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DEREK BOSSUYT  Obituary pic

DEREK BOSSUYT

Born: Jun 12, 1992

Date of Passing: Jul 22, 2013

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DEREK BOSSUYT June 12, 1992 - July 22, 2013 Needlessly and tragically on the evening of July 22, 2013, just 40 days removed from his 21st birthday, Derek was taken from us. The outpouring of grief and emotion from friends and family members in the ensuing days has been overwhelming, and the stories and cherished memories shared have revealed that Derek was a treasured part of many lives. A brief memorial was held on the evening of July 23 which gave just a fraction of the people who loved and were loved by Derek an opportunity to grieve and attempt to begin what will be a healing process that cannot possibly be measured in a concept of time to which any of us can relate. In the past 18 months Derek had worked incredibly hard to become a permanent, full time employee at MacDon Industries and finally achieved his goal this past spring. His pride and joy was the brand new truck he purchased just prior to his 21st birthday. Left behind to mourn his passing are his parents Karen Goodale and Greg Bossuyt, Karen's fiancé - Derek's stepfather to be - Ken Gabel, Greg's friend Susan Mazur, sister Leah and soon to be stepbrother Shane, grandparents Dennis and Rosalie Goodale and George and Donna Bossuyt, uncles Jeff, Reg, Don, Brad, Ryan and Armand, and aunts Jennifer, Nancy, Tami, Bambi and Kathy. Family was everything to Derek, and no one was more important to him than his sister Leah. Derek and Leah were as close as a brother and sister could possibly be. Although initially quite jealous of all the attention Leah received when she was born, Derek soon learned to love his little sister like no other - often times reading her a book when he himself couldn't yet read or offering to open her Christmas presents. As they progressed through their teen years Derek became increasingly protective of Leah and their friendship continued to blossom. Also grieving are numerous cousins and extended family, all of whom held a special place in their hearts for Derek. Especially stricken by this tragedy is the family of Robert and Lori Anseeuw and their sons Tom, Matt and Derek. Derek had an incredible bond with the Anseeuw family from the day he was born, spending countless hours at their farm - working on some occasions, and getting up to no good on others. Derek and the boys were lifelong friends and were sure to remain as such for many years to come. The support received from the Anseeuws during this incredibly difficult time can never be properly repaid. Along with friends too numerous to count, one stands out among all others. Jayden Brick and Derek were instantly friends from the moment they met when they were three. On their first day of kindergarten in 1997 Derek walked on to an empty school bus, with the only other seat occupied by Jay. Derek could have sat anywhere, but instead walked up to Jay and simply asked Do you want to be my best friend?' Jay and Derek were inseparable throughout their lives. Also terribly missing his favourite cousin and someone who he idolized is Owen Goodale. When Owen and Derek were together both of their eyes lit up with joy. Derek loved to pick Owen up at daycare on his birthday and take him shopping for whatever he wanted. Derek recently confided in a friend that when he got married, he wanted to have four sons and for all of them to be just like Owen. Owen is still too young to fully understand the impact of our loss, but the memories he has will last a lifetime. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 31 at 2:00 p.m. at the Westwood Community Church, 401 Westwood Drive with viewing taking place prior to the service at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Derek's life will follow at the Oak Bluff Recreation Centre. All are welcome and warmly invited to join us at one last legendary Bossuyt Bash where we will remember "Boss Man." In lieu of flowers, we have established the Derek Bossuyt Memorial Scholarship. Donations are welcome at the Celebration of Life, and further details will be released in the near future. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 27, 2013

Condolences & Memories (36 entries)

  • I've known Derek from the moment I met Jayden. I remember things such as his nickname, King Bossuyt, and he would always force me to call him that. For years I couldn't remember his actual name. Memories like this make me happy when I'm down. R.I.P King Bossuyt, you will always play a huge role in my life <3 - Posted by: Gabby (Derek's bestfriend's little sister) on: Oct 02, 2014

  • Our hearts go out to all friends and family of Derek. I had the pleasure of coaching Derek many years ago. He was a joy to be with and to coach. One of my favorite memories are of his "Slap-shot". Probably the first kid of his age at the time to develop this and he had goalies/players running for cover everytime he wound up. It's made me smile many times over the years! We will miss you Derek........... - Posted by: Gord Turner (Hockey Coach) on: Aug 08, 2013

  • My Deepest Sympathy goes out to Greg & his family. I had the pleasure of celebrating 1 of Leah's bday's with Greg & Derrick about 6 yrs ago & watched 1 of his hockey games. Greg was so proud of him. . . - Posted by: Delaine Smith (friend of Greg's) on: Aug 01, 2013

  • To the Bossuyt & Goodale families - What a great send-off, to a life so needlessly ended! May you gain strength from the hundreds in attendance at Derek's funeral, & may God Bless all, who share in the pain of his loss. - Posted by: Isabelle Bossuyt (Randy/Yvonne, Wendy/Mike, Shawnda/Darryl) (Relative of George, Donna, Greg, & friends of Roselie, Karen & families.) on: Aug 01, 2013

  • Remember Derek on my soccer team in Oak Bluff. He was always happy and having a great time with all the other kids on the team. We are so sorry for your tragic loss and cannot imagine what it is like to lose someone that you love so dearly - Posted by: Pat Ralph Jarrett Liam Herzberg () on: Jul 31, 2013

  • To Karen and the Family i am deeply sorry for your loss. it is way too early to see someone so young go. my thoughts are with you - Posted by: Evan & Del Bigio Family ( friend ) on: Jul 31, 2013

  • Karen, Leah, Greg and family - as I sit here in New Zealand and write this my heart aches for you so deeply. I cannot imagine the pain and emptiness you must be feeling right now but I remember Derek as being a very wonderful young man - who definitely loved his sister and family incredibly and touched so many other's lives as well - so please know that although we are far apart you are in our thoughts and prayers today and everyday. God Bless you and your family! Much Love! Jan - Posted by: Janice Kolisnyk and Family (Family Friend and Sit in the cold Softball Parent!) on: Jul 31, 2013

  • I went to oak park with derek and graduated with him. sorry for your loss he was an awesome guy - Posted by: darryl little (went to school) on: Jul 31, 2013

  • We were so honoured to know Derek and your family has and will continue to be such an important part of our life. We had such a good time on our family football fiasco to Minneapolis to see the Giants vs the Vikings. The wild ride through the snow to the mall and watching the boys bond. He was a well loved man from a wonderful family. Hugs Love Lori, David, Tony, Annika and Miles - Posted by: David and Lori Janeson and Family (Friend ) on: Jul 31, 2013

  • I did not get the opportunity to meet Derek, but knowing the fabulous people that brought him into the world and the amazing families that loved and supported him I am truly saddened that this tragic accident happened. My thoughts are with all that loved Derek and I know you will be strength for each other in this difficult time and he will always be in your hearts. - Posted by: Kirstin Janke (nee Henry) () on: Jul 31, 2013

  • We're so sorry for your loss, you're in our thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Russell, Kyla and Michelle Grabowski () on: Jul 31, 2013

  • Karen, Leah and family....again I extend my deepest sympathy and thoughts today. As I flew from Winnipeg to the West coast today the sun was rising and shining and I just knew that today was a new start. A bright start, and your son was shining despite all the recent cloud upon Winnipeg. You have and will continue to live your life for your children Karen. The light in you will glow like the rising sun this morning and Derek will now, and forever be apart of that light. Hugs, kisses and more hugs. We look forward to the next time we meet you in celebration. M. - Posted by: Meredith Kennedy () on: Jul 31, 2013

  • Karen, Greg, and everyone whose lives your son touched. I am so sorry to hear this was your son, taken too soon. Reading what he accomplished and how many friends he has made in his short life will hopefully one day be comforting to you all, but there are no words from me other than I am so glad you and Greg made such wonderful kids. Thinking of you today, and always. - Posted by: Jackie Clark Tuzzolino (Old roommate of Karen's ) on: Jul 31, 2013

  • Words cannot fully express the most heartfelt sympathies on your loss. A young man with so much promise - Derek will be missed by all that knew him well and by those like myself that only knew him for a brief period. Faith at a time like this is tried and tested, but faith will also help heal over time. - Posted by: Dan Palsson (Freind of Karen & Ken's) on: Jul 31, 2013

  • We are so deeply saddened by your loss. Although we haven't had the pleasure of seeing Derek all grown up we remember when he was a little guy and referred to Reg as "Mr Wiebe" and Dale's Dad as "Harry". Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. - Posted by: Dale & Maureen Wiebe (Friends of the Family) on: Jul 30, 2013

  • My condolences to the whole family. Derek was a young man with many great attributes. He was a team player and one who would always stand up for his teammates. He always had a special place in my heart and he will be sorely missed. His quote "Hey coach can we just scrimmage today for practice" was one thing I won't forget. His easy going attitude was hard to say no to. May God comfort the family in this time. Coach Mueller - Posted by: Edwin Mueller (Hockey Coach) on: Jul 30, 2013

  • Karen and Greg (and all of the Bossuyt & Goodale family): My sincere condolences on the loss of your beautiful son Derek, may your precious memories help guide you through the days ahead. Hugs to you all. - Posted by: Michelle (nee Anseeuw) & Samuel Kidd (Family friend from Oak Bluff) on: Jul 29, 2013

  • You will be missed! - Posted by: Thomas Glowachuk (Friend) on: Jul 29, 2013

  • My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. My son and Derek were in a welding course together at Winnipeg Tech. College. He told me Derek was a great welder and the nicest kid you could ever meet. May GOD strengthen you. - Posted by: sharon danenas () on: Jul 29, 2013

  • We are very sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can do let us know. - Posted by: sara and jeff mckay (friend) on: Jul 29, 2013

  • Karen and Gregg, I cannot imagine the pain and sorrow you are experiencing but I do want you to know that my thoughts are with you. I remember Karen bringing Derek to our ball games, you are a very loving Mother and you two raised a fine young man. You must be very proud of the man he became, all thanks to you. Words cannot ease your pain but please know that I am thinking of all of you at this time. I hope in time you find some peace. Your friend Scott Wilde - Posted by: Scott Wilde (Friend) on: Jul 29, 2013

  • On behalf of the children of Yvette & Firmin Wyndels, as well as Mom, I am sending our deepest sympathy to all of the Bossuyt family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this terribly sad time. - Posted by: Christine Carpenter ((nee Wyndels) Daughter of Firmin & Yvette Wyndels) on: Jul 28, 2013

  • I'm so terribly sorry to hear such tragic news. Although I never met Derek, am old friend of his Grandparents, Dennis and Rosalie and God Mother to Kathy. I hope with time, fond memories and peace will eventually replace the pain for all Family members. My thoughts and love are with you all. - Posted by: Willow Stohr (Anderson) (Friend) on: Jul 28, 2013

  • Dear Karen and Family, My deepest sympathy on the very sad and tragic passing of your beloved son Derek. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. - Posted by: Kim Kerr (Friend & former co-worker from Saan Store) on: Jul 28, 2013

  • Karen and family - we were so sorry to hear of the loss of your son Derek. Nothing can measure the loss of a child and we send our prayers to you in the hopes that they will provide some comfort during this sad and difficult time. We never knew Derek, only heard him mentioned in conversation but in that, was revealed a caring, loving Mother. Our hearts go out to you. Guy, Jan and Dayna - Posted by: Guy & Jan & Dayna Jeanson (Friends) on: Jul 28, 2013

  • I sold Derek his truck, he was an awesome young man and. He was going places and its so sad that he's gone. My condolences to his family and friends. Here's to one stand up man. I know you are in the Denali in the sky bud. - Posted by: Chris Kreutzer (Friend ) on: Jul 28, 2013

  • Met Derek as a teenager when grandpa George brought him to our house when it was being built. We are glad we met him. You are all in our thoughts and prayers - Posted by: Ivan and Vesna Vasik (neighbors of George and Donna Bossuyt) on: Jul 27, 2013

  • So sorry for your loss I can't even imagine your grief right now...My prayers are with you all - Posted by: shawna wilde () on: Jul 27, 2013

  • I knew Derek from the time he was born & although I didn't get to see him too often, he was a terrific kid & he was my sister's grandson & my niece's son,& will be surely missed, but never forgotten. We love you Derek. - Posted by: marilyn smith (great aunt) on: Jul 27, 2013

  • This is terribly sad. I never knew Derek but after reading this I feel like he was my family. Rest in peace. - Posted by: random (none) on: Jul 27, 2013

  • I worked with Derek's Aunt Kathy for many years, years ago. I will never forget the way she lit up every time she spoke about him when he was a little boy. Derek was the light of her life. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts. - Posted by: Heidi Thorsteinson () on: Jul 27, 2013

  • I am very sorry to hear of the death of your son, grandson and nephew. Derek's death was indeed needless and tragic. I am thinking of all the Bossuyt family and wishing you strength and peace at this sad time. - Posted by: Barbara Czech (nee Ross) (Former neighbour of George, Donna, Greg and the rest of the Bossuyt family) on: Jul 27, 2013

  • My deepest condolences on Derek's tragic passing, thinking of the family at this difficult time. - Posted by: Wendy Preteau (nee Fisher) (bus buddy with Derek's father Greg) on: Jul 27, 2013

  • Words can't express how saddened we are to hear of your loss. Ed and Judy Bailey - Posted by: Ed and Judy Bailey (Former acquaintances of Dennis and Rosalie Goodale) on: Jul 27, 2013

  • First, I would like to send my condolences to all of Derek's family and friends. I did not know Derek too well but I do know that Ryan and Bambi thought the world of him as did their little boy, Owen. When Derek was around no one else existed to Owen and vice versa and that was okay. You see there was a connection between the two that could not be denied. When together they were happy, playing, and showed a great love towards one another. That kind of love is rare and both Derek and Owen were fortunate to have each other. I would like to thank Derek for being so loving and tender towards little Owen. While Derek had only a short while here on Earth he had a positive influence on Owen's life [and by the looks of it, many others] that will last an eternity. - Posted by: Eddie Walker () on: Jul 27, 2013

  • Greg and family. Our love and thoughts are with you, through these very difficult times. We cannot say how very very sorry we are for your loss. Love from Dan Olson and family. - Posted by: Dan & Vera Olson (Friends from Headingley) on: Jul 27, 2013

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery

4000 Portage Ave. (Map)
Ph: 2048859715 | Visit Website

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