January 19, 1957 - November 10, 2023
January 19, 1957 - November 10, 2023
A.K.A.: Dad, Faja, Art, The Babe, DH, Bubaloo,
Godfather, Uncle D, Uncle Arty, Arty, Ham, Hambone,
Hammy, Hammer, Sledge, #1, Artwon, Midnight Arty, Old Bean
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Derek with the love of his life, Marjie, by his side on Friday November 10, 2023.
Derek is survived by his wife Marjie with whom he built a beautiful life. Fate brought them together 25 years ago and their connection was profound; full of love, respect and so much fun and laughter.
Derek's kids were the light of his life and he theirs. He was so proud of his son Max (Kayla) and the life he was building and of his deep bond with his beautiful, favourite daughter Bonnie who adored him and who he loved to the moon and back.
Derek was born in Toronto on January 19, 1957 to his Mother Mary (d. 2008) who he cherished and his father Bob (d. 1985). He was the youngest of 4 boys and was affectionately referred to as "The Babe” by his best friend and eldest brother Tony, and loved dearly by his brother Brad and his brother Rick (Jan). He was the best Uncle to his Goddaughter Lizzie, Tony Jr., Joanna (Noel), Sara and an amazing great Uncle to Tyler, Samantha and Rachel. He was loved by the mother of his children Ruth (Roger) and his half-sister Jessica (Michael). He was the #1 son-in-law to Val (Gord d. 2016) and #1 brother-in-law to Gavin (Anne). He was the proud stepson of "Buttercup” (d. 2019). And a very special son-in-law to his beloved Grandma Jane and a host of cousins and very dear friends. He walked his favourite dog Finnie rain or shine twice a day up to the day before he was hospitalized.
Derek grew up in North Toronto, a true Toronto boy (and loyal Leafs fan) getting into mischief with his many pals, always the life of the party, always ready to help a friend build a deck or a fence. He was 10 years old when the Leafs won the Stanley Cup and he was ready for it to happen every year since; if only they could just "shoot the puck in the net!” The friendships Derek made from his childhood at Yonge & Lawrence were with him for the rest of his life.
He took his motorcycle out west at 16 years old where it poured rain for 3 days straight. He made it to Banff tired and broke but always smiling and got a job at a gas station where he slept on the floor in the back room until he had enough money to get on his feet. Then his adventures began at the Banff Springs Hotel where he started as a dishwasher and ended up being Convention Houseman. He was a fixture in Banff for many years, dominating the shuffleboard tables, pitching for the local fastball team and "having the best time” with the friends he made there who became his lifelong pals.
Derek made his way back to Toronto and studied carpentry at George Brown College and went on to do renovations and additions until he decided to "hang up his hammer” and get into Real Estate. He loved his career, and his clients loved him because of his honesty, integrity and great sense of humour. He was never afraid to tell it like it is, as in, "this place is a dump.” Ever humble, he never gloated about his many real estate awards. We were all so proud to say that he was consistently in the top 3% of RLP agents in Canada.
Derek married Ruthie in 1986 and they went on to have their greatest gifts, Max in 1990 and Bonnie in 1992. His friendship with Ruthie remained even after they split as they maintained their steadfast resolve to always put the kids first and be on the same page together with the unwavering support of Marjie & Roger.
When fate brought Derek to Marjie in 1998, they began a wonderful life together in Toronto with countless trips, road trips with the kids in the summers and fabulous dinner parties with great friends and family. Of course, Derek was the life of the party at every event. Everyone recalls his "whistle” when Kool & The Gang came on.
Derek enjoyed over 35 years of annual golf trips with his beloved "fellas” and when asked after each trip how it was, he would say, "we had a ball” and “we had a LOT of laughs.” He had many best friends and he loved them all. When "Arty” was around, it was always fun.
Derek and Marjie began weekending in Collingwood at their home referred to as "the Wood Hut” in 2006. When they eventually decided to live there full-time in 2017, they designed and built a new home together which became "the White Hut” where the parties and laughter continued with their close friends and family.
Derek's life of 66 years was taken far too soon but the mark he made on our lives was so profound. He was so funny, good looking, loyal, considerate and a true bright light. We are all so thankful and lucky to have had him in our lives and to have so many happy, funny memories.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice Georgian Triangle - Campbell House in Collingwood where Derek spent his last 17 days under their very special care and comfort.
A party will be held in the spring of 2024 to celebrate this wonderful man and to share our love for him and of course, a lot of funny stories!
Arrangements entrusted to Fawcett Funeral Home Collingwood.