Southren, Derek
With our deepest sadness, we announce the passing of Derek Southren in his 92nd year. Loving husband of 48 years to the late Annette Southren (2009), and dedicated father to his daughters, Lynne (David) and Jane (Ryan), to whom he provided much inspiration through his strength and determination when meeting life’s challenges.
Derek was born and raised in Sunderland, England and became an apprentice electrician at Monkwearmouth Colliery. Upon completion of his apprenticeship, he was conscripted into the Royal Airforce for 3 years. After the war, his family moved to Welwyn Garden City, near London, where he met Annette. Together they emigrated to Canada, joining Derek’s brother Malcolm.
During his career, Derek worked as a draftsman, an electrician and an engineering technician, culminating in a long tenure with Budd Automotive, from which he retired in 1995. He was well known by colleagues for being hardworking, dedicated and resourceful.
Derek was a talented handyman, spending most of his «leisure» time renovating and maintaining family homes, cars, tools and toys. His largest project was designing and building his last family home in collaboration with Annette. They retired in this home and spent many hours each day, in every season, enjoying the outdoors, either in their garden or walking the neighbourhood and riverside trails around their home.
Throughout his life, Derek maintained a deep affection for England, traveling there frequently with Annette and his daughters. He and Annette also discovered the joys of cruising later in life, and enjoyed several trips to different destinations on the QE2.
Derek will be deeply missed by his daughters, his brother Sydney of Stevenage, England and his many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. Derek was predeceased by his parents Sydney and Sarah Jane, his sister Jean and his brother Malcolm.
The family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to the highly professional staff at The Village at University Gates Long Term Care and Clair Hills Retirement Home, the amazing team at Active Caregiving as well as Patti Piayok who all provided him with exceptional care and compassion over the last few years.
Derek’s family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, September 25, 2022 from 12:00-12:45pm at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St., Kitchener 519-749-8467. A memorial service will follow in the chapel of the funeral home at 1 pm. A reception will follow nearby. We would be grateful if you would rsvp to dereksouthrenreception@gmail.com by September 20 if you would like to join us for the reception so that we may cater accordingly. Location details will be provided at that time.
Cremation has taken place.
Donations in Derek’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Society of Waterloo Wellington, the Heart and Stroke Foundation Ontario or the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging would be gratefully accepted.
Visit www.henrywalser.com for Derek’s memorial.
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Sunday September 11th 2022
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Derek Southren Sunday September 11th 2022..
Décès pour la Ville:Kitchener, Province: Ontario