Obituary of Darryl Ross Derksen

Watch Recorded Memorial Service at https://www.ustream.tv/embed/recorded/122520307

It is with the greatest amount of sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle and friend, Darryl Ross Derksen. Darryl peacefully said goodbye, on June 15th at the Victoria Hospital, at the young age of 65 years. He was the loving husband to Glenda, and father to Jaclyn (Pat) of Saskatoon, Erin of Kelowna, Ross of Langley, and Ginelle (Daniel) of Saskatoon. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Leidyn, Rowan, Niklas and Quinn.

Darryl was born in Borden on July 29th, 1953, to Seymour A. & Lynda Derksen. Raised in Langham, Darryl grew up to take over the family business, Derksen Implements. With a keen sense of business and a love of agriculture, Darryl later moved to Prince Albert with his family to become part owner of Glenmor Grain Systems.

On July 13, 1991, Darryl married his life partner and best friend, Glenda of Maymont. Darryl and Glenda raised their four children making memories at Murray Lake, and later Emma Lake. Darryl’s favourite place to be was on a quad, on the boat, on the golf course or around the campfire at the lake, playing music with his family and his circle of friends.

Upon semi-retirement, Darryl and Glenda began calling Puerto Vallarta, Mexico home during the winter months. With an insatiable desire to learn and help everyone around him, Darryl taught himself Spanish and became involved in a Medical, Dental and Community facility in the poverty stricken neighbourhood of Colonia Progreso. Designed to function as a church, the centre also acts as a nursery, hosts English and home-economic classes, and provides medical and dental services for the surrounding residents.  Since the clinic’s inception 5 years ago, Derk has become well known by the community and loved by many. His philanthropic efforts continue to help better the lives of hundreds of people. Darryl and Glenda even support a family in the neighbourhood, and one of Darryl’s greatest joys was providing them support and making them part of his life. 

Darryl was a compass to his family, always had words of wisdom and guidance to share, but never took life too seriously. He enjoyed every minute, and his legacy lives on through his wife, children and grandchildren, and the many lives he has touched along the way. 

A celebration of Darryl’s life will be held at Mayfair United Church on Thursday, June 27th at 1:00 pm. Donations in Darryl’s memory may be made to the Health and Spirit Medical Centre in Puerto Vallarta. For more information on the cause and to donate, visit Compassionate Impact Canada, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/compassionet-impact-development-canada/campaign/free-dental-clinic-in-progresso/ - donate-now-pane