Darren Ray Trueblood, beloved husband, father, teacher and coach, died February 17, 2021, after a short battle with cancer. He was 54.

He was born June 30, 1966, in Gold Beach, Oregon, to Zelda and Merle Trueblood. His family moved to Red Bluff to follow his father's timber falling business. The family would later build their home in Proberta. Darren graduated from Gerber Elementary and then Red Bluff High School in 1984. He met his wife, Kathy, in high school, and they would later attend Shasta College and graduate from California State University, Chico. Mr. Trueblood earned his bachelor's degree and his teaching credential from CSUC. The couple moved to Redding in 1999. Most recently, he also earned his administrator's credential.

Darren started his teaching career at Chester High School. He later became a social science teacher at Enterprise High School, as well as a baseball, softball, and football coach. He coached football for 21 years at EHS where his teams had 105 wins and four Northern Section titles, including a run for the state championship. He was also selected multiple times to coach in the Lions All Star Football game. Most recently, Coach Trueblood was excited to continue his teaching and coaching philosophy at University Preparatory School. He had 119 total wins during his coaching tenure, which is the most wins among any active head coach in Shasta County. More importantly he was a mentor to many, father figure to thousands, and a man of incredible integrity and character.

Darren Trueblood is survived by: wife of 32 years, Kathy; sons Zack and Trevor; and daughter Madisen, all of Redding; brother and sister Merle Trueblood of Quincy and Tonya Hough of Susanville; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A service is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday at Pathways Church in Redding. Those attending are asked to wear a mask and social distance. The service will also be livestreamed. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Darren Trueblood Scholarship Fund, care of Tri Counties Bank.

links:

https://www.redding.com/story/sports/2021/02/18/u-prep-and-enterprise-football-coach-darren-trueblood-passed-away-after-battle-cancer/4494296001/

https://shastacountysports.com/north-state-coaching-legend-darren-trueblood-dies-after-short-battle-with-cancer/

https://krcrtv.com/news/local/longtime-northstate-football-coach-passes-away-following-cancer-battle

https://www.maxpreps.com/news/bEfmcMOHKkyVG7K6VoWxDQ/northern-section-coaching-stalwart-darren-trueblood-dies-after-short-battle-with-cancer.htm

https://www.redding.com/obituaries/rrs016636