Obituary of Darryl Patrick Salach

SALACH, Darryl Patrick Passed peacefully at Hospice Niagara, surrounded by his family, on Friday, June 19, 2015 at the age of 54 after a lengthy battle with ALS. Beloved Son of Henry and Patricia Salach. Treasured Brother of Debbie (Julio) Caporuscio and Cathy Pignoli. Loving Uncle of Carly (Sonny), Dalis (Carlos), Stephanie and Joseph. Great Uncle to Gabriel and Angelina. Special thanks to Aunt Sheila, Colleen Brown and Dale Rockwell for their loving and caring attention. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff and volunteers at Hospice Niagara for their support and exceptional care. Darryl was the editor of The Toronto Quarterly, an avid reader, and a lover of literature and music. He wrote his own book entitled "Stepping Out of Line." Cremation has taken place and arrangements are entrusted to the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines. A private family service has taken place. Memorial donations in Darryl's memory may be made to Hospice Niagara. ***************************** The following is Darryl’s poem published in: “MESS the hospital anthology” by Tightrope Books 2014. The Final Diagnosis by Darryl Salach It was early March 2009 when the neurologist at Sunnybrook Hospital conducted the final EMG test It started with two rather large needles on the right side and nape areas of my neck zaps of electrical current were then released searching for abnormalities and unresponsive neuron activity this procedure continued all along my right side of my body ending with a final zap at the base of my big right toe no inkling of reflex response was noted twenty-five minutes had elapsed before the pregnant neurologist decided the EMG test was final and complete I could tell by her facial expressions the result of the test were not in my favour but I smiled anyway asked about her pregnancy and she informed me today would be her last day on the job, her maternity leave started the following morning and after that a lengthy sabbatical until her child reached pre-kindergarten a brief smile then parted her lips while her right hand rubbed against her swollen tummy in soft circular motions she advised me to rid myself of the hospital gown they’d assigned me while she discussed the results of the EMG with the clinic’s chief Dr. Zinman five minutes later, I heard a faint knock on the examination room door, my parents walked in stating the pregnant neurologist thought it best that they were with me for the final diagnosis my mother appeared shaken, my father asked about the machines and how they worked I laughed a little and instructed my mother, no tears another ten minutes elapsed before the examination room door opened and the two neurologists walked in Dr. Zinman recited the final diagnosis while the pregnant neurologist gripped at her swollen tummy watching the silent tears’s roll one by one down my mother’s face.