Dear Mr Tansley’s family,
I was very sorry to hear, albeit only recently, of Mr Tansley’s passing. I wanted to send you my sincere condolences and share what he meant to me personally.
Your father was a remarkable human being, and someone I will never forget. I was one of his students at Deeside College at a time when I had very little — no money, limited prospects, and no clear path forward. He changed that. He educated me, gave me dignity when I needed it most, and even used the college hardship fund to help me with transport costs so I could continue attending college.
After a year, he helped arrange work experience for me at a consulting practice in Mold. That opportunity changed the course of my life. They offered me a job, and from that point onwards I never looked back. I still remember your father visiting the practice for prints, and I always admired the quality of his draughting skills.
His intervention, kindness and belief in me gave me a career. Today, I am a director in a global engineering and construction business, leading our Europe, Middle East and Africa division. I say that not for personal recognition, but because it is part of his legacy. He saw potential in a young adult who had very little, and he chose to nurture it rather than judge it.
He was kind, patient, talented and unassuming. I still speak highly of him to this day, and I owe him a deep personal debt of gratitude. I will be mentioning his name again when I meet colleagues in San Diego and speak about the importance of nurturing talent.
I hope these belated words bring you some comfort and pride — not only in how gifted he was, but, more importantly, in how kind and decent he was.
With my kindest regards to you all,
Darren
Darren Barnes
08/07/2026
