Darren Lee Paul-Vance, enthusiastic and devoted husband, father, community leader and friend, died after a long illness on December 18, 2024, near his home in Charles County, Maryland. He was 59.

Darren was Executive Director since 2018 of Rainbow Families, a non-profit serving LGBTQ+ parents, their children and prospective parents in the Washington region, offering its members education and support programs and creative opportunities to connect with one another. Under his leadership, Rainbow Families thrived, doubling in size and in the number of services it provides.

Before Rainbow Families, Darren spent 30 years in the travel business. He started in ninth grade, booking reservations for neighborhood families through his aunt's small agency in Corona del Mar, California. He would go on to work for years with clients and companies in the entertainment industry. That included stints as Travel Manager at DreamWorks SKG Studios, and work with Warner Bros and Universal. He later served as National Training Director for Hoffman Travel and as Vice-President/General Manager for the Los Angeles-based Music Express Inc.

He was an active volunteer, leader and mentor throughout his life. He was a board member and development director of the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, and worked extensively with Project Angel Food and other service groups in L.A. In Washington, he was an active member of the DC LGBTQ+ Leaders Group, and the DC Queer Space Coalition. He also volunteered with the Catalogue for Philanthropy.

Darren grew up in both Michigan and southern California. He was born in Dowagiac Michigan, living there until fourth grade when he and his mother moved to Newport Beach, California. He moved back east, to Olivet, Michigan, to attend high school, and later attended California State University, Fullerton.

He met the love of his life, John Paul, 28 years ago on a date in Los Angeles. They were essentially together from that day on. Later, Darren and John moved to the Washington area, where they married and adopted and raised Alexander Paul, who is now in college.

To his many friends, Darren was warm, funny, stylish and quick to share creative encouragement, particularly with those who seemed to need it. He loved Hawaii, John's home, northern Michigan and music. He enjoyed shopping for, and even occasionally buying, classic cars.

In addition to John and Xander, Darren is survived by his mother, Ann Wilkins; brother, Scott Vance; sister Tracy Hayes; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who loved him deeply.