Name: Cook Funeral Home & Cremation Services — Grandville Chapel
Address: Grandville, MI

May God bless the family and friends that miss him so dearly with memories of happiness and laughter. Derek had an incredible smile and a quiet sweetness about him that was contagious to others. He will be missed here in Arizona by his colleagues, students and friends.

 Posted by Nadine Lopo - Chandler, AZ January 20, 2005

Sorry to Hear about the loss of Derek. We will be in prayer for the whole family. Love Fred and Dee Diekman

 Posted by Fred and Dee Diekman - GrandRapids, MI January 21, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with the Diekman and Pahl family. Derek and I were close friends through high school, and his family was even kind enough to let me live with them for a few months. I'll never forget the times we had together and my heart is broken at the loss of a good friend and brother. God bless.

 Posted by Jesse Worstell - Marion, IN January 21, 2005

So very sorry to hear of Derek's passing. Our condolences. Our prayers are with you.

 Posted by Norm & Mary Walker - Kentwood, MI January 21, 2005

Staff and students will miss Derek. Best wishes to his family. Ms. Andrews-Guss 7th Grade Students@ Clovis Campbell Elementry

 Posted by Angela Andrews-Guss - Phoenix, AZ January 21, 2005

Mr.Pahl will be greatly missed at our school. I have two students that would go to his class. I would talk to him daily in the hallway at our school. We just were talking together about our masters classes. I will miss him as a a fellow worker and a friend.I am so sorry about your loss. He will be missed. Kim Perdue

 Posted by Kim Perdue - Phoenix, AZ January 21, 2005

Derek was loved by our family. He was always so sweet, sharing his beautiful smile - truly a loving spirit. We thought of Derek often and kept him in our prayers. Our love and prayers are with his family during this time of sorrow in their lives.

 Posted by The Beauford Family - Hartland previously Grandville, MI January 21, 2005

Derek's smile always made my day. He was a very special person. I miss his presence.

 Posted by Portia White-Buze - Phoenix, AZ January 21, 2005

To the family of Mr. Pahl, my condolences go out to you. I am a colleague of his and will miss his smiling face and conversation.
 God bless you all.

 Posted by Sonja Jones - Phoenix, AZ January 21, 2005

Mr. Pahl was a wonderful educator and person whom I had the honor of working with. His smile was contagious. He will truly be missed. The family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.

 Posted by April Boozer - Phoenix, AZ January 21, 2005

I went to highschool with Derek. I remember him for always being friendly and very polite. He will be missed.

 Posted by Ian McCurdy - Wyoming, MI January 21, 2005

Mr. Pahl was a true professional. He had an immense impact on his students. His patience and understanding really showed in his interactions with children. His smile was uplifting as was his presence. My prayers are with his family in their time of loss.

 Posted by Minerva Villa -3rd grade teacher Clovis C. Campbell - Phoenix, AZ January 21, 2005

To: Mr. & Mrs. Pahl I taught with your son Derek, he was a very caring teacher, the students that he worked with loved him. He always had a smile on his face. The other day when we broke the news to the students, the ones he played football with everyday he was the quarterback looked at each other and asked who's going to be our quarterback now. I am sorry about your lost. Take care that he's now in the arms of our Savior. Look to the Lord for your strenght.

 Posted by Dortha Parker - Phx, AZ January 21, 2005

Mr. Pahl was a good man.He was nice to his students. He always let us play games on the board. Mr. Pahl always helped me be better with my math. I will miss Mr. Pahl alot.

 Posted by Melisa -3rd grade - Phoenix, AZ January 21, 2005

Mr. Pahl was fun and he always gave me candy when I brought all my homework in and when I got 100 on my spelling test. He always said that my dog was cool. He was my best friend. I will miss him alot.

 Posted by Devon-3rd grade - Phoenix, AZ January 21, 2005

It was my pleasure to have known Mr. Pahl. He always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. I enjoyed working with him here at Campbell School. May God Bless, Presse Moore

 Posted by Presse Moore - Phx., AZ January 21, 2005

Derek was such a caring and considerate individual. He will be missed by many. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love, The Hedstrom's family of Kristin & Johnny Bouwkamp

 Posted by The Hedstrom Family - Rockford, MI January 21, 2005

May God bless you in your time of need and look over you. Derek was a wonderful man and an exceptional special education teacher. He will be greatly missed. You will be in our prayers.

 Posted by Sarah Lombard - Scottsdale, AZ January 21, 2005

Dear family and friends of Mr. Pahl, I had the great pleasure of being a co-worker of Derek. He was always very congenial and pleasant. I will remember him for his positive attitude and wonderful smile. When we had the chance to sit down and talk, he was very encouraging and helped to brighten my day. May the Lord be with you all at this time, and may God Bless you. Sincerely, Mr. Peter Conner-Estrada

 Posted by Peter Conner-Estrada - Phoenix, AZ January 21, 2005

My deepest sympathies. I am the teacher who helped Derek get hired at Campbell School. This was such a shock. He seemed to have the whole world opening up to receive him. He jumped into his new situation 150%. He has done such a wonderful job teaching these special children. It takes a special person to work as well as he did with them. I will really miss him.

 Posted by Karolyn Grafton - Phoenix, AZ January 21, 2005

I was a grade younger than Derek at GHS and hung out with him sometimes - with Jesse, Joe, Justin, Jason... I would also run into him sometimes at MSU. I will remember Derek with a big smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Libby Struik

 Posted by Libby Struik - Grandville, MI January 21, 2005

I am keeping you in my daily prayers. I will always remember how kind it was for you and Derek to open your home to my son, Jesse, so he could finish high school at Grandville when I moved to Los Angeles. May God be with you in your grief and bring you comfort, peace and strength.

 Posted by Nancy Miner - Los Angeles, CA January 21, 2005

bill and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to derek's family and Kim. We only met him a few times but appreciated what a good friend he was to Jodi. We know you are going through a very difficult time and our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. We wish we could be there to comfort you. We will be thinking of you Kim and we know that Jodi is there for you too. We love you like our second daughter. Bill and Shelly

 Posted by bill and shelly overkleeft - hudsonville, MI January 22, 2005

Deepest sympathy to your family and friends. May God be with you during this time and be with you and those who were close to Derek. I will be praying for your family. Sincerely, Rebecca Warber

 Posted by Rebecca Warber - jenison, MI January 22, 2005

please know that I am truly sorry for your loss of Derek, and I offer my condolences to your family.

 Posted by brian ingell - grand rapids, MI January 22, 2005

Our hearts are broke, but in time we will all be together again. You will be sadly missed by everyone who knew you. We Love you!

 Posted by Uncle Al & Chris - Ravenna, MI January 22, 2005

Derek is everything you could ever want in a family member. I just wish we would have gotten to spend more time together doing the things that we both love to do. I learned a lot from him and I will miss him very much.

 Posted by Jason Schroeder - Grand Rapids, MI January 22, 2005

Derek graduated two years ahead of me at GHS. I am so thankful that I was blessed with his presence for that couple years in my life. I have nothing but good things to say about him. Derek was an amazing person and he will be forever remembered by the lives that he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.

 Posted by Trisha Schuiling - Grandville, MI January 22, 2005

Derek was a very special person. I am proud to have known him. I am truly sorry for your loss. He will be missed. His family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

 Posted by Virginia Bolton - Chandler, AZ January 22, 2005

I am thinking about your family at this time with the loss of Derek. We know that he will be missed. I will keep your family in my prayers.

 Posted by Shirley Diekman - Kal., MI January 23, 2005

Dear Bill, I was saddened to read about your son. Unfortunately I will not be able to visit with you at the funeral home, because of illness. Please accept my sincere loving thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. In Christian Love, Patty Hanson

 Posted by Patty Hanson - Walker, MI January 23, 2005

You were my oldest cousin and I will miss you deeply. You were the one person with whom I could relate. I only hope that you are in a better place without any pain.

 Posted by Christina Schroeder - Ravenna, MI January 23, 2005

Derek, You were our first grandson and we were so excited to have a grandchild who lived so close to us. What a thrill to watch you grow up.It was very hard to move to Arcadia and leave all of our Mi. grandchildren behind but it made us so happy when you would come to visit. We have wonderful memories of you and Jason fishing and hunting.We will miss you tremendously but you will always be in our hearts and the good memories will always be there.We'll love you always.Grandpa and Grandma

 Posted by grandma and grandpa - arcadia, MI January 23, 2005

To the family of Derek Pahl, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Derek. I went to grade school with Derek. He was a very good friend. I will always remember my trip to Arciada, with Dereks Grandparents. We had so much fun fishing everyday. I remember all the sleep-overs we used to have, and fishing in the streams and ponds around CP. May God be with you in your grief and bring you comfort.

 Posted by Joe Schumaker - CP, MI January 23, 2005

Our sincere sympathy goes out to Vicky and Doug and Doug and Shannon in the unexpected loss of a son and brother who in our minds was much too young to die. We didn't know Derek but we know you will miss him and question why? We will be praying for your family. In Christ Marten and Marcia Vegter

 Posted by Marten and Marcia Vegter - Grandville, MI January 23, 2005

My prayers are with all of Derek's family and friends. He will be missed by so many. Derek has passed from our human eyes but he will never pass from the hearts of all who love him. In this life we cannot understand but one day we will see clearly and will understand fully. God's love for Derek and for all of us surpasses our understanding. It is in that love that the truth can be found. God be with you all and comfort you in the days ahead.

 Posted by Patty Brown - White Cloud, MI January 23, 2005

We will miss our "human" daddy Derek so very much. He would always play with us and we loved when he got out our feather toy. We will miss snuggeling on his lap and all of the head scratches he gave us. He was the purrrrfect daddy and we will never forget him.

 Posted by Precious & Malibu-cats - Phoenix, AZ January 23, 2005

Thank you for trying to teach me to hunt. It really didn't work too well, because the first time I saw a rabbit in the yard I put my tail in between my legs, whinned and ran into the house. I know I am a goofy little dog, but I thank you for loving me anyway. I will always remember you.

 Posted by Wrigley Diekman - Grandville, MI January 23, 2005

Derek was my favorite "human" brother. I loved to cuddle and lay with him. He would always pet me and I know he truly cared for me. I loved when he took me for walks and let me catch squirrels. My favorite memory was when Derek took me out in the fields to hunt. I know he is in heaven with Midnight and Heidi, and I wait for the day that I can run in the fields with him again.

 Posted by Cody Diekman - Grandville, MI January 23, 2005

To the the Diekmans, Pahls, and my best friend Kim. I am saddened about the loss of Derek, but most of all because I lost such a good friend. I will miss his silly jokes and how he was able to bring me to tears with his wonderful sense of humor. I will cherish the memories I have of him in Michigan and Arizona. Kim, I am so sorry for the heartache and pain you are going through. You always let me be apart of your lives and treated me so well. Darci, I consider you a friend and I want to be a part of your life. Come and soak up some rays in AZ anytime you want. Jodi Overkleeft A.K.A. Felicity

 Posted by Jodi Overkleeft - Phoenix, AZ January 23, 2005

May God keep and bless you during this time of bereavement.

 Posted by April Scott - Tolleson, AZ January 23, 2005

A brief candle; both ends burning An endless mile; a bus wheel turning A friend to share the lonesome times A handshake and a sip of wine So say it loud and let it ring We are all a part of everything The future, present and the past Fly on proud bird You're free at last. -Charlie Daniels
 Vicki Doug and Darci all of my love and prayers are with you.

 Posted by Andrea Jaffas - Ionia, MI January 24, 2005

Doug & Vicky, Shay & Diek, Mr. Pahl and Kim, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.

 Posted by Brad, Jodi, Brady, Peyton & Sydney Vis - Byron Center, MI January 24, 2005

I laughed so hard when you dunked Uncle Eric in the pool and held him under for awhile! He needed it that day..Ryan remembers you dumping fish water on him when he was still sleeping when you got back from fishing in Arcadia..Thank you for letting us love you Derek..Your smile will live in our hearts forever.

 Posted by Eric, Colleen, and Ryan - Grand Rapids, MI January 24, 2005

I only met Derek a few times, but he was always smiling and nice. My heart goes out to his friends and family. You will be in my prayers.

 Posted by Ramona Martinez - Phoenix, AZ January 24, 2005

This message is for Kim Kalsbeek. I am so sorry for your loss. I just want you to know that during my cheer days you were such an inspiration to me. You are in my thoughts and prayers. 
 Caitey Lemke

 Posted by Caitey Lemke - Jenison, MI January 24, 2005

I am so sorry to hear about Derek. Derek was a wonderful person and he will be deeply missed. Kim, I was thinking of all the funny stories I remember of you and Derek when you were living with me. The first time he came to pick you up for a date and Jake ran around the table over and over again to see what kind of reaction Derek would have and all he did was laugh. Another was of you and Derek having the purple koolaid fight in the kitchen and speckling Jakes Abe Lincoln picture. The best though, of you, Jodi, and Derek dressing in Jake's Halloween costumes. He was always so wonderful to Jake. We will miss him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
 Stacy and Jake Sheler

 Posted by Stacy Sheler - Hudsonville, MI January 24, 2005

Derek, you know that you were one of my best friends. Even when you went away to school, we always picked up where we left off when you came back. From Grandville High to GRCC and beyond, you were my friend and will never be forgotten. Always treated me like a "brotha". Even when we argued about the correct spelling of "Derek/Darrick"...it was good times. Know that you will be missed. My prayers go out to the Pahl's, Deikman's and Kalsbeek's.

 Posted by Darrick Beauford II - Bryon Center/ Hartland, MI January 24, 2005

Doug and Vicky, You might remember me as the cashier at Rivertown car wash for 6 years. I want to tell you how sorry I am to hear of your son. I never knew him, but I did hear some about him through Brian and ShannonGreen. I work with Shannon and was really sad to hear she lost a good friend. While reading the paper I noticed that her friend was your son. I had no idea. I went through a similar experience 10 years ago with my husband, so I pretty much know what you are going through. It's a rough time and it's very hard to except and understand why, but by believing in God, just remember he can help you through all of this. You and your families will be in my prayers.

 Posted by Nancy Koster-geelhoed - grandville, MI January 24, 2005

He were such a good friend to have! I am not sure what I will do with out him here. I wish I had more time to get to know him better in person but now I will always look for his spirt for guidence. I know he is in heaven and I will miss him. Then I just need to realize that he is all around us, We just can't see you watching over us but I know he is. I remember one time we went up to a lake and we went fishing up there for quite a while. At that time it was weird because I didn't know him that well but now I wish I would have gotten to know him better during that time we had together. Now it is just I memory that I have to cherish like so many others that I have of us. So I would like to say that I will miss you like so many others. I will always love, you, Derick as a brother and a best friend

 Posted by Jeff Kalsbeek - Jenison, MI January 24, 2005

Mr. Pahl, I still see you following your "little ones" down the primary wing in the morning. It will never be quite the same. Your "little ones" miss you and so do the rest of us.

 Posted by Cammie Cantrell - Phoenix, AZ January 24, 2005

Please accept our sympathy and prayers. We are so sorry to hear about your son. Tim, Sara, and Hanna Pearson

 Posted by Tim and Sara Pearson - Sparta, MI January 24, 2005

We were shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. I am not often at a loss for words, but I find myself speechless. We have you in our prayers and thoughts. Steve and Marianne Knapp

 Posted by Steve Knapp - Punta Gorda, FL January 24, 2005

Deepest sympathy to your family and friends. Kim and family our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, Pat Zoeller

 Posted by Pat Zoeller - Jenison, MI January 24, 2005

To the Loved Ones of Derek, I was a friend of your son at MSU in the horticulture program, we shared many classes and projects together. Derek was a strong individual with a caring heart. My prayers are with you in your loss, and I also celebrate the fact I got to know Derek. Thankyou

 Posted by Matthew L. Parrott - Grand Rapids, MI January 24, 2005

May the Lord continually bless you. You will always be in my prayers.

 Posted by Beddie Woods - Phoenix, AZ January 24, 2005

Derek's young face full of smiles at age 5 is how I remember him! I was his Kindergarten teacher then I was Mrs. Diane Bradley at Greenridge Elementary! I knew his grandmother quite well, as she was a teacher in our district too. Mrs. Schroeder was even my 2nd grade teacher way back when, at Stoney Creek school! My family even lived on the same street, Kittery, and I remember often riding our bikes up & down the road with my brothers Doug & Brian who were good friends with Eric! We always felt a warm welcome when visiting the Schroeder home since the whole family were so nice! My husband now, Dave Pickel went to school & graduated with Vicki and so we all have memories. I was a young eager teacher just starting out when Derek was in my class. And I'm so proud to know that he was teaching Special Education, challenging & rewarding. I've been teaching Special Ed. students as well as regular Kdg. & First grade for 19 years. I'm sure all his family & friends are very proud of Derek. May God bless him & keep him close with special heavenly blessings forever!

 Posted by Diane & David Pickel - Comstock Park, MI January 24, 2005

To the family of Derek, first, my condolences. I only met Derek once, the first night of class here in Phoenix. He seemed very upbeat about his plans for the future. I'm sorry that he didn't stay around long enough to see them come to their fruition. No words can take away the pain, but I do pray that the Lord wii comfort your family. God bless You, Armando Macias

 Posted by Armando Macias - Peoria, AZ January 24, 2005

I'll never understand the pain & sorrow you felt. All I recall was laughter & fun. All I wish is that I could talk to you now, and understand. Although you'd never let me hold your hand. Mike & I will miss you, but we'll never forget the times we spent together. This is not only from me, but from all the guys @ South Christian..... I see you when I get there.

 Posted by Ryan Fynewever - Byron Center, MI January 24, 2005

Derek, when the warmth of the sun touchesA�our face, We see your smile and feel your embrace.A�
 We hear the whisper of love in the wind AndA�we know that you are right here withA�us again
 The rain is your tears and the thunder your pain, But soon the sun comes to earth to reclaim. 
 Days will come and go and the world moves on, We know you're still here, you'll never be gone.
 On the day the Angel came and took your hand, We cried as you left for an unknown land. 
 But Heaven rejoiced as you came into sight, For your soul was a diamond, shining so bright! A� Derek we will never forget you, we will cherish every memory for all time and eternity. Your memory will live on and shine through everyone who knew you. I know you are up there with my Dad and that you both are looking down on those you love keeping us safe, and waiting to be reunited with us. Kim and Jodi all of your friends love you both and we will always be here for you. 
 Those who live in the hearts of others.... Never die.

 Posted by Jami Shurling - Phoenix, AZ January 24, 2005

Derek, Daniel and I will never forget you and your passion for the outdoors. It wasn't until we met you and Kim that we finally had camping buddies to take weekend trips with. I will never forget the day that you, Kim, Daniel, and I found that tree swing up in Sedona along Oak Creek Canyon. We swung off of that thing into the creek all day long! I also remember you catching some of the biggest, ugliest crawdads ever...and not even scared! Your heart and soul were at peace when you were among nature. We thank you, Derek, for all the wonderful memories and experiences that you gave to Daniel and I. We miss you and will keep you in our thoughts and hearts every day. With all our love, Emily & Daniel

 Posted by Emily Warburton - Chandler, AZ January 24, 2005

Derek, During our senior year in high school we became brothers. Nothing can take that away from us and I will always remember you. I was always proud of you and always looked up to you and I still do. My favorite time we shared was our senior prom with Phil, Casey, you and I, and how much fun we had that night with all our laughs and hugs. I still cannot believe your gone but one day we will meet again and laugh once again together. I love you. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

 Posted by Matthew Lares - Grandville, MI January 24, 2005

My memory of Derek will be the first time I met him at the Kalsbeek's home, with my daughter Bella and how he instantly took to her and played and made her smile. A person that can be so easily loved by children is truly one of pure heart! Our prayers and love go out to the entire family and friends of Derek. And to Kim, Bella sends Hugs and Kisses to her "Kim Possible". We love you, Scott, Angie, Isabel and Eme Johnson

 Posted by Angie Johnson - Hudsonville, MI January 25, 2005

Doug & Vicky: So sorry to learn of the death of Derek at such a young age. I don't believe we ever met him, but we certainly want to extend our Christian Sympathy during this time of sorrow. Trust you can take comfort in the fact that he is in a better place awaiting the arrival of his family. Our prayers are with you and your extended family.

 Posted by Larry & Bonnie Wormmeester - Grandville, MI January 25, 2005

To the Diekmans, Pahls and My sister Kim, I am so sorry for your loss but I know we will see him again. He is watching over us and will always be apart of my life. I will never forget his wonderful smile and love for nature. I will cherish all the memories I have of him. Whenever he was hungry I always heard "Lisa Marie I'm hungry" and of course I always made him something to eat. Another memory I will cherish is he always told me I was his other girlfriend. =o He is a wonderful loving person and I can't wait to see him again. Kim I am so proud of you. You are so brave. I know you are hurting but you don't let it show. You are an amazingly strong person and I will always look up to you. I love you so much and I know that Derek did too. My prayers are with all of his friends and family. 
 Love Always, Lisa

 Posted by Lisa Kalsbeek - Jenison, MI January 25, 2005

To the Diekmans, Pahls, and our Kim, We are so sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you all. Derek was so much a part of our family, eventhough he was probably hesitant at first. He definately fit in. He was a very caring guy. He would help out as much as he could. Deb will be forever grateful since he built our deck and landscaped our yard. Whenever we look in our backyard we will always think of him. We have so many wonderful memories of him. Kim and Derek stunting in the pool. Jim, Jeff, and Derek playing video games. Lisa making them food all the time. Molaina Malyasia will miss her boyfriend Derek. Annie and Rocky loved him too. He cared for them like they were his own. Our family won't be the same without him. We love him so much. But we know that he is watching over us and we will see him again. Kim we love you so much and know you are a strong person. God has wonderful plans for your future. We know that Derek always wanted the best for you. We are always thinking of you.
 Love, The Kalsbeek Family

 Posted by Kalsbeek Family - Jenison, MI January 25, 2005

Dear Pahl Family and Friends, I went to school with your son in Phoenix. Although I did not know him very well all of the times I did see him he was smiling. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

 Posted by Mia Salazar - Phoenix, AZ January 25, 2005

Doug, Vicky, Diek, Shay, Darci, Dan, Kim, and Mr. Pahl, We are sorry for your loss, and our thought and prayers will always be with you and your family. Joel and Joy Bundy

 Posted by Joy Bundy - Wyoming, MI January 25, 2005

Mr. Pahl was a good friend and a good teacher. He was like a dad. He was very funny and sometimes he would be kind of mad at the class. But he was still a best friend.

 Posted by Briana Daniels - Phoenix, AZ January 25, 2005

I like Mr. Pahl as a dad. He has always been smiling in the hallways and he used to play and tell us jokes. And I am going to keep him on my heart.

 Posted by Marisol Vela - Phoenix, AZ January 25, 2005

MR.PAHL, YOU WERE VERY HARD ON ME AND I THANK YOU FOR THAT. YOU TAUGHT ME ALOT, AND I DONT THINK THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER TEACHER LIKE YOU AGAIN....IN MY LIFE. TIYANNA, 4TH GRADE

 Posted by TIYANNA - PHOENIX, AZ January 25, 2005

TO MR.PAHL, I WOULD GET SO EXCITED WHEN YOU WOULD COME TO GET ME OUT OF MY CLASSROOM, CAUSE I KNOW THAT EVEN THOUGH I WAS GOING TO YOUR CLASSROOM TO LEARN, I WAS GOING TO LAUGH MY LIL HEART OUT, BECAUSE YOU WHERE SO FUNNY, I STILL DONT UNDERSTAND WHY YOU LEFT US, BUT MAYBE LATER I'LL UNDERSTAND..I LOVE YOU MR.PAHL...BRIYANNA YOUNG..3RD GRADE, MRS.JORDAN CLASS

 Posted by briyanna - phoenix, AZ January 25, 2005

MR.PAHL, I WILL MISS YOU VERY MUCH, YOU WERE SPECIAL TO US, HERE IN ARIZONA AND I WANT TO FAMILY OF MR. PAHL TO KNOW THAT. I WILL ALWAYS REMEBER MR.PAHL....MIYA, 2ND GRADE, MRS.PURDUE CLASS

 Posted by MIYA - phoenix, AZ January 25, 2005

TO THE FAMILY OF MR.PAHL, ITS SAD TO SEE SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPEN, AND IM SURE I SPEAK FOR ALL PARENTS AND TEACHERS WHEN I SAY THAT NONE OF US WAS PREPARED TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS OUR CHILDREN HAD FOR US. BUT WE DID THE BEST WE COULD. EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE YOUNG, SOME OF THEM DEALT WITH EMOTIONS THAT THEY DIDNT KNOW THEY HAD WHEN THE LOSS OF MR.PAHL CAME TO THIER ATTENTION. YOUR SON WAS WONDERFUL WITH CHILDREN AND BROUGHT THINGS OUT OF THEM THEY DIDNT KNOW THEY HAD. AND THATS WHAT MAKES HIM SO WONDERFUL.....HE WILL BE MISSED..LATOYA, MOTHER OF TIYANNA,BRIYANNA, AND MIYA YOUNG

 Posted by LATOYA - phoenix, AZ January 25, 2005

Derek,
 From the first time you took me out flyfishing to the time we slept in the back of your blazer in sub-zero temperatures waiting for opening gun season, I will never forget all the great times we shared. We love you and you will always be in our heart and prayers.

 Posted by Rob & Kari Cunningham - Wyoming, MI January 25, 2005

Derek will be deeply missed by us especially our daughter. Derek was like her best friend. His family will remain in our hearts and prayers. Charisma attended school with Derek and Ms.Kim at Amy Houston and Cloves Campbell everytime time she saw Derek she said it made her day. Now it will hard to tell a 4 year old that Derek is in heaven.

 Posted by The Garcia's Andrew, Priscilla and Charisma - Phoenix, AZ January 26, 2005

Mr. Pahl was a great man. He played football with me and tag with me. He always talked to us in the hallway and made us laugh. I will miss Mr. Pahl very much.

 Posted by Deondra Revels - 3rd grade - Phoenix, AZ January 26, 2005

To Mr. and Mrs. Diekman, Mr. Pahl was a nice man to all of his students. I was one of his students. He used to play games with the students in his class.

 Posted by Melisa Knisley - 3rd grade - Phoenix, AZ January 26, 2005

Mr. Pahl was a nice friend. We played games. We learned. We learned math. We did fun stuff. He always gave us candy for spelling tests, turning in all your homework. We read.

 Posted by Devon Anderson - 3rd Grade - Phoenix, AZ January 26, 2005

I am sorry that Mr. Pahl died. He was a great man. He always would help out in our class. Everybody liked Mr. Pahl. Mr. Pahl would always watch us play basketball. I wish he could be my dad.

 Posted by Zoi Colter - 3rd Grade - Phoenix, AZ January 26, 2005

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Diekman, I am sorry that Mr. Pahl passed away. He was a great teacher. He was like a father to me. We used to play a lot of games. He will always smile. I learned a lot of stuff from him.

 Posted by Brianna Young - 3rd Grade - Phoenix, AZ January 26, 2005

Derek obviously will be greatly missed be all who were fortunate enough to know him. He has been a great friend to the both of us. A friend of his caliber can never be replaced. He will be in our thoughts and memories for the rest of our lives and we are better people for knowing him so well.

 Posted by Matt Andree & Kristin Bouwkamp - Grand Rapids/Rockford, MI January 26, 2005

Although I havenA't spoken with Derek too often since high school, except for a few times at Michigan State, he will be missed. He was a great friend with a contagious laugh. I was happy to hear he had found his place as a teacher and was deeply moved by the entries his students submitted to his memorial. I hope he has found peace and send my thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

 Posted by Sara Bylsma - Jenison, MI January 26, 2005

My sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to Derek's family and friends. Derek taught me to always treat others like you would like to be treated, a lesson I still have not forgot. We spent much time together in youth group at 1st Church, and I pray that I will see him once again.
 Mike Baer

 Posted by Mike Baer - Kalamazoo, MI January 26, 2005

To the family and friends of Derek, I offer my sincerest condolences. While our lives took separate paths after high school, I will never forget the true friendship Derek provided. Derek patiently taught me how to fly fish and I will forever remember Derek each time I step into the beautiful trout steams we have fished. Caring, compationate, and strong, Derek made an impression on all of us. . . he will be missed.

 Posted by Ryan Backowski - Grandville, MI January 27, 2005

I only knew Derek for a short time, but he left a lasting impression. I take solice in knowing that God is with you now Derek...

 Posted by Toni - Scottsdale, AZ January 27, 2005

Derek was like a brother to me. He loved to pick on Darci and me all the time! He always made me laugh... I will truly miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys always.

 Posted by Katie Bouchard - Kalamazoo, MI January 28, 2005

Derek,
 It's amazing how little I knew you but how big of an impact you had on me. I think about you everyday and pray for your family constantly. In high school had a huge crush on you and it's plain to see why. You were a great guy. I remember you always smiling. I remember the first time you came up to my cottage with Rob and Kari, and how nervous I was. I thank you, again, for taking me to my first homecoming. I will never forget you.

 Posted by Melissa Cunningham - Wyoming, MI January 30, 2005

To the family of Derek: I am enclosing my sincere sympathy for the loss of a beautiful son, brother and friend to alot of people. He gave all what he could on this earth now he is in heaven with God's arms around him being a friend and mentor to all.... We will always be there when you need us. Praying for you always. Sherie

 Posted by Sherie Fish - Grandville, MI February 02, 2005

I spent a lot of time with Derek one summer during high school with Jesse, Justin, and all the guys, and all I can remember is all the fun times we had. Derek was a great guy who I will always remember and I am grateful for the memories I have of him.

 Posted by Kate Lalka - Kalamazoo, MI February 04, 2005

To Derek's family, I've just spent the last hour reading these entries about Derek. They are just a taste of what a great young man he was. This is a great loss to all whose who loved him, but what joy it is to know, that there will be a time, when all who knew and loved him will be reunited. When our Lord will call us home. I will have all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

 Posted by Rick Fish - Grandville, MI February 18, 2005

OBITUARY

Derek William Pahl

8 February, 1980 – 18 January, 2005

Cook Funeral and Cremation Services

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