age 87, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Helen Darwin, and 2 brothers, William and Arnold. He is survived by his wife, Susan McPherson Darwin; three daughters, Victoria Darwin Rushton, Anna Hamill, Sarah Inderhees; son James Inderhees; and 3 grandsons, Richard Rushton, Ryder Rushton, and Garrett Hamill; as well as many nieces and nephews.
LeRoy was a graduate of Ann Arbor High School in 1953, and served in the National Guard. LeRoy was always self-employed. At the age of sixteen, he was dealing stamps and coins. He was also a builder and loved leaded glass. In the early 70’s, he saw people breaking lovely stained glass windows to scrap the lead. Inspired by the creativity, he started to build his own collection of leaded stained glass windows and beveled windows but instead of breaking them, he re-sold them which marked the beginning of his Architectural Salvage business in downtown Grass Lake.
LeRoy had a progressive attitude, an entrepreneurial spirit and an affinity for organic living. In the late 1970’s, he moved to Mill Valley, California, and opened a juice bar. He made a lifetime of friends and memories during his time in California before returning to his architectural salvage business in Grass Lake.
In the 1990’s, he met Susan when she came to the shop, and was in awe of his collections and mission, do something good for your health and to recycle what you can. Instead of recycling cans and bottles, it was doors, windows, tubs, sinks and any other architectural items that are reusable. They continued the mission and salvage business together, by dismantling homes from the 1830's-1940's in the Ann Arbor-Jackson area. They saved everything possible from over 50 homes in the last 30 years.
LeRoy loved road trips. He and Sue traveled cross country many times together to visit family, friends, and of course antique markets.
He will be sadly missed by friends and family. His legacy will live on through his wife, family, as well as through his unique business that has been going for over 50 years.
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