Obituary of Daryl Nelson McMullen

It is with great sadness that the family of Daryl McMullen shares his sudden passing on September 19, 2025 at the age of 73. Daryl is survived by his wife of 48 years Debbie (nee Mandeville) and was the cherished father to daughters Krista (Adam) and Kayla (Clark), and beloved dog Lainey. He is predeceased by his parents Eric and Joyce McMullen, brother Doug, and sister Donna. Left to mourn his loss are his brother Dennis (Debbie), mother-in-law Joan Mandeville (the late Jack), sister-in-law Donna McCoubrey (Tim), nephews Jared (Sara), Jacob (Chantal), David (Brittany), Duane (Tracy), nieces Lyndsay (Curtis) and Carrie (Jeff), and a very close extended Mandeville family.

Daryl was born and raised in Smiths Falls, a town he loved. He always shared fond memories of growing up with his siblings, participating in various sports, and taking his younger brother Dennis under his wing when he started to drive truck for Pepsi Cola. Daryl then began his career working with Shorewood Packaging where he remained for 35 years. 

Daryl’s passion project was running a longstanding pickup hockey league at the local arena. His only complaint was never having enough goaltenders; Debbie’s only complaint was their annual Christmas parties. You could often find Daryl at the rink with great friends watching whatever game was occurring. There were few things Daryl loved more than hockey, but his dog and his family were a close second and third (in that order). 

Daryl’s true love in life was Otter Lake. From teaching his girls and all of their friends to waterski, late night bonfires with the neighbours, tours around the lake in the old green Grew or Chocolate Cake, tuning into a Blue Jays game on a sunny afternoon, to swimming his beloved golden retrievers multiple times a day. Daryl lived for the lake, and we know if we ever want to be with his memory, that’s where we can go.

An informal celebration of life will be held at the Kinsmen Hall in Lower Reach Park in Smiths Falls on Sunday, October 5, 2025 from 1-4 PM. Please come armed with fond memories of Daryl and be prepared to share some laughs. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you hug your dog, watch a baseball game, or learn how to waterski in Daryl’s honour. Memorial donations to Mel’s Farm or the University of Ottawa Heart Institute would also be welcomed.