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KURTIS BRIAN DERKSEN Obituary pic

KURTIS BRIAN DERKSEN

Born: Jan 15, 1987

Date of Passing: Jul 31, 2016

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KURTIS BRIAN DERKSEN Kurtis Brian Derksen passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 31, 2016, at the age of 29 years. Kurtis was born on January 15, 1987, in Winnipeg, MB. He was the second oldest of Kurt and Risa Derksen's four children. He grew up in Winnipeg and in Barrie, ON, with siblings Haley, Zachary and Gabriella (Bella). Kurtis is survived by the love of his life, Kaylynn Knott; his parents Kurt and Risa Derksen; sister Haley Janovcik and husband Jordan; brother Zachary Derksen and wife April and their daughter Emerson; and sister Bella Derksen. He is also survived by grandparents Frieda and George Wall and Frank Derksen; aunt Donna Janovcik and her husband Kris, and their daughters Tatiana and Alexandra; uncle Brian Derksen and wife Yolanda, and Brian's children Steven, Paige and Cheyenne; aunt Sandra Klassen and her husband Glenn and their children Koreen, Kerry and wife Ashley; aunt Sherry Liebfried and her husband Brian, and their children Alex and Nick. Kurtis is also survived by his aunt Rosa Derksen and step-cousins Perez and Diego and many friends and business associates. Kurtis was predeceased by his grandfather Henry Unruh and his Oma Edith Derksen. Kurtis was bright, well read and an incredibly analytical thinker. At a very early age, he showed an intelligence well beyond his years. He could and would passionately engage in debates and discussions or a good game of chess - with anyone that was prepared to match his vigour. He wanted to be challenged and could argue either side of any topic. He loved to soak up tidbits of information and random facts: if you had a trivia question, you asked Kurtis. He often had the answer. Kurtis had a thirst for knowledge and was driven to succeed. This was evident in his business acumen and willingness to work hard to learn everything he could about his chosen career. He will be sorely missed by his partners Christopher Derksen and Zachary Derksen at Derksen Plumbing & Heating (1984) Limited. More importantly, though, Kurtis loved life and loved the people around him with a larger than life heart and soul. His big smile always reached his eyes and his embrace always just made everything seem better. He was kind, gentle, caring and generous. Family meant everything to him and he would have given anything and everything for them. That included Kaylynn, who brought such happiness and love into his life. He was very close to each of Haley, Zach and Bella. He also loved children and his niece Emerson was his pride and joy. His friendship with his cousins was special; although he teased them mercilessly, he would have done anything to protect them. Kurtis was taken from us far too soon. We miss you, Kurtis, and we love you. There's just no one else like you. We take some solace from the fact that you're now with Grandpa, Oma and your buddy, Potsy. A memorial service will be held for Kurtis on Friday, August 5, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd., Winnipeg, MB, with a reception to immediately follow the service. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Kurtis's memory to Live Different with a designation of Haiti (www.livedifferent.com).
Publish Date: Aug 3, 2016

KURTIS BRIAN DERKSEN Suddenly on Sunday, July 31, 2016, Kurtis Brian Derksen passed away at the age of 29 years. Arrangements are pending and a longer notice will follow.


Publish Date: Aug 2, 2016

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 03, 2016

Condolences & Memories (33 entries)

  • Still thinking about you bud. - Posted by: Obe (Friend) on: Aug 06, 2021

  • I am extremely saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Kurtis. He was such an amazing and spirited young man. I had met up with him in his adulthood and it was so nice to see what a lovely man he was and to hear about his accomplishments. My prayers are with you all, Derksen family. - Posted by: Bonnie Slobodian (grade 6 teacher) on: Aug 26, 2016

  • I am very sad to hear about Kurtis' passing. My memories of Kurtis are of his keen intelligence and great sense of humour. My sincere condolences to you all. - Posted by: Christine McInnis (Former Teacher) on: Aug 25, 2016

  • My condolences to the family. My heart sank when I read about Kurt. I went to elementary school with Kurt and have run into him a few times here and there. He was a great guy and will be surely missed by all. - Posted by: Erica () on: Aug 15, 2016

  • I've been friends with Kurtis for quite a few years, although we have never met in person he is a cherished friend. Kurtis helped me out from across the country so i could spend skype time with him. his kindness knows no limit. you will be missed mate. - Posted by: Obe () on: Aug 09, 2016

  • Kurt and Risa, so very sorry to hear of your loss! - Posted by: Terry Murphy (Friend) on: Aug 09, 2016

  • To the Derksen Family, My deepest and heartfelt condolences on the sudden passing of Kurtis, my prayers to you all at this very difficult time. - Posted by: Shannon McCormick (Cottage friends from Lac Du Bonnet many years ago) on: Aug 06, 2016

  • I 'm very sorry to hear of your loss. I had only just seen Kurt most recently at the Derksen ALS Golf Tournament and news of this tragedy brought tears to my eyes. My heart goes out to you and your family. Doug Schenk - Posted by: Doug Schenk (FAMILY FRIEND) on: Aug 05, 2016

  • Dear Kurt, Risa, and family, How very sad to read about the death of your wonderful son Kurtis. He sounds a lot like his parents! Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Sincerely, Elvera and David - Posted by: Elvera and David Stoesz (Westgate) on: Aug 05, 2016

  • I was so fortunate to spend time with the Derksen family in DR while building a Live Different home. A truly kind, loving, generous family. They all were very accepting of me "tagging" along. I'm am so sorry and sad for the horrific loss of Kurtis. I have been praying for you all. Lynne - Posted by: Lynne Pearson (Friend) on: Aug 05, 2016

  • I would like to send out my love and support to all of the Derksen Family. Please know you are all in my thoughts. - Posted by: Alison Willis (Member of the Live Different family and I've had the good fortune to spend time with Haley and Bella) on: Aug 05, 2016

  • Dear Kurt and Risa and family. Our words are not adequate to express the deep sorrow we feel for your loss. Your dear son/brother had a big heart and inviting personality and we will miss him very much. Our love goes out to you all during this tragic time and we are here to help if you need us. - Posted by: Reinhardt and Irene Penner (Friends) on: Aug 05, 2016

  • Risa and Kurt, Haley, Zachary & Bella; we are very sorry to hear about the terrible accident with Kurtis. Please know that our thoughts are with you and your family. - Posted by: Bev & Frank Senden (Elementary school friends) on: Aug 04, 2016

  • My thoughts and prayers are with Kurt and Risa and the entire family. I got to know Kurtis over the last few years at the PCL SSAD day where we shared many laughs over stories I told about Kurt, Brian and James and all the antics we use to get up to in the early years of the party. Kurtis had a great sense of humour, was a gentleman and will be truly missed. - Posted by: Debbie Clark () on: Aug 04, 2016

  • Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. - Posted by: Paul Peters (Kurt's cousin and high school friend of Kurt and Risa) on: Aug 04, 2016

  • Our heartfelt condolences to the Derksen family on the sudden loss of your loved one. Thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Caroline (Kroeker) & Karl Brandt (church & Westgate) on: Aug 04, 2016

  • I met Kurtis a few years ago while vistiting the lake with the Cassels . He was a very kind and funny young man . My condolences go out to the the whole Derksen Clan. So sorry for your loss. HUGS My thoughts and prayers are with with u all ! - Posted by: Dru Mccormick (Friends of the Derksen) on: Aug 04, 2016

  • Dear Kurt & Risa We are deeply saddened at the news that Kurtis passed! The memories of him and the rest of the family playing on the lee river is something we will never forget. Our sincere condolences go out to you and the whole family. Clarke & Loretta - Posted by: Clarke & Loretta Bradley (friends) on: Aug 04, 2016

  • Although, I only know Brian & Yolanda, my heart aches for all of you and I wanted to express my sincere and deepest sympathy to the whole Derksen family. May you find some comfort in knowing that many are thinking of you and praying for you during this very difficult time. Trudy Reimer - Posted by: Trudy Reimer (Brian & Yolanda's Travel Agent [Charleswood Travel]) on: Aug 04, 2016

  • Stunned. Kurtis always had a smile and a hello no matter where we met up. To be taken so early, a shame for a person for someone who had so much life in him. Cannot express how difficult it must be for Risa, Kurt and family. Our sincerest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Eric & Ruth Henstridge (Friend) on: Aug 04, 2016

  • Kurt and Risa We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Walter and Melinda Murovec (Friend) on: Aug 03, 2016

  • To Risa, Kurt and your families. We cannot begin to express the feelings of shock and sympathy we feel as you face a future with such a big hole in it. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. - Posted by: Joan and Brian Kirkpatrick (Friends from Winnipeg and Edmonton when Donna and Risa were litle girls) on: Aug 03, 2016

  • To the Derksen Family and Friends. We are so very sorry for your loss. Kurtis was one of those rare individuals that you you feel a instant connection with the first time you meet him. Always happy and upbeat. Our entire family is sharing your sorrow. We loved him and will miss him always. Lori & Randy Vertone and Family - Posted by: The Vertone Family (Friends) on: Aug 03, 2016

  • Kurt & Risa Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Kurtis. Our relationship was one based on business and friendship. Our team here at Wolseley will miss working alongside of him. The industry will miss him. - Posted by: Merle Anderson (Industry friend) on: Aug 03, 2016

  • Ron and I along with our girls , who babysat Kurtis are shocked and saddened by this tragic loss. We send our sincere condolences, prayers, light and love during this sorrowful time. Julia - Posted by: Julia Dreger (Past Neighbor) on: Aug 03, 2016

  • We extend our heartfelt condolences to all of the grieving family. Although our paths never crossed that of Kurt's, we can only imagine how numb and empty you must feel losing such a vibrant member of your family in such a tragic way. We just want you to know that you are not alone and that we are praying for your family at this difficult time. - Posted by: Len & Lil Homeniuk (North Kildonan Mennonite Church) on: Aug 03, 2016

  • I use to do all the Derksen family autopac before I retired from Ranger (Flanders Insurance). My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you at this most difficult time. Stay strong and thinking of you all. Huge Hugs Linda Watkins - Posted by: linda watkins (friend) on: Aug 03, 2016

  • We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. Embrace those hugs; they will comfort you. Sincerely , Rick and Ingrid Loewen - Posted by: Rick and Ingrid Loewen (Friends of the Family) on: Aug 03, 2016

  • Dear Risa and Kurt, I am so sorry to read about Kurtis. I hope and pray that you will be surrounded by the love of family and friends as you walk this path that no parent even wants to take. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers today and the weeks to come. Sincerely LINDA FALK - Posted by: Linda Falk (Schroeder) (high school friends) on: Aug 03, 2016

  • We do not know the Derksen family, but are friends of the Knott family. We have heard of what a wonderful man Kurtis was and how happy Kaylynn was to have Kurtis and his family in her life. Words cannot describe how sorry we are that Kurtis has passed away. - Posted by: The Cline Family () on: Aug 02, 2016

  • Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Glen Griffin (Friend of family) on: Aug 02, 2016

  • i am so sorry to hear about Curtis i cant imagine what you are going through we are all thinking about your family at this time - Posted by: Howard Wiebe (Family Friend) on: Aug 02, 2016

  • My heart sank & could barely breathe!!! I'm sadden by this & my heart goes out to every single one of the family members! I haven't seen Kurtis in a while but, when I did I always was given a huge Kurtis hug where I would say... "I Love you man" & he'd say I right back! We have some great memories with you as a young teenager & wouldn't trade it for the world...Jaidon will always remember you in the boat at LDB in the tornado on the water with him when he was 4!!! Thank you for being there with him that day Rest in Peace Kurtis Derksen Thoughts & Prayers! - Posted by: Rebecca Guillou () on: Aug 02, 2016

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