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Dear Saddleback College family,
It is with utmost regret that I announce that Professor Darrell Deeter passed away this weekend from an accident at his home. All of us are shocked and deeply saddened by this news.
Darrell has been an esteemed and beloved member of our automotive technology faculty since he first arrived at Saddleback College in 2005. Since his first day on the job, he was known for his warmth, humor, and great kindness to his students and co-workers alike. He was a wonderful instructor and also a trusted friend who never failed to offer a helping hand. Indeed, many on campus know that he would go above and beyond to help a co-worker with car trouble, with absolutely no expectations in return. Put simply, Darrell was a great guy.
Darrell came to Saddleback from Seward, Alaska, where he worked for 21 years at the Alaska Vocational Technical Center, now called the Alaska Institute of Technology. At Saddleback, he taught automotive engines, engine blueprinting, auto electrical systems, advanced electrical systems, and auto fundamentals courses. Known for his expertise in his field, Darrell earned several Automotive Service Excellence certifications, including: Master Automotive Technician; Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician; Master Gas/Diesel Engine Machinist; L1 Advanced Engine Performance Specialist; and L2 Med/Heavy Vehicle Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist. He also won many awards, including the North American Council of Automotive Teachers 2010 Most Valuable Person and the California Automotive Teachers Association 2009 Post-Secondary Teacher of the Year, and he was a finalist for the NAPA/ASE 1992 Automotive Technician of the Year.
All of us at Saddleback send our heartfelt condolences to Darrell’s wife Beth and daughter Stephanie, and other family and friends, for their devastating loss.
I know many of us would like to pay our respects to Darrell and his family. Information on his memorial services will be distributed to our college community as soon as details are made available. Cliff Meyer will be establishing an automotive student scholarship through the Saddleback College Foundation in Darrel’s name and more information on how to contribute will be forthcoming.
Darrell will be greatly missed by all, so please keep him and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
With sympathy,
Tod Burnett
Saddleback College President
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