Matt Darby, founder of aerodynamic jockey silks company Speed Silks, died July 2. He was 54.
Darby was born Aug. 20, 1970, in Newport Beach, Calif., to James "Jim" and Nancy (Shappell) Darby. A longtime resident of Amarillo, Texas, Darby went on to the University of North Texas, where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Radio, Television, and Film. Darby returned to Amarillo in 1996 to start a well-known career in broadcasting.
Darby left his broadcasting career in 2006 and joined the American Quarter Horse Association as the manager of race marketing. It was there that Darby discovered the "problem" with racing silks for horse racing jockeys. And so he researched, engineered, and in 2012, opened his company, Darby Racing Technology, where he then developed and successfully created Speed Silks.
On Jan. 21, 2002, Darby married Darci (Gouge) in one of their favorite "happy" places, Walt Disney World, in Orlando, Fla. Darby loved hosting parties for friends and family to come watch the Triple Crown races and was happy to admit that he wasn't the best at picking the winners, but pretty great at pointing out those who were wearing Speed Silks.
Speed Silks' business is still open, "but we are certainly missing the genius that was our leader," Darci said.
Darby was preceded in death by his father, James Darby; his dad, Gary Gerard; and his grandparents, Nelson and Helen Shappell and Edith and Desmond Gerard.
Survivors include his wife, Darci; his mother and stepfather, Nancy and Carl Altschwager; his "I won the in-law lottery" in-laws, Jimmy and Jo Gouge of Amarillo, a sister, Noma (Jason) Burr of Amarillo; a sister, Jennifer (Steve) Walsh of St. Louis, Mo.; his sister-in-law, Denise (Jeff) Gulde of Amarillo; a step sister, Jo Lyn Green of Tennessee; a step brother, Brian (Carry) Gerard of Kentucky; numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces, great nephews and many "surrogate" family members who he adored.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Sister-Bear Foundation, or a charity of your preference.
