D’Arcy’s Origin Story

D’Arcy John Francis Mercer

October 17, 1981 - January 25, 2023

D’Arcy’s origin story.

D’Arcy was born in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, on October 17, 1981. He was the eldest son of Sandra Haight Mercer and John Mercer, and brother to Sonny Mercer, Alexander Mercer, and Isaac Mercer.

D’Arcy grew up in the small town of Battersea, Ontario, near the shores of Loughborough Lake.

Little dancing queen.

D’Arcy’s love for the water, music, and art was evident from an early age. He grew up in a loving circle of family and friends spending time by the lake. Those who were blessed to see him grow can attest to his passion for life, fun, and love. D’Arcy navigated life in an authentic and uncompromising way, a unique soul whose presence and energy was notable to all. He was not your average Canadian lake boy.

D’Arcy attended Kingston Mills until grade 5, and then St. Mary’s Cathedral. His love for the arts and his swimming friends led him to choose Kingston Collegiate Vocational Institute (KCVI) for high school and then Queen Elizabeth Collegiate Vocational Institute for art studies. He thrived in environments that promoted and encouraged art. After completing his high school diploma, D’Arcy enrolled at the University of Toronto for a year, and ultimately completed his nursing degree at St. Lawrence’s College in Kingston.

Upon college graduation, D’Arcy accepted a nursing position in Chico, California where he began his nursing career. After living and working in several cities and hospitals in California, including San Diego, D’Arcy moved to New York City.

In New York City, D’Arcy worked at various hospitals and the nonprofit Visiting Nurses. He later transitioned to United Healthcare and earned his bachelor’s nursing degree, summa cum laude, at the City University of New York. D’Arcy ultimately worked at MCG as a clinical educator.

D’Arcy always remained an active swimmer throughout his life. He joined Team New York Aquatics, an LGBTQ masters swimming group, when he moved to New York City (TNYA). It was volunteering for TNYA at a Pride event that D’Arcy met Carlos Davila-Caballero in June of 2013.

D’Arcy and Carlos (D’Arlos) began their relationship that year, and moved in together in spring of 2014. After six years of bliss, D’Arcy and Carlos married in Palm Springs, California on February 21, 2020. During this time, D’Arlos lived together in Brooklyn and Manhattan along their dog Muse and cats Lola and NOLA. In April 2021, D’Arlos moved into their dream condo in Montreal, Quebec where they resided until D’Arcy’s last days. ❤️