Alan Garnett Darland

The Colorado Rockies lost (perhaps) their most ardent fan with the unexpected passing of Alan Garnett
Darland on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 in Denver, Colorado.
Alan was born the second child to Alice Higgins Darland and Jan Alan Darland on Thanksgiving day,
November 26, 1964 in eastern New Mexico. During his life he lived with his family in New Mexico,
Colorado, Virginia, and Ohio. Alan grew up with his sister Janice Darland, three years his senior, and they
were joined by their sister, Deanna Kitt in 1974. He attended public preschool through high school,
graduating from Arvada, Colorado’s Margaret Walters School in 1986. In 1987 he achieved the Boy
Scouts of America Eagle Scout award. After graduation, Alan began working in the food court at the
mall, the social aspect of which was a perfect fit since Alan never met a stranger. In the early 1990s, Alan
and his longtime friend became roommates in a townhouse purchased and supported by Personal
Affordable Living, a non-profit co-founded by his mother, Alice Kitt, whose path in life was largely defined
by what Alan and his peers with disabilities needed or were going to need. Her work paved the way for
many of Alan’s life experiences including the opportunity to live independently for more than 30 years.
At the time of his death, Alan had worked for the ARC Thrift stores for 17 years, a job he loved and took
very seriously.
Defying the odds for people with Down Syndrome, Alan lived an extraordinarily healthy “Alan style” life.
The definition of “Alan style” is “joyful, gregarious, expressive”. Alan proudly embraced his role as Uncle
to each of his six nieces and nephews. Work was paramount and if it were up to Alan, he would never
miss a day. He loved bowling and bowled with gusto. For many years, Mondays were lunch at Arby’s
followed by bowling. Also near and dear to his heart were all Colorado sports teams. In particular, Alan
lived and breathed by the Colorado Rockies schedule and status. Win or lose, over the years Alan shed
his weight in tears of joy or sadness. His home was his happy place and where he loved to watch classic
50s and 60s TV shows. Gilligan’s Island, The Andy Griffith Show, Beverly Hillbillies, and Gunsmoke
brought him many hours of pleasure. Like those shows, Alan had fun being goofy, reciting many of his
favorite funny lines and sometimes dancing a jazzy jig. Always himself, Alan danced like he lived his life,
with pure abandon.
Alan was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Kitt (2007), his step father, Martin Kitt (2001), his
brother-in-law, Patrick O’Toole (2010), and his beloved cat, Buckeye (2018). He is survived by his father,
Jan Darland of Denver, CO, sister, Janice (Darland) O’Toole of Colton, WA, sister Deanna (Kitt) Custer and
brother-in-law Ryan Custer of Golden, CO, his long time friend, job coach, and independent living
support, Kara Prewett of Northglenn, CO, and his cat, Gus (now being loved by Alan’s niece in
Bellingham, WA).
Alan’s family invites all who knew and loved Alan to join them for his Celebration of Life on Saturday,
May 27th from noon to 3:00pm at the Golden Community Center.