growing up on Kenogami I heard the name Darling as a kid but I did not meet Badge until sometime in the 1990’s on a trip from Manitoba (where I was living) with my young family to visit the folks and the lake. I was at the bridge getting into my 1987 Toyota Landcruiser when Badge called out to me and introduced himself. He wanted to have a look at the vehicle. Badge had owned a Landcruiser and thought highly of it. The Landcruiser and the Airstream travel trailer (I have the same model as Badge’s present Airstream) were often subjects of discussion whenever we met over the years. As Fire Chief, Badge provided me with advice concerning the woodstove and chimney in both my Grandmother’s cottage and later the cottage that replaced it.
On moving to Kenogami a few years ago, I was shocked at how much the lake had changed in the past 10-15 years. For this reason, I started a baseline water quality study of the lake to assess its present status. In this regard, Badge was very supportive, securing a water sampler and a sediment grab for our sampling program. Badge also showed considerable interest in the study findings and was quite concerned about how ongoing changes could affect the pickerel fishing in the lake. Badge impressed me as being very personable and knowledgeable. He was very much a giver and doer, who donated his time generously to the well being of the Kenogami community, especially the fire hall. Badge loved Kenogami and was very concerned about the future of the lake.
Badge will be missed.
May my support
warm your heart
Badge
He will be always in my memories. I can not ever forget the memories that he gave me! He is my best patient ever! He will be with me till the end of my life in my memories! My warm hugs are always with you! Missing the brave man already! Hope he can here my words and rest in a peace!
May my support
warm your heart
Sue and Jess
Please accept our sympathies. When Badge was fire chief he asked me to join the fire committee as a director and I'm still a director. Badge was a highly respected member of our Community plus a nice man. RIP Badge. Bill & family
Sue & Jess
So very sorry for your loss, Jess and Sue. Badge was such a great friend to many, including my dad, Jack, and will be missed very much. The obituary was beautifully written and heartfelt, a lovely tribute to Badge's life. Sending my love to you both. Love Colleen
Sue and Jess
Condolences from us both. Badge was always an interesting character and we know he will be missed. Take care and take comfort in the memories.
