February 25, 1977 – May 23, 2024
Darren Kenneth Quintenz was born February 25, 1977, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Susan and Kenneth Quintenz. His family soon moved to Bexley, Ohio, where he was raised. In that community’s nurturing environment, he grew into a brilliant young man who pursued his education and his interests passionately.
Darren graduated from Bexley High School as a Valedictorian and with numerous honors. He served as Editor-in-Chief of “The Torch”, Bexley’s lauded high school paper and played state level tennis. During that time, he also cultivated interests that were deep, varied and unusual for such a young man. The focus and sincerity with which he pursued them was one of his most beloved characteristics. The disparate nature and intensity of these made him uniquely interesting to those who loved him and included subjects like music, art, fly fishing, sporting clays and vintage automobile racing. These would be lifelong avocations.
He attended Dartmouth University and graduated cum laude with special citations in Latin (noting he “gained a knowledge of Latin grammar – indeed, Latin classical intelligence – at once graceful and lucid”) and Native American Studies with majors in English Literature and Native American Studies. He was only the 13th graduate in Dartmouth history to major in the latter discipline. While there, he was elected president of his fraternity, played rugby and participated in “The Dragon Society”. He was known to his friends as a confidante who would bring a new and valuable perspective to any conversation. He could be trusted to treat one’s greatest joys, deepest fears and most painful sadnesses with equal and appropriate respect and reflection.
He moved to Colorado in 2006 to pursue a career as a photography dealer, working first for the Christopher Cardozo gallery which specialized in Edward S. Curtis. He then operated several galleries in the Aspen area focusing on fine art and vintage photography before ultimately dealing privately. He was the ghost author of Cardozo’s “Sacred Legacy: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indian”. He dealt in such landmark artists as Ansel Adams, Harry Callahan and Edward Weston, establishing worldwide sales records for several of these artists.
Darren’s deep faith challenged him and sustained him through life’s trials. He served his God in large and small ways throughout his life. He volunteered extensively ministering in the Colorado prison system and through “Feed My Sheep Homeless Ministry”. He distributed blankets to the homeless and housed a homeless person. He started the nonprofit “Remember Those in Prison” to raise funds to support prison ministries. He also participated as a lay consultant in the writing of “Believing is Seeing: A Guide for Responding to John’s Gospel” by Father Bruce McNab.
Although Darren was accomplished in many ways, his reserved persona would have made many of these a surprise to casual acquaintances. His one achievement, that was known to anyone who met him, was his role as father to his two beloved daughters, Claire and Allison. Darren’s girls were truly the one constant light in his life. With them and them alone, he shared his best, most open, funniest, and complete loving self.
Darren died May 23, 2024. He is survived by his daughters, twin brother Brian, parents Ken and Susan Quintenz, former wife Colby Quintenz and numerous other relatives. A service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 536 W. North Street, Aspen, at 11:00 on June 21, 2024. A lunch reception will follow. Donations in Darren’s memory may be directed to Feed My Sheep Homeless Ministry, PO Box 1033, Glenwood Springs, CO, 81602 or www.feedmysheephomelessministry.org
May Darren’s memory always be a blessing.