DIEDRICH (DICK) DERKSEN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DIEDRICH (DICK) DERKSEN April 23, 1948 September 18, 2018 Diedrich "Dick" Derksen, aged 70 years of Steinbach, Manitoba passed away suddenly on September 18, 2018 at his home. He is survived by his daughters, Holly (Kyle) and Angela (Olaf) and his son Matthew (Erin); his siblings, Anne (Jim), David (Trudy), Linda, Kathy (Clyde), Brock (Nadine) and his grandchildren, Liam, Morgan and Elliott. Dick was born in Winkler, MB on April 23, 1948 to David and Susan Derksen. He graduated from high school at Garden Valley Collegiate in 1967 and attended Teacher's College at the University of Manitoba the following year. He began his teaching career in the fall of 1968 at Woodlawn Elementary School in Steinbach, later teaching Junior High at the Kornelson School and then the Steinbach Junior High. He went on to complete undergraduate and post graduate degrees in education without interrupting his teaching career. He remained in Hanover School Division until his retirement in 2007, with the exception of a two year absence from Hanover when he and his family moved to Nigeria where he headed the math department and taught at Government Teacher's College in Jos, Nigeria. Dick was well known for his natural athleticism and agility in all sports. He was the star basketball player on his high school team and ran marathons before the Manitoba Marathon became an event. He had many interests and hobbies, including beekeeping, hunting, gardening, woodworking and creating stained glass art. He traveled extensively, having visited almost every continent. Dick loved nature and all animals; at various times he kept foxes, crows, turtles, a monkey and stick bugs to name just a few. A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 24, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at the Steinbach Evangelical Mennonite Church, 422 Main Street, Steinbach, MB followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Right to Play, a global organization that uses play and exercise to educate and empower children who face adversity (righttoplay.ca). Arrangements by: BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL 1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 22, 2018