When 13-year-old Carole Dale saw John Darling out of her bedroom window walking along a road she turned to her sister and said "one day I’m going to marry that man". They were to be married for more than 60 years until both died, two weeks apart, from Covid.

“Everyone who knew them said that their life was a true love story,” their daughter Claire said. “One could not live without the other. Daddy didn’t want to be left behind. Although he knew he had us, he couldn’t bear to be apart from my mother. They would have been married 62 years on March 19.”

Carole and John’s devotion to each other stretched beyond their personal lives into a successful business career. They founded Dampcure-Woodcure/30 Limited in Watford in June 1959 with John’s father George Darling, and it has grown to become one of Britain’s leading companies in its construction sector, dealing with problems including damp proofing, dry rot and woodworm.

Carole Elizabeth Darling (nee Dale) was born on March 31, 1941, approaching four years after John Michael Darling had also been born in Watford on June 28, 1937.

They were both raised and educated in the town, John was a surveyor and both were to become directors of the family business.

Watford Observer:

Carole and John were married on March 19, 1960

Claire said: “When John was younger, he would walk everywhere around Watford speaking with people. Everyone knew and loved him as they did his father before him.

“My father earned respect over the years through hard work and knowing the business inside and out, his knowledge and understanding of building houses, their structure and what would be the best way to treat a problem.

“Up until recently, he would roll up his sleeves and work alongside the men as and when he was needed.

“Everyone had a lot of time and respect for my father – they’d love to come in and have a chat with him as he did with them.”

Carole worked in the office where she dealt with customers’ enquiries. Describing her as “a great force of nature”, Claire said: “She worked late into the night as and when needed. A perfectionist to a fault!

“She was interested in all the team, their lives and families and hearing their news. She would always try to help and advise as best as she knew how to.”

Away from work, Carole and John enjoyed travelling, taking regular trips to the theatre or visiting Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club.

They had contrasting senses of humour; John’s was dry whereas his wife’s was “wicked”.

Watford Observer:

John Darling on a visit to Vancouver Island to stay with friends

“My father was the most amazing, kind and generous person,” Claire said. “He loved animals, plants and wildlife – he just seemed to know what they needed.

“He always wanted to be a farmer and own a farm which he did when he was in his mid-30s.”

Both put their heart and soul into their business, as they did every aspect of their lives.

Claire said: “[Carole] was a wonderful mother and grandmother, always spoiling us and helped us all when and where necessary.

“I think that all the grandchildren have worked in the business at one time or other, until they found their feet and found the path they were meant to take, which in turn gave them an idea of working in the business world.”

Watford Observer:

Carole Darling walking the dogs with her daughter Kimberley

The couple were also active in the community. Dampcure-Woodcure were keen participants in events such as the Watford Carnival and supported numerous charities over the years. This will continue.

Carole died on December 4, 2021, aged 80, and 16 days later, on December 20, her husband also passed away at the age of 84.

“They have left a massive gap in all our lives,” said Claire, who has been involved in Dampcure-Woodcure since she was 15. She is now running Dampcure-Woodcure with her partner, Nick Sperrin.

“The condolences that my sister and I have received have been overwhelming, even from business friends who have known them for 50 or more years.

“Everyone was so shocked at their passing as they were so full of life, in all our lives.

“They lived life to the full. They were strong in mind, body and soul. They were the dynamic duo.”

Claire has also thanked the company’s staff for their support since her parents died.

“They have been my strength to help me keep going, for which I thank them from the bottom of my heart. My parents would be so, so uplifted by the human kindness that has been given to my sister and I during this terrible time.”

Carole and John leave two daughters, Claire and Kimberley, six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, Carole’s sister and John’s brother.

Community answers

Your tribute to Carole and John Darling

"Did you know Carole and John Darling and wish to pay your own tribute? Post it using this link and your words may be used online and in the newspaper."

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From Elisabeth Cammell

How will you remember Carole and John Darling?I spent a lot of time with the family at their farm when I was a child. It was a wonderful place to be. I went to school with Kim and Claire and we are still friends all these years later. Carole and John were unique, talented, clever hard working people. I adored them both and I am so sad that they have left this earth. God bless them, they were amazing people!

From Scott Dorsey

How will you remember Carole and John Darling?What can I say about “uncle” John and “aunty” Carole - firstly they were like second parents to my siblings and I growing up. Along with their two daughters Kim and Claire, we travelled the world together. From learning to drive in their Land Rover at their farm in Watford (by the age of 7) to rebuilding a bridge at my parents' house in Los Angeles. Uncle John had the most amazing sense of humour, contagious laugh and mischievous ways - honestly one of the nicest men I have ever met. Aunty Carole was all about business, helping guide me as I managed my father, Engelbert Humperdinck, for over two decades. A wealth of knowledge and experience, but also some of the softest, warm cuddles. I will miss them terribly but feel truly honoured that they were such a big part of my life. The only thing that makes me happy is to know they are together in heaven with my beautiful Mother Patricia (and a list of great friends and relatives in God's heavenly embrace). I can hear Uncle John's laugh and smell Aunty Carole's perfume. May they all Rest In Peace (and laughter) ❤️ Scott

From Valerie Seabrook

How will you remember Carole and John Darling?Carole first employed me 33 years ago. I worked for 3 years then left to have children. I applied 18 years later with no computer experience that was required, however Carole welcomed me back with open arms, took a chance and said they would train me up. I will always be grateful to Carole for taking me back and giving me that opportunity. I have many memories of the chats I had with Carole and John over the years to discuss work, but also they were always interested in how my family were doing and even employing my daughter Hayley during the summer holidays when she was at university to give her office experience which again I will always be grateful for. They will both be missed.

From Victoria Mackintosh

How will you remember Carole and John Darling?Auntie Carole and Uncle John were quite simply, my favourites. I loved them dearly. Not only did I work for them when I was younger (and gleaned a huge amount of experience and knowledge from them, which has stood me in good stead in my own career over the years), I was loved by them, and that, let me tell you, is a wonderful feeling. They both had the ability to make you feel like you were the most precious thing on earth when you spoke with them, giving you their full attention. My heart is sad I won't get to see them again, but I will always remember how they made me feel. The world is a little less shiny without them, that's for sure. Sending love to Kim and Claire, and their children and families.

From Charlotte Walters

How will you remember Carole and John Darling?My husband, Brian, first met Carole and John while working for Engelbert Humperdinck, with whom Carole and John were close family friends, with Pat and Engelbert and their family. Both Carole & John were amazingly kind people who were an immense help to Brian and me when he fractured his femur while in Spain. Carole sorted everything and she and John visited the hospital in Spain daily. My late husband, our son, Adam, and I were devastated to hear that Carole and John had passed away in December. I know that if they were still with us, they would have been my strength and stay when my husband, Brian, died only a few weeks later in January. I’ll never forget the kindness Carole and John gave freely to our family. God rest their beautiful souls. May they rest in peace and rise in glory.

From Stephen Quelch

How will you remember Carole and John Darling?Having worked for Dampcure Woodcure since 1993, I have known Carole and John for almost thirty years. They were very supportive of myself and my wife, when we lost our son in 2004. They were very much a team, devoted to each other hard working and essentially decent. They are sadly missed, may they rest in peace. Stephen and Caroline Quelch.

From Carol Ann Blackburn

How will you remember Carole and John Darling?I worked in the office with them around 1990, together with Claire. Loving kind people, I gained great knowledge from them. So very sad to hear this news. Sending my love to the family.