Howard James Darington IV: A Legacy of Family, Service, and Advocacy

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Howard James Darington IV
February 16, 1932 – June 29, 2024

Howard James Darington IV of Salinas, California was born on February 16, 1932 and passed away at age 92 on June 29, 2024 at home in the presence of his loving family. Howard was born in Salinas to Howard James Darington III and Marjorie Elizabeth (Sherwood) Darington. 

Howard grew up in Salinas and attended local schools graduating from Salinas High School in 1949.  He met Jeanne while they were both in high school at a youth folk dancing event in September 1948.  From the moment of their first dance each knew they would be partners dancing on into a future in which they would share their love of dance and music as life partners. 

Jeanne and Howard married in 1951 and established their home and family in Pajaro Valley. The same year Howard began his lengthy career with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) accepting a position at the Moss Landing Power Plant. He joined the union that same year and settled in. 

In 1962 Howard and Jeanne took advantage of an opportunity to transfer into a position at the Humboldt Bay Nuclear Power Plant in King Salmon and the family took up residence in Eureka. He became a strong advocate for the union and spent much time serving on the negotiating committee, impacting future benefits and equity for women in employment with PG&E. Howard felt one of his greatest accomplishments was that he organized and led the group instrumental in pushing the CPS hospital plan through the PSEA. Along with others, Howard made substantial strides in the fairness of systemic practices and policies of PG&E of which he was very proud. 

After thirty-five years with PG&E Howard retired in 1986. He remained in Eureka for the next 8 years engaged with Foster Parent Programs and Training in Humboldt. Jeanne retired in 1995 to join Howard who moved back to Salinas in 1994 with the death of his father. Howard’s mother Marjorie deceased in 1992. 

He is survived by his wife of 73 years Phyllis Jeanne (Duerr) Darington, his children Peggy Darington, Steven Darington (Nezzie Wade), Susan Weniger, Pamela Darington, Howard James Darington V (Lisa), brother, Sherwood Darington (Collette), seven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends. 

There will be a private family gathering only. We will miss Howard and carry his memory in our hearts forever.

Note: This obituary was written at the time of Howard’s death in 2024 but not submitted for publication on RHBB until now. His wife has recently passed on. Phyllis’ obituary can be read here.