1991 - 2025

Sending big hugs. Darby (Kiwi) and I were "Kesem married" in 2013. I will always be grateful to Darby for taking me under her wing and being a joy to be around. Will miss her.

I am truly at a loss for words. Darby and I only met this year, but we instantly bonded and became close friends while working together on a high-profile project. It was an absolute delight because of her positive, fun-loving personality. I find it hard to believe she ever met a stranger.
Sending all my love to Jackson, Wyatt, and everyone helping to organize support for them and their families. I feel so lucky to have had the privilege of knowing Darby.

I was devastated to hear of Darby’s passing. She and I worked together at F5 and really got to know each other through a mentoring relationship. Darby’s intelligence, sharp wit, and warm personality will forever be missed, and I was truly grateful to have had the opportunity to call her a friend. 

My sincere condolences for Jackson, Wyatt, and the family for this tragic loss. We have truly lost a star with Darby’s passing. 

It has been so beautiful going back through the photos I have with/of her. Don’t worry, the cigar was just a prop and was not lit!

I had the honor of being Darby’s wedding photographer. I want to begin by saying how deeply, unbelievably sorry I am for your loss. I know that the grief I feel is only a tiny fraction of what your hearts must be carrying.

I imagine so many people will tell you what an extraordinary light Darby was — and I can only echo that with my whole heart. As a wedding photographer, I meet hundreds, if not thousands, of people every year. Darby was different. Darby was special.

From the moment I met her, it felt like we had been friends forever. Her gift for connection was immediate and genuine, and her energy was contagious. We chatted for many hours over a few dinner dates, and let me tell you, she loved you all more than you could ever imagine. As a newcomer into her world, I learned so much about the people who mattered most to her. When I look back at her images and remember being in her presence that day, the warmth she gave to everyone around her is unmistakable — laughing, joking, reminiscing, completely herself.

Jackson, she adored you. She talked about you and Wyatt with so much joy and tenderness. She was nervous for the next chapter, as many are, but she was so excited to step into it with you. On your wedding day, I remember thinking over and over, “They’re going to make it.” What you two had was rare.

Sending all my love and deepest condolences to each of you.

I met Darby through a friend of a friend when she first moved to Boston. We became buddies instantly and for the next few years she was a constant in my life. We danced at bars, took road trips, read tarot cards, went to baseball games, decorated Christmas trees, talked about what we wanted from our careers and partners and life. When she moved to Seattle we kept in touch and I got to see her settle into a beautiful life, the beginning of everything she always wanted.

Darby was effervescent, intelligent, so funny. I hope I will always remember her laugh. It may be a cliche, but she was truly beautiful inside and out.

I wish I had called her the last time I was in Seattle. I thought “next time when I’m in town longer and have more time.” There is never enough time.

I am sending all my love to Darby’s many friends, the Bukowskis and her entire family, and most of all Jackson and Wyatt through this unbelievable tragedy. 

I'm so sorry to hear about this loss. She will always be 'kiwi' to me. She was one of the most amazing souls. She lit up every room she walked into and she made kesem a different experience.
Sending love to all her close friends and family. Praying for everyone and her baby.

Please email memories to darbymem@gmail.com for us to collect here (and privately) for the family.