Farewell to Daryn Mildenhall, an East London legend
Daryn Mildenhall, popular DJ and driving force behind Numbers nightclub for many years, passed away on the evening of Friday, 17th April 2020.
Diagnosed with Cancer in 2018, Daryn had recently travelled to Cape Town with wife Karen for specialised radiation. Prior to leaving East London he developed a pain in his left lung, worsening upon arrival in Cape Town. Daryn’s condition deteriorated over the next few days and he was admitted into hospital with suspected pneumonia. After a decision to test for Covid-19 and a positive result given, Daryn fought hard but sadly lost the battle.
I first met Daryn when he was the manager of Numbers, at that point in The Hub, Beacon Bay. Not being an East Londoner (or indeed, a South African), I didn’t know just how legendary this man was that I was about to interview, I didn’t know the rich history of the nightclub, but I was about to find out.
Daryn was a delight to chat to and we had much in common, both coming from music industry backgrounds. We swapped stories about celebrities, the best and worst of them, and had a good giggle. After that initial meeting, I’d bump into Daryn around Gonubie, often with his beautiful wife Karen, sometimes alone, and we’d have a good chinwag and go our separate ways. He was such a smart guy and it was always a pleasure to talk to him, even when he was being facetious…like the time I bumped into him at Hemingways Hotel. He was with his wife and radio and television personality Gareth Cliff. Daryn introduced me to Gareth and told him that I worked for ShowMe East London, adding that “it was a very small website because there’s nothing going on in East London…” But, despite the digs, I do believe that Daryn loved his hometown and in particular Gonubie, where he resided with Karen.
Daryn was a legend. If you didn’t know him personally you would definitely have known his name, and his passing has saddened the community at large. When I heard the news the morning after, I cried for him and I cried for his wife, for his family, his friends. He was still so young, so much more of his life to live. A tragic passing, and one which has left a huge gaping hole in many lives.
On behalf of ShowMe East London, we extend our deepest sympathies to family and friends.
Rest in peace, Daryn. You will be missed.
By Karen Herman
Source: Karen Mildenhall via Facebook