Darren Seth Gregory

February 16, 1987 — September 7, 2012

Darren Seth Gregory, age 25, passed away peacefully at his childhood home on September 7, 2012.

Darren Gregory was born February 16, 1987, in Hastings, Michigan. As an infant, Darren was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. His life was not easy, but he was a brave boy who grew into an even braver man. Darren loved to hunt and fish. He had a quick wit, even when struggling with the paleness and coughing fits that plagued him. Darren had a funny, slow smile. He would look at you straight on and then that mouth would begin to turn up. He was quiet, but was often deep in thought.

As a teenager he became the recipient of a gift from Children's Wish International. Darren and his family were flown to Alaska for a fantastic fishing expedition. It was one of the highlights of his youth shared with his family.

With all of his struggles, he seemed able to conqueror whatever came his way. He was successful in graduating from Hastings High School. But there were also hard days dealing with depression and the uncertainness of his future. He hoped that one day he would qualify for a lung transplant to help heal his body.

On May 18, 2008 that dream came true for Darren as he received his lung transplant. A quick call and a trip to the University of Michigan and Darren had new lungs. He had success at first, gaining both weight and energy. The CF that plagued him and gave him his worst battles in life, also gave him his greatest gift, his wife Chelsea. Chelsea met Darren because they both had CF. She was leery of getting a transplant and Darren became her friend to boost her confidence in having the procedure. As they helped each other deal with their lungs, they also won each other's hearts. With Darren's encouragement, Chelsea faced her lung transplant on May 11, 2011. Unfortunately, she had a rougher time with her recovery. Darren was there to hold her hand with love and support. On August 27, 2011, Darren and Chelsea were married. But CF is a strange disease and with her slow recovery, doctors felt it was not safe for either Darren or Chelsea to be together until she was stronger There were simply too many risks for the disease to take over. So Darren found an apartment while his wife continued her recovery, living with her parents until she was strong enough and in better health. Finally, in October of 2011, the young couple were living a normal, happy, newlywed life. Darren, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was able to baptize Chelsea as a member of the church on November 12, 2011. It was their dream to one day be married in the temple for time and all eternity. Darren looked forward to a good life with Chelsea. They shared new goals. He got his first deer in the fall of 2011. They enjoyed Christmas and brought in the New Year together.

Unfortunately, Chelsea's health did not last. Darren loyally stayed by her side. But on May 4, 2012, Chelsea's fight with CF ended and she passed away at the University of Michigan Hospital. The death of Chelsea was very hard for Darren. He tried to fight for his own life. He wrote about Chelsea and their time together. He recalled his promise to her to go on in faith and strength. But with this loss of his love came not only depression, but his body's rejection of his lungs, and he became ill. He moved in with his parents and began to receive Hospice care. Quite frankly, with all he had gone through, Darren eventually died of a broken heart. As difficult as this is for the family, they know that Chelsea and Darren are now together.

Darren is survived by his mother Debra (Bernd) Gutgsell, his father Spike (Lisa) Gregory, his grandparents Bob and Wilma McMillan, his sisters Sherry (Paul) Roberts and Kari (Bret) VanZanten and Marie Gutgsell, and his older brother Aaron (Lori) Gregory and his nieces and nephews Emilia, Yazmien, Caleb, Kyler, Madison, Katelyn, Sophia, Hayden, Lillian, and Cade.

Darren was preceded in death by his wife, Chelsea Faith.

A visitation will be held in his honor on Monday September 10th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 505 North Airport Road, Hastings, MI.

Funeral services will be held on Monday September 10th at 12:00 noon at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Darren will be laid to rest at Oak Hills Cemetery in Cheboygan, MI, next to his wife Chelsea. Separated in life, together for eternity.

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Greater Michigan Chapter

967 Spaulding Avenue, Suite C

Ada, MI 49301

University of Michigan Transplant Center

1500 East Medical Center Drive

Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Gift of Life Michigan

3861 Research Park Drive

Ann Arbor, MI 48108

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Darren Seth Gregory

February 16, 1987 — September 7, 2012

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