Darrell L Syferd

Darrell L. Syferd, 92, passed away October 17, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. He was born June 15, 1934 in Yakima, Washington to Leonard and LaVerne Davis Syferd.

Darrell grew up in Terrace Heights, Yakima County, where he and his shepherd dog, Lad, ruled the hills behind his house. At age 11, his brother Dave was born and they became fast friends, as well as devoted sons to their widowed mother. Darrell graduated from Moxee High School in 1952 where he was Student Body President, played basketball, and ran track. He cherished several lifelong friendships from that class of 30 kids. After a year at Yakima Junior College, where he won the state junior college track meet in the half-mile, Darrell moved on to Whitworth College, majored in History, minored in Psychology, and met his first wife, Janet. He and Janet were married (1955-1980) and then followed his calling to Princeton Theological Seminary where they met more lifelong friends and added son David to the family in 1959.

Darrell’s first posting as a Presbyterian Minister was in Waitsburg, WA with Janet working by his side as the quintessential pastor’s wife. Darrell was especially proud of the youth program that he championed during those years. Daughter Susan joined the family in 1963 and the Syferds enjoyed the rich life of a small, rural town. Another congregation followed at Fife Presbyterian before the family moved to Seattle and Darrell switched careers to study law at the University of Washington. His scholarly disposition, and flair for writing and public speaking, served him well in this new endeavor. Darrell’s legal career spanned nearly 25 years as a Prosecuting Attorney in the civil divisions for both King and Snohomish Counties.

In 1994, just before Darrell turned 60, he met and fell madly in love with Patricia Franklin. They married in 1998 and lived a joyful life together, blending families and traveling, until she passed away earlier this year. As a couple, they will be remembered for their deep emotional connection, inextinguishable romance, and never-ending conversation.

Darrell was a doting grandfather. He was often seen on the sidelines of playfields and in the audience of performances. He could clap really loud. He was silly, made funny faces, and loved to belt out a tune.

Often inspired to adventure, Darrell enjoyed sea kayaking, high country hiking, and long road trips. Above all else, he adored reading, thinking deep thoughts, and talking animatedly about them over a glass of wine with those he loved.

Darrell is survived by his first wife, Janet; his children David and Susan (Bob); granddaughters Elliott and Grace; stepchildren Jenifer, Kate (Nate), Jay, and Jodie (Chris); step-grandchildren Will, Sierra, Devon, Elora, Sawyer, Holden, and Satchel; sister-in-law Trudi; niece and nephew Dana and Ryan; and grandnieces/nephews Riley, Luna, Milo, Birdie, Nathan, and Ava. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dave, and wife, Patricia. His cremains will be placed in his parents’ plot in Terrace Heights Memorial Park in Yakima.