Derek Harrison

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing on January 15th, 2024 of Derek Harrison – beloved brother, uncle, mentor, friend and pillar of the Fort Qu’Appelle community.

Derek was the son of James Harrison and Kathleen Harrison (nee Laughrin).

He was born in Fort Qu’Appelle on April 8, 1924, the youngest of five brothers; remarkably, he lived in the same house throughout his entire life. Derek worked at the town post office and at Solvey Motors and in 1954, moved to the Business Office of the Fort San from which he retired in 1987.

Derek was a man of deep faith with an exceptional sense of humour and interest in other people. He was baptized in St. John’s Anglican Church as an infant in 1924. For over 70 years, Derek played the organ for St. John’s Anglican Church and acted as choir director for many years. Derek started playing the organ in Sunday School and while still in his teens he played hymns on a little portable pump organ for patients in two nearby hospitals.

Derek dedicated himself to the community and to his many friends. The quality and quantity of his volunteering resulted in his being awarded Queen’s Jubilee Medals in 2012 and 2022 and he was awarded the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal in 2021.

He was a Mason, a member of the Lions Club (two terms as President) and delivered Meals on Wheels for three decades. He continued his work for Meals on Wheels throughout his 80’s and 90’s, often delivering meals to people younger than him. He drove local seniors to medical appointments in Regina and he was a core volunteer at the Fort Qu’Appelle Heritage Museum. Derek was a regular golfer at Echo Ridge and President of the Fort Qu’Appelle Curling club.

Derek was predeceased by his brothers: Henry (Jerry), John, Patrick (Paddy) and James (Mickey) and his lifelong best friend, Hummer Bartlett.

He leaves his niece Kathleen (Gordon Flett); his nephews John Harrison (Amanda) and James Harrison (Joanna); 5 great-nieces; 3 great-nephews and 4 great-great-nieces. He will be greatly missed by his loving God-daughter Patti Schill. It is our fervent hope that Derek is now reunited with his brothers and with Hummer and he will continue his watch over his beloved Fort Qu’Appelle community.

The funeral service was held in St. John's Anglican Church, Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Ed Dunfield and Rev. George S. Archer officiating. The urn bearer was Brad Braithwaite. The interment will take place at a later date in Lakeview Cemetery.

Derek fell short of reaching his 100th birthday, but in addition to the funeral, there will be an interment and a celebration of Derek’s life in early April, to mark what would have been the centenary of his life on April 8th.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made to All Nations Healing Hospital, Box 300, Fort Qu'Appelle, SK S0G 1S0.