Darren Michael Williams
Obituary

Darren Michael Williams passed away on August 16, 2025, in Poway, California, from head trauma after falling off his skateboard while holding his puppy. He was born on August 7, 1986, in La Mesa, California.

Darren lived a life full of energy, love, and adventure. From a young age, he was a passionate athlete and sports fan. He began in Little League baseball with Santee Pioneer, where his dad, Steve, proudly coached him for many years. He played baseball for West Hills High School, excelling as a pitcher, and continued his love of the game into adulthood through slo-pitch softball and many years of Over-The-Line tournaments in San Diego.

He loved everything with wheels, from BMX bikes and motorcycles to scooters, trucks, and skateboards. His adventurous spirit also took him snowboarding and surfing. Darren had a gift for working with his hands and creating things that brought joy to others. A favorite of his mom, Cheryl, is a raised garden bed he built for her using recycled work-site materials. His presence remains in his parents’ backyard, where he planted fruit trees that continue to thrive today.

Darren’s love for animals was evident in the life he shared with them. At his little ranch he raised a few dairy cows, a tortoise, turtles, ducks and many dogs over the years. At the time of his passing, he cared for dogs, dairy goats, chickens, a cat, and even a turkey. He enjoyed growing and tending plants as well. 

After high school, Darren attended Grossmont College and then earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Animation and Media Art Design from the Art Institute of San Diego. He was known by many as DStruction and worked for Legend 3D, where he contributed to transforming popular films into 3D including; Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Smurfs, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Top Gun, The Little Mermaid, Man of Steel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, The Green Hornet, Shrek 2 and Shrek the Third.

In July 2015, Darren became a proud member of Ironworkers Local 229 in San Diego. Over the past ten years, he helped to “Build America,” working on many notable projects such as the Pacific Gate Condos in downtown San Diego, which has a replica at Legoland, and the new Terminal 1 at the San Diego International Airport. He was also honored as a finalist in the 2018 International Apprenticeship Competition.

Darren was loved for his devotion as a friend, co-worker, family member, husband, and father. As a youth he was quiet and strong, and as an adult he carried a friendly, determined, laid-back island vibe with just the right touch of wild spirit. He will be remembered as a hard-working and loyal friend and family man, with a big heart and a love for life without limits. His quiet faith in the Lord gives his family peace in knowing they will see him again in heaven.

He is survived by his wife Lorelei (Brittain) Williams, his children Grayson and Ayla, his parents Steve and Cheryl (Janke) Williams, his grandmother Phyllis (McFarland) Thompson, and many cousins, aunts, and uncles. He was preceded in death by his younger sister Brittany Dawn Williams, his grandparents Richard and Irene Janke, his grandfather Bill Williams, cousin Darrell Janke, aunt Janice Johnson, and uncle John Janke.

A Celebration of Life BBQ was held at Admiral Baker Park in San Diego on September 21, 2025, where friends and family gathered to honor Darren’s life and memory.

Darren will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Until we meet again.