A larger-than-life individual with a beautifully resonant voice to match, Darl Charles McBride passed away on September 16, 2024 after a courageous battle with ALS; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Darl was born on November 24, 1959, in Mesa, Arizona. His family soon moved to Fillmore, Utah. He loved growing up in that small town surrounded and supported by his mom and dad, brother, and sisters. He rubbed shoulders with uncles, aunts, cousins, and many friends. He learned how to ride a horse, fix a fence, and handle a gun. He worked with his grandpa and uncles at the McBride Lumber Store. His family later moved to Sanpete County, first living in Gunnison, and then Ephraim.
Upon graduation from Manti High, Darl was named Tip Top Templar in recognition for his all-around performance and leadership. “All-around” barely conveys how involved Darl was at Manti High. He was an excellent student and served as student body president. Darl earned 12 letters in football, basketball, baseball, and track, setting a school record in the intermediate hurdles. He acted and sang in many Manti High drama and musical productions, and was part of a much-decorated barbershop quartet that was invited to sing on the Eugene Jelesnik Talent Showcase show on TV.
Darl attended Snow College, and then took a break to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kobe Japan. Like everything else in his life, Darl immersed himself in the Japanese culture and language. He was admired by other missionaries for his competency in speaking and teaching in Japanese. Darl endeavored to keep his Japanese fluency throughout his life, and returned to live and work in Japan several times during his business career.