Derek succumbed to an ongoing medical condition that precipitated a fatal cardiac arrest. He leaves behind his beautiful son, Luke Maki (mother, Karen Pelletier); his parents, Toni and Phil Toth; siblings, Phillip Toth (Tania), Dana Shope (Randy), Josef Toth (Janine); and a loving group of his nieces and nephews, Haydn, Olivia, Logan, Andrew, Caroline and Samantha. He is preceded in death by Floyd Maki, his biological father.
Growing up in Birmingham, Michigan, Derek was an avid sports fan who had a special love for the Detroit Tigers, and was an unwavering fan of the Detroit Lions, convinced at the start of each season this was “their year”. Since moving to Charlotte, he had also developed an appreciation for his new hometown team, the Carolina Panthers. He was a natural athlete who played baseball (his favorite), football and basketball throughout his school years and loved to ski, enjoyed scuba and occasionally golfed as an adult.
Derek attended Holy Name Catholic Elementary, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s High School and Wayne State University in Michigan. He studied finance, but spent a number of years in the hospitality business during and after college in Detroit, on Mackinac Island and in Chicago, and his love of all things food carried with him throughout his life. Derek was always willing to throw together a batch of hot buttered rum during the holidays and would happily man the grill for summer cookouts. His steaks and chimichurri were legendary and frequently requested, especially by son Luke, along with his Low Country Boil and tacos.
He made the move to Charlotte in 2011 and had worked for the past 10 years for BigHouse Marketing in Charlotte with his sister Dana. But, his absolute most favorite thing to do anytime, anywhere was spending time with his son Luke ... doing anything, be it playing catch for hours, going against each other on Madden, swimming or sharing their passion for football. He also was a fan of cinema and would occasionally recite entire scenes from favorite films, usually hilariously.
He loved his family deeply and was so loved in return. He will be terribly missed by everyone that knew him and will be forever remembered as a truly gentle soul, the first to lend a hand when asked and someone who had a genuine soft spot for kids and animals.
At Luke's request, and as a nod to their shared interest in sports, we welcome those attending the memorial that have a favorite sports team to represent your team by wearing a jersey, a cap or whatever you have that represents your favorite team. Derek would love that for him.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM, with a memorial service at 6:00 PM on Sunday, September 29th, 2024 at McEwen Funeral Services Pineville Chapel, located at 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC, 28210.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial offering may be made to Luke's College Fund (see attached link).
Online condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChaplel.com
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