Our husband and father passed away peacefully after a brief illness.
He is survived by his wife Suzanne (Sue), children Neil (Tanya) of Calgary, Ryan (Laura) of Calgary, Erin (Mathew) of Courtenay; grandchildren Jordyn, Sadie, Tyler, Gavin, Karli and Isla, siblings Barbara (Gordie) Robertson, Trevor (Marlene) Ferguson and many nieces and nephews.
Derek grew up in Caycuse, BC where he gained a passion for the coastal forest industry. After obtaining a degree in Commerce from the University of British Columbia, he pursued a 35 year career in the forest industry, 28 of those years with MacMillan Bloedel, which brought him to many Vancouver Island communities where he developed many life-long friendships. Derek instilled his love of sports and outdoors in each of his children and enjoyed spending time in his garden, in the woods and especially with his family.
It is with great sadness that we are saying goodbye to an honest, gentle, caring man with a great laugh and quick wit.
You will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 15th at 2:00pm at the Quinsam Hall, 2005 Eagle Drive, located off of the Inland Highway at the Willis Road intersection.