On June 28, 2017, Derek unexpectedly passed away at the Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, BC.

Family left to mourn are his mother Flo, father Ron (Sandra), sister Rona Yeager (Ian), brother Peter (Terri), and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, a niece and a nephew.

Although Derek himself never married or had children of his own, he treasured his nephew Quinn and niece Alyssa. Derek graduated from Mount Baker High School in Cranbrook, BC and was enriched by schooling in Germany. Music and song were his greatest loves and brought him peace. He was a pianist and an artist. Morning Mass was important, and he was inspired by the holy saints.

The family wishes to thank the professionals, family and friends who made a difference through his 40 years of care.

A visitation and prayer service for Derek will be held Thursday, July 20 at 7:00 pm. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, July 21, at 10:30 am. Both are at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in Cranbrook, BC, with celebrant Fr. Aaron de Dios. Derek’s interment will be in Westlawn Cemetery in Cranbrook, BC, followed by a gathering of family and friends in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Canadian Mental Health Association cmha.ca/get-involved/donate . Derek wants us to remember his smile.

“I come as a light into the world, that whosoever believeth in me should not live in darkness.”

www.mcphersonfh.com