Derek was born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario. He was educated at Lakefield College school and UBC.

He started his career with Procter & Gamble in sales and ended up the Director of Sales for Canada in the pharmaceutical industry. .

Derek lived in Vancouver for 25 years. In 1962 he met his wife Donella, it was a on a blind date and they went skating on Lost Lagoon, and Derek pointed out that back then Lost Lagoon was actually frozen.

In Vancouver Derek married Donella and they had two children a boy and girl. He was elected to the Delta School Board and served for 8 years. He was also on the Delta Fire Board for 4 years and was a Beaver and Cub Scout Leader. Not to mention he became a Master Mason and Gezeh Shriner. Derek definitely likes to keep busy.

Derek was transferred back East to Toronto where he was on the Essa Public Library - Board Chair for 18 years as well as on the Steveston Hospital Board and the Hospital Foundation Board in Alliston for 5 years. He was on the Essa Economic Board for 5 years. Rectors Warden at the St. Andrews Anglican Church for 7 years as well as the Chair of Advisory Board at the church as well. Derek retired in 2009 while he was living in Egbert, Ontario.

Derek’s hobbies include photography and reading (Murder Mysteries and History). His favorite place he ever lived was Steveston BC. What he loved about Steveston was the history, the small village on the water, he loved chatting with the local people and watching the fishing boats.

Derek Moved to Penticton December 2021.

Derek’s grandfather was the Electrical Superintendent and founder of the Penticton Library

Derek is presently serving on the Penticton Library Board, he is a member of the Penticton Shrine Club and Masonic Lodge #147 as well as serving as on the Board of Directors for the Penticton & District Hospice Society.