Vale  Darryl Patrick Sulzberger 

DARRYL PATRICK SULZBERGER                                                                                                                     8.09.1941 - 11.12.2021

Darryl was the third of six children born to Charles and Gwen Sulzberger of Deloraine. He attended the local convent school run by the Sisters of Mercy for his primary schooling. From there it was off to secondary education at St Virgil’s in Hobart, as boarders for he and his younger brother Francis. 

Sadly, there were no Year Books published during the fifties, so Darryl’ s involvements during his St Virgil’s days remain largely ‘hidden.’  However, rowers will recall that Darryl was cox of the Head of the River crew in 1957. 

Charles Sulzberger owned a successful timber mill and earthmoving equipment business. During breaks from boarding school, Darryl showed an interest in his father’s work, as well as doing track work with his father’s race horses.

After leaving school, Darryl joined his father in the earthmoving business and soon became adept at operating the associated heavy equipment. His father was also a pilot and owned a light aircraft. No doubt instilling Darryl’s love of flying, prompting him to acquire his pilot license at a young age - which he maintained throughout his life.                                                                                                             During these early post school years, Darryl started the Deloraine Apex Club, became heavily involved in the local theatre, enjoyed playing polo and water skiing.

During a holiday on the Gold Coast, his elder sister Marlene introduced Darryl to her friend and wife-to-be, Patricia Kemp. The couple returned to Tasmania and restored the homestead at Darryl’s farm outside Deloraine. Three children followed – Andrew, Mark and Anna. Sadly, Anna suffered ongoing health problems and passed away at the age of nineteen.

In 1973 the family decided to move to the Gold Coast. Darryl established the first instant lawn Turf Farm, then incorporated landscape design and a plant nursery. His earlier experience working with heavy equipment for his father came to the fore, when Darryl moved into rock wall construction, which quickly became his specialty. Darryl gained enormous satisfaction working with excavators, trucks, bobcats and building a successful business.

 From all accounts, Darryl certainly left his mark on the Gold Coast. To quote from his company’s website: All Rock is a family owned business, managed by Darryl Sulzberger - a respected Rock Wall professional, who has been involved in Gold Coast earthmoving for over 30 years. Darryl is a well-known local tradesman who believes in old fashion values, while providing a reliable and affordable service.

Darryl continued his involvement in Apex on the Gold Coast until the service group's cut-off at age forty. When Darryl reached forty, he was the longest serving member of Apex in Australia. His continued membership and input were acknowledged at a national conference in Perth. In recognition of his service, Darryl was presented with an ornate walking stick – which was part of the memorabilia displayed on his coffin at his funeral.

Not to be outdone by the Apex cut-off age, Darryl proceeded to join Rotary. His association with Rotary lasted thirty five years, during which time he served as the President of the Mudgeeraba group. 

Darryl was also a ‘football tragic’ and extremely proud to be a foundation member of the Brisbane Bears / Lions. Darryl would have enjoyed their ‘threepeat’ of premierships in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

Darryl maintained his love of the Catholic Church and his faith throughout his life and contributed to his local parish in many ways. Darryl was farewelled at a funeral mass at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters followed by his internment at Allambe Memorial Park, Gold Coast.

Darryl acknowledged he had lived a very full and satisfying life - Rest in Peace.

The following photo was part of the photo montage at Darryl’s funeral service.

A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of catching up with Darryl. He and close friend Ian Smith, from boarding school days, attended one of the OVA luncheons. I was showing them through the Centenary History Centre when at one point, I said to Darryl -'look up and tell me what catches your attention.'  Suspended from the roof is the 'Old Virgilian' rowing shell which he had coxed at the Head of the River in 1957.

If memory serves me correctly, the crew was:  (L-R) John Kelly, Brian O’Dea, Charles Northan,  John Howell (str.) and Darryl Sulzberger. ( I stand to be corrected! – GR archivist).