Derek R. Orozco

Derek R. Orozco

June 9, 1969 – February 23, 2016

Derek was born at Seattle General hospital.

He unexpectedly passed away at his home on Tuesday, February 23, 2016. He is survived by his parents Denny and Hilda Orozco.

Derek worked for The Boeing Company for 18 years as a planner.

He was a true athlete and loved sports as soon as he could walk or throw. He loved basketball, baseball and soccer. At the age of 5, he proclaimed that he would attend the University of Washington and be a Husky after receiving a t- shirt as a gift.

Derek attended Hilltop Elementary school through the 2nd grade. Then as a 3rd grader, attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic elementary school in Burien. During these years, he played select little league baseball, basketball, and soccer and excelled for every team. Because he was bigger than his peers, he was unable to play little league football. It was during his elementary school years where he developed a love for books and reading. A pleasure he maintained through adulthood.

After reaching high school, Derek played football and baseball for 4 years at Kennedy High School from 1983 - 1987 and at the same time excelled in academics. He was a talented athlete and could have played at the next level, but he decided to focus on his college education and became a Husky at the University of Washington.

From 1987 – 1991 he attended the University of Washington and graduated with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Finance and received a Masters of Business Administration from Seattle University.

Derek did his job well at Boeing and brought the discipline of sports to the workplace. He was a quiet person, but had many friends, most many older than he was. He had a circle of friends who loved to go to Husky football and basketball games wearing Husky purple. He attended football Spring training and was often recognized by the Husky coaches and players. He loved to analyze games and tactics often meeting with his friends after the game to break the game down. He was a season ticket holder and generously contributed to Kennedy High and the University of Washington as a booster. Derek went on vacations with his parents to Hawaii often sneaking out to play 18 holes of good golf. In many cases, teeing off with people who were complete strangers, but who later became friends after the 18th hole. With his core group of friends, he took golf trips to places as far as North Carolina to play on PGA courses and challenged the infamous Chambers Bay in Tacoma a few times.

He enjoyed going on annual shopping sprees with his mother to downtown Seattle to shop during the holidays at Nordstrom’s, Nike, and many other stores while enjoying the festive lights and music. They would often attend and enjoy Husky sporting events together.

Derek loved Mexican food at Azteca and especially a good glass of wine with wonderful friends.

He is remembered for his quiet, friendly demeanor, and personal generosity and love for his parents.

Derek will be missed by all and remembered forever.

Go Dawgs!!!!