Remembering Darwin Semotiuk

Over the past days, memories, stories and condolences have been shared as we mourn the passing of legendary Mustangs Football Head Coach & Athletic Director Darwin Semotiuk.
We wanted to preserve those messages and offer an avenue for others to share their messages with the Semotiuk Family & Mustangs Community.
To have your message added to this page please post on twitter using the Tweet #CoachSemotiuk

Such an immense loss for the @WesternMustangs! Dr. Semotiuk had a tremendous impact on many students and colleagues at @WesternU, @OUAsport and @USPORTSca. He was SO #purpleandproud and will be missed by many. #alwaysaMustang https://t.co/2xcCkuf4eV
— Christine Stapleton (@Coachstapleton) January 5, 2022

So sad to hear this. Condolences to Darwin's family, friends & colleagues @WesternMustangs. He left a legacy in @OUAsport & @USPORTSca...on and off the field. Always engaging and professional, he set the standards as a Coach & Director in Cdn University Sport. https://t.co/r2IHcVk0y1
— Gord Grace (@GordGrace) January 6, 2022

A true friend, husband, father, teacher, coach and role model. He will be missed. R.I.P
— frank cosentino (@f__cosentino) January 5, 2022

Sad news. Darwin was a close family friend of my parents & the Semotiuks always invited me over for Sunday dinners when I was at Western. A life well lived. Condolences to his family & friends far & near.
— David McPherson (@mcphersoncomm) January 5, 2022

Darwin was one of the people who made me feel immediately welcome when I started as #SID w/ @WesternMustangs - a legend who helped to shape university sport in Canada. Sending condolences.
— Andy Watson (@AndyWatsonBC) January 5, 2022

My history with Darwin goes back to 1965 when he played for the Alberta Golden Bears against our U of T Varsity Blues in the first Vanier Cup. We then had a friendly rivalry and genuine friendship as opposing coaches in the 1970's. A true Canadian intercollegiate legend.
— Richard Kollins (@RichardKollins) January 5, 2022

Darwin was one of the chairs for the @SpecialOCanada summer games held in London in 2010. An amazing leader and person! The SOC family extend sincere condolences to the Semotiuk family and to the @WesternMustangs family.
— Sharon Bollenbach (@sbmotown) January 5, 2022

I am sad to hear that Dr. Semotiuk passed away. It was my pleasure to collaborate with you sir. I learned a lot from you and I will teach my students what you taught me. Thank you so much for everything ❤️❤️❤️
— Oz (@Ozzy612) January 5, 2022

A great colleague. I remember fondly working with him on FHS international initiatives. My condolences to Darwin’s family and close friends and colleagues. FHS has lost too many fine profs in the past year
— Jeff Tennant (@jefftennant) January 5, 2022

My office was across from Dr. Semotiuk's when I started as a grad student at Western in 2002. I will never forget his kindness, genuine interest in my work, and our numerous conversations about his experiences, travels, & family. Rest in peace, Dr. Semotiuk.
— Dr. Shauna Burke (she/her) (@ShaunaMBurke) January 5, 2022

Sadness on the passing of my former Professor @WesternU and colleague within @OUAsport & @USPORTSca Darwin Semotiuk. He was a difference maker in University Sport. Condolences to the Semotiuk family and my colleagues @WesternMustangs . He will be missed.
— Peter Baxter (@LaurierADBaxter) January 5, 2022

We are so saddened to hear of Dr. Semotiuk’s passing. As one of the tri-chairs of the 2010 Special Olympics Canada National Games, he became a true friend of the Special Olympics movement. He will be missed.
— SpecialOlympicsONLdn (@SOOLondonCan) January 5, 2022

He was a man of character,honesty,integrity and deep conviction who evinced a kindness and a decency that complimented his zest for living. Darwin was an uncompromising contributor to making London a better place in which to live. A one-of-a-kind who will never be replicated.
— John Winston (@JwinstonJohn) January 5, 2022

Saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Darwin Semotiuk Professor Emeritus @WesternU and Head Coach @WesternMustangs for two Vanier Cup Championships A true mentor and very supportive throughout my career. RIP Darwin @cbc @cbcsports @CBCOlympics @USPORTSca @OUAsport pic.twitter.com/fD24hOsEVN
— Scott Russell (@CBCScottRussell) January 5, 2022

Deeply saddened to hear of Darwin Semotiuk’s passing. He was a Mustang legend for sure. He was also a very kind human being. It was a joy to be in his company! My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
— Amit Chakma 🇦🇺🇨🇦 (@ProfChakma) January 5, 2022