I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of Derek’s family and to have known him not just as my father‑in‑law, but as a man whose kindness and quiet strength shaped the people I love most. From the moment I met him, Derek welcomed me without hesitation — not with grand gestures, but with the gentle warmth and steady presence that defined him.
He was a man who led with decency. He listened more than he spoke, noticed more than he ever drew attention to, and cared deeply without needing praise or recognition. In every conversation, every shared moment, every small act of thoughtfulness, Derek showed what it meant to be a good man.
I saw the best of him reflected in Sandie — his compassion, his resilience, his sense of fairness, and his unwavering loyalty to the people he loved. Being part of his family has been one of the great privileges of my life, and I will always be grateful for the trust he placed in me to stand beside his daughter.
Derek leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and quiet courage. I will miss his humour, his stories, and the gentle way he could make a room feel calmer just by being in it. But most of all, I will miss the man who treated me like a son, and who showed me, in countless small ways, what family truly means.
Thank you, Derek, for welcoming me, for guiding us, and for the love you gave so freely. I will carry your memory with pride. Lots of love, Gary
Gary
11/01/2026
