October 23, 2024
October 23, 2024
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the departure of Dereck, who finally boarded a flight to a destination even he hasn't travelled to yet! Born a Londoner (and always eager to share that fact), Dereck spent his life traversing the globe, determined to see everything the world had to offer.
His love of music and entertaining was well-known, and if there was ever a gathering with music, food, and good drinks, Dereck was front and center. Always living life with the infectious charisma of a true party legend.
When not planning his next adventure, Dereck could be found on the golf course, enthusiastically trying to lower his handicap and offer (sometimes unsolicited) game advice to whoever he was with. Although a wayward shot could sometimes ruin his round, that was always quickly forgotten after a few pints at the pub.
Dereck was also known for his wit — always quick with a joke or a bit of playful teasing. His stories, full of humour kept everyone laughing throughout the years. It made him the star of every family dinner, and a beloved companion to his many friends.
Dereck leaves behind his devoted wife, Marie. He is also survived by his three children: one son (Daniel), two daughters (Serah & Saskia), and a nephew (Bradley), all of whom he cherished deeply. Though he has now embarked on the most mysterious journey of all, the memories we've shared with him will forever remain in our hearts.
We would ask that you respect the family's privacy during this time, but please feel free to share a thought, story, or any kind words below.
You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.
Dad,
You are the best father a girl could have had. I am so glad I got to spend these last few months with you, and hold your hand in the last moments. I will cherish that forever. You told me a few days before you passed, to promise you I will have a good life, and I intend to uphold that promise to you everyday. It won’t be the same without you.
I love you Dad❤️
~ Serah MurphyI had a conversation about music and different subcultures with Dereck when I was around 21 where he told me he was "a mod for life". At that point I decided that he was the coolest old guy I had ever met and I still haven't changed my mind about that. I feel lucky to have known him, as I'm sure everyone else who has does (aside from the people he must have gotten in fist fights with being a mod in 20th century London). Rest in peace, Dereck. ~ Simon
Condolences to you and your family. I have fond memories of Dereck whilst working in hospice. We used to chat about all types of things but golf tips always a priority.
You’ll be missed Dereck.
RIP 🙏🏾
We are also sorry for your loss.
Dereck will never be forgotten. He was an amazing man.
Love you all so much
~ Richardson’s
My dear friend I'm so very sorry for your loss. I remember Derrick with fond memories of his frosty sense of humor and his love of good food and friends. Godspeed. Rest in peace with the angels 😇 my friend
~ Ann Bell
To the Murphy family,
I’m deeply sorry for your loss. During the time I worked alongside Serah, I heard many lovely stories about Dereck and the family. He sounded like an amazing individual and I could tell he meant a lot to all of you. My thoughts are with you and I hope you find comfort in your many memories.
Sincerely,
Camryn V.
~ Camryn
Dereck, You will be missed so much mate! So many good memories in the backyard playing music, drinking beers and having conversations late into the night about travelling, music, work and life in general. So many good memories hanging out at shows and your philosophy of life was always a great inspiration. Truly one of the best humans and storytellers I know. Always appreciated your enthusiastic support for the arts and for our band's music over the years and hanging out with you and Marie. You will never be forgotten, I will be raising a toast especially for you at our next gig
With love from John and Katie
~ John Welsh
My condolences to Marie, Daniel Serah and Saskiw ❤️❤️ Indeed to all who like me, were lucky enough to know him.
Dereck, you gave me so many happy memories. Your smile and humour was so infectious. You will be remembered always and missed terribly.
I hope your final journey is magical ❤️
~ Connie Schaller
My sincere condolences to you all especially my amazing friend Serah .
Serah your Dad was such a special person with his love of life, music, and fun, thinking of you all
Rest in peace Dereck ,
Aisling & Shelly
~ Aisling Conway
Unfortunately we never had the pleasure of meeting Dereck. However, children are a reflection of their parents and we can see how much of Dereck lives on through Serah’s incredible sense of humour and warmth. Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with his family and sending lots of love through this difficult time.
Love,
Mary and Tay
~ Taylor B, Mary M
Dear Marie, Sarah, Saskia, Daniel I remember all the parties at your house your hospitality, your kindness to everyone
Dereck dancing enjoying every minute
He has left a hole in all our hearts, take care of each other and please let me know if there is anything I can do. much love Mary
Earts
~ Mary anderson
We had only ever met a few times but you always had a quick wit and such an open heart, making guests feel at home with you. Without a doubt, your son continues your legacy of quick wit, clever humour, and a big, thoughtful heart for all those he cares about💜
~ Victoria
Marie and family,
Sending my deepest and heartfelt condolences. Dereck was such a bright light, he touched the lives of all that knew him. I'll forever smile when I think of him and his outlandish stories, his great sense of humor and contagious laugh. He truly was one of a kind, he will be sorely missed
Colleen
~ Colleen
Well cuz , you were truly a great cousin , although we didn’t see much of you in later life you enriched our childhood , enjoy partying up there with Ann & Dick , auntie Kit and uncle Ron , plus all the other aunts and uncles , cousins too who have crossed over the rainbow bridge, I do hope you get to meet my husband who too crossed the bridge only last month of which we spoke about . Lots of love to all your family who will miss you so so much . I know . Give my love to all x farewell cuz . Love ya .
~ Jacqui field
To the Murphys,
I am deeply sorry for this loss the family and the multiple people Dereck has touched with his kind soul are going through. He’s leaving a legacy to be proud of ❤️
Stay strong in this journey ahead. Be well, be kind to yourselves.
~ Jade
Dereck, it’s an understatement to say that you were a great character. Your infectious sense of mischief and zest for life will be truly missed and in particular by Marie and your children. Safe journey to your new destination and I do hope you find some new undiscovered music there. And lots of Craic !
Our deepest sympathies to your grieving family
Sending lots of love and healing to the Murphy family! Dereck was always such a welcoming and magnetic person to be around, much like his family, and will surely be missed by many! ~ Ryley Halvorson
I only met Dereck a couple of times, but those times were gold. I remember him dancing with Daniel’s friends (myself included) like he had been friends with them for decades, an infectious smile on his face, just enjoying the livery. I’ve heard so many stories of him, told with absolute warmth, about his humour, wit, and zest for life. I will always be amazed by how full of energy he was, how much he’s done, how much he planned to do. He was truly a beautiful presence.
My condolences, and sending so much love to his family and friends.
~ Lauren
Dereck once lent me his spare ascot. It takes a special kind of panache to carry a spare ascot, and he had it in spades.
All of my memories of Dereck are merry ones. Mostly nights full of laughter, good company, good food and drink, dancing and stories. His eccentric charm would make quick friends out of strangers, and his presence always left an impression on me. I am grateful to have known him.
To the Murphy family, I am sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Mike ~ Michael Morris
We are so grateful to have spent time with Dereck as university friends of Dan's. Ever the life of the party, Dereck's zest for life was apparent in every hug, handshake, and 'cheers,' and he never failed to put a smile on other people's faces. Our hearts break for Dan, as well as for Marie, Serah and Saskia during this time of grieving.
All our love,
Haley, Kieran, and Mathilda
~ Haley and Kieran Wilson
Even though I only met Dereck once, he left a lasting impression on me. I have known Dan for 12 years now and he belongs to a very small list of my most favourite people on this planet. Thank you for everything you have done for Dan, the Murphy family and for being the life of the party. Rest in peace and rest in power.
~ Sandhya Sabapathy
Derek a guy full of love, joy, and peace.
I always felt his genuine love when we talked and shared our passion for others in a community setting, AKA a live music party!
I’ll miss reconnecting over our shared commitment to caring for others and celebrating people in all their strengths and weaknesses.
Derek left people feeling that he would have their back anytime.
It’s difficult to put into words the feeling of his memory.
Fly, brother!
My love to the his family and friends as they experience their grief.
~ Nathan Larsen
Dear Marie & family. We are so sorry for your loss. What a a beautiful soul, was Dereck. We hope you will be comforted by your happy memories. Love Lois & Phil
~ Lois Warren
Dear Marie and family
So very sorry to hear of Dereck’s passing. Deepest condolences from our family to yours. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Dereck, you and Marie were always great neighbours to my brother, sister-in-law and their two children, especially when you let them stay at your place while they were renovating their home.
I always enjoyed your parties when I came to visit for the holiday season, the food was second to none and the conversation was nothing short of fantastic. I loved hearing your travel stories; they inspired me to add more places to my bucket list.
I am grateful you are no longer suffering and are now at peace. Sleep well, my friend.
Joel Casselman,
Ottawa
Hi Marie, I am so sorry for your loss and condolences to you and your family.
weishan Chan
~ Weishan
To the Murphy family, my thoughts go out to all of you for your loss. Derek was always the life of the party - whose party it was, was besides the point. Whether he was regaling us with past exploits and stories that nearly defied belief, or introducing Tyler to the finer things in life (thanks for that, he has VERY expensive taste in whisky now). I’ll always appreciate your humour, your great taste in music, and how you spent 15 minutes telling me about that guitar painting and how you worked to get the colours just right. You’ll be sorely missed.
~ Alicia Lyons
One of the best to work with his humour and skills. Such a treat to have met you at the program in Vancouver to enjoy a few pints. Derek was in his happy place with family and friends. Peggy and I send our condolences to the family
~ Matt Blackwood
The first time I met Dereck, I was sitting at the table for a Murphy family dinner. It didn’t take long until the stories started flowing about the wild and wacky adventures Dereck had been through in his life and I knew right then and there - this was a man who had lived and loved to live.
I’ll always remember Dereck as the fun-loving, life-affirming, true 60’s man that he was. He had an infectious aura that made everyone feel welcome and an eccentricity that invited you to want to know him.
I’m glad we got to share a last glass of Glenlivet together. Rest in peace, Dereck.
To the Murphy family I give my deepest condolences.
~ Tyler Lyons
Sorry for your loss, Dereck was my cousin, I remember him back in the 1970s, he worked at Guys hospital and I was at Auntie Anne's, him and his mates from work were passing through going somewhere? I was 14- 15 yrs old into the Jam. he made me laugh, and left a positive impression on me that evening. He moved to Canada 🇨🇦 I've caught news of him occasionally, God bless You Dereck 🙏
~ Tony
Dear Marie and family, our sincere condolences to you. I have fond memories of working with Dereck at hospice. I enjoyed his wit and humor and our chats on night shifts. He had a wealth of nursing knowledge and always eager to share some good advice. He was so good with his patients and they loved him. He was an amazing person. Rest in peace Dereck
~ Mary Lamblin
Hey Marie
What can I say?
My heart breaks for you and the kids 💔
I am so very sorry for your loss.
It truly was a privilege working along side Derek. He was the very best bedside nurse that I've had the privilege to work with. And quite the character too! He really cared and he could sure tell a good story.
You two were so very good together .
He will be missed.
Lots of prayers, love and Blessings
Yvonne
I will always remember Dereck for his amazing story telling and sharing experiences; singing and dancing. Some of my favorite memories that will stay with me are going to the races for the Cup. Between betting on the horses, drinks shared and of course lots of laughter. Dereck you will forever be in my heart. <3
~ Jessica