Darren Jay Leslie

In Loving Memory of Darren Jay Leslie

Darren Jay Leslie, 56, went to be with the Creator on August 23, 2026, in Toppenish, Washington.

Darren was born June 19, 1970 in Goldendale, Washington, to Ervin and Sylola Leslie. He grew up at the River attended school in Lyle, WA, and, over the last 20 years, resided in the White Swan and Wapato areas of the reservation. No matter where life took him, he always found his way back home to the River each year to fish.

From an early age, Darren was drawn to the things that would remain a part of him throughout his entire life: fishing, hunting, and logging. He spent his younger years playing basketball, where he earned many awards, and participating in Junior Rodeo. He shared these experiences alongside his grandfather, father, uncles, brothers, sisters, friends, and other close family members. These traditions and activities became an important part of who Darren was and stayed with him throughout his life, right up until the time of his passing.

Darren had a deep love and connection to fishing, and one of the greatest gifts he gave to the younger generations was the knowledge he carried with him. He loved teaching his children, nieces, and nephews how to fish and passing down the lessons and traditions he had learned throughout his own life. The knowledge he shared will continue through them for generations to come.

When Darren wasn’t on the river, he could often be found in the mountains, outdoors, or alongside his significant other, Valentina Renion, enjoying time with his pool family. He found happiness in the simple things—being outside, spending time with the people he loved, sharing what he knew, and making memories.

Darren is survived by his children, Jarren Day Leslie and Rasheena Lee Leslie; grandsons, Uriah Gage Leslie and Dayton Jay Leslie; parents, Ervin and Sylola Leslie; and siblings, Darrell, Denise, Deanne, Darla, Julia, Debra Leslie and Tom Frazer. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, close friends, and extended family members near and far.

Darren was preceded in death by his daughters, Theeda Marie Leslie and Kirsty Ann Leslie, as well as his paternal and maternal grandparents. Various aunts, uncles, and close family members of the Leslie and Cloud families.

Darren’s life touched many people. He leaves behind more than memories—he leaves behind the knowledge, stories, traditions, and lessons he passed down to the generations who came after him. Every fishing/hunting trip, every story, every lesson, and every moment shared will carry a piece of him forward.

His memory will live on through the abundance of people he loved and the people who loved him.

Darren Jay Leslie, beloved father, grandfather, son, brother, nephew, and uncle. He will not be forgotten.

May he rest peacefully, always close to the River and the mountains he loved so much.

Services for Darren Jay Leslie

Friday August 28, 2026

Three Song Dressing Ceremony

9:30 a.m.

Valley Hills Funeral Home

Wapato, Washington

Picture Viewing Ceremony

11:30 a.m.

Following dressing ceremony, the family will proceed directly to the Celilo Longhouse, where picture viewing services will be concluded.

Overnight Service

7:00 p.m.

Celilo Longhouse

Saturday August 29, 2026

Sunrise Burial

Lyle Balch Cemetery

Lyle, Washington

Following the burial, services will conclude at the Celilo Longhouse with a grieving ceremony, releasing, and a light meal.