Derrick Edwin Smith

Derrick was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and spent most of his childhood in Montreal, Quebec, then moving to Edmonton, Alberta and finally settling in British Columbia. He always had a love for animals, cooking, and the great outdoors, hiking, fishing mountain lakes, fly fishing salmon, riding his motorcycle, and just being in nature was his peaceful place. Derrick worked outdoor jobs most of his life and loved landscaping and creating beautiful gardens. He was an incredible artist and worked with soapstone, jade and various other natural materials. One of the most cherished pieces he made was for his grandmother, Dorothy (Dot) Thompson O’Connor, of an Orca breaching into the water and its blowhole was her birthstone. Derrick liked to keep his mind sharp by buying second hand algebra and geometry books to do just for fun, alongside crosswords, wordle, and other mind challenging games. He was very friendly and would talk to anyone about anything. His life, at times was difficult, but he always managed to keep going to better himself. He would help others less fortunate than he was, and gave when he could. Some pay days, he would make loaves of sandwiches and hand them out to those who were hungry or he would knock on a neighbours door and give them grocery money. Derrick was a larger than life presence, a protector, and had a heart of goodness and kindness.

The family would like to thank and acknowledge three very special people, Deb Miller for always being there and having Derrick’s best interest at heart, and his social workers, Klayton and Emily Jane for the care, kindness and respect that they showed to him.

Derrick is survived by his two children, Dawn (Jeff) Frost, and Shane (Alana) Smith, six grandchildren, Summer, Autumn, Brayden, Cera, Sirenna, and Gavin. Derrick was predeceased by his mother, Joan Smith, and is survived by his father, Gregg Saunders, his sister, Donna (Calvin) Robinson, nephews Nikolas, Jesse and Finnly Robinson, many cousins, special friend, Deb Miller, his beloved pets, Mr. Peabody, Sweet Pea, and Kitty Kitty, and many many friends, neighbours and his community.

Although our hearts are filled with sadness that Derrick is no longer with us, we must take comfort knowing that on his new journey, he is no longer in pain, and can walk, run, and ride like the wind. He is riding his motorcycle in the heavens and is reunited once again with family, friends and his beloved pets. Derrick is at peace and is happy now.

Go ride high on that mountain brother. Gone too soon. We all will miss you.