I had just picked up some tape measures, pencils and other items Daz’ wanted and was heading back to my office to collect the drawings when I got the news. In 30hours time Daz’ was going to be picking me up at Kilimanjaro airport where he was going to be waiting for me in the limo’(ute).

When I joined FWS as the volunteer architect I really didn’t know what I was getting into. The whole concept of the FWS was highly attractive and what they wanted to achieve - not just in terms of buildings - was ambitious to say the least, and one I approached with measured enthusiasm. The potential for failure between the stages of idea to execution would be very high unless there were people involved who possessed exceptional skills and character. Over the last 18 months I now know what I’m involved in- and just how rewarding it is, and tragically within this short timeframe I also know a little more about one the most remarkable people I have had the privilege to know and work with.

Whilst in Tanzania last year I showed Beck’ and Daz’ my ideas for Kesho Leo’s buildings and from that minute onwards Darren’s enthusiasm has been inspiring. We have spent countless hours discussing and sharing ideas about the construction and detail and never once has he said “it can’t be done” – even in times when I know he was in an almost impossible predicament and where most people would have just given up. Not only has he and the other fantastic volunteers erected the first - and largest - of the three buildings (and the volunteers village and other site infrastructure), he at the same time has been generously and patiently imparting his knowledge with the indigenous workforce and teaching them skills they would never have had the opportunity to learn.

Darren was a person of exceptional character, he was talented, creative, sensitive and passionate all delivered in his own inimitable style in true Australian clarity and economy.

This is one of over a hundred emails I received from Daz’ which says a lot to me about our special relationship and this enlightening project.

G'day mate
how's it going ?

Hope you are both well and having a well needed break
Beck and I are fine and having a great time

The locals that are working with us are really spinning out now at the super-structure we are building
After we lifted the first beams the other day
they told me that I had "diamonds in my brain" to be able to think of all of this and make it work

I couldn't take all the glory so I explained to them that the Architect (who was here last yr ,some of them like the neighbour Nicko remember you) and engineer are the ones who designed it and make it work ,we are just building it off their design ,and they are the ones with the "diamonds in their heads"

Although it was still nice for them to be able to see now how it will all work and have a bit of faith in what we are doing.

When I first started working with them, 6 months ago and I was setting out all the 600 -700 -900 diameter holes for the piers , they thought I was mad
Then when I started setting out the 2 meter round holes for the tanks one of them said "they sure do build stuff different in Europe " this made me crack up but also made me realise they haven't seen anything like what we are doing and now that they have been drinking rain water at work from our volunteer hut roofs for 2 months now see the massive amount of water that these roofs will collect.

talk to you soon mate

Daz
Beck says hi

Nicko’s observation is unwittingly accurate; this is a huge team effort. I might have provided the thinking but in my mind Daz’ possesses the diamonds. His tireless dedication and exceptional talents are what “make it work”.

Finally, Darren on several occasions stated in his emails “I’m stoked to be working with you” No mate the privilege is all mine and our work together hasn’t finished.

To Beck’, Darren’s family and his many friends my sincere condolences, I can’t even begin to contemplate the grief and sorrow you must be experiencing.

Rob Watson (RND)