Michael Christopher Derrick

Age, 72. Died suddenly February 17, 2018 in the Dartmouth General Hospital, after a brief illness, surrounded by family and friends. Michael was born in Edinburgh, the son of Katharine (Boog-Watson) and the late John S. Derrick.

From age 3, he lived in Canada, attending Lakefield College School, Rothesay Collegiate School, and Kings College School. Fortune took him to Montreal and led to his meeting the love of his life, Genia (Bandura) whom he married in 1969. Following his graduation from St. Mary’s University, Michael returned to be a recruiter for his alma mater. He completed his second SMU degree as the gold medallist in education. He became a teacher and spent 27 very happy years at Graham Creighton Junior High School. He was passionate about teaching and devoted to his students, taking great delight in their achievements at school and following graduation.

Michael valued and respected his colleagues and built lifelong friendships. Golf was a challenge that he enjoyed for many years with his special foursome buddies. When not on the course he loved to read, especially history, listen to classical music, and watch Sunday football. His faith and his church community, first at Our Lady of Perpetual Help and later, Saint Benedict, provided his true foundation, especially following the death of his beloved Genia in 2010. Michael maintained his interest in politics and his understated, dry wit until the very end.

He is survived by his mother, his “kid” sister, Anne Derrick, her partner, Archie Kaiser, and their children, his three loving nieces, Elspeth, Catriona, and Freya Kaiser-Derrick. Genia’s sister, Hania, and his dear friends Lynda Tyler, Hung Van Huynh, Vernon and Dianne Shaffner and their families are among the many others who miss him dearly.

Sincere thanks to Dr. Todd Howlett and Nurse Janyne Crocker of the Dartmouth General whose care comforted Michael and his family in his final hours.

Visitation will be at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, on Wednesday, March 7 from 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. Michael’s funeral will be at Saint Benedict Church, 45 Radcliffe Drive, Halifax, on Thursday, March 8 at 10:30 a.m., reception to follow at the church. No flowers please. Donations may be made to Graham Creighton Junior High, 72 Cherry Brook Road, Cherry Brook, N.S., where a collaborative workspace for students will be named for him, or a charity of choice. To leave an on-line condolence, please visit: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com