DEREK READ
On January 16th, 2021, Derek Read, loving husband and father of two children, passed away at the age of 73. Derek (Dad) was adored and will be dearly missed.
Derek was born September 12, 1947 on a farm in Boyle, Alberta to Charles and May Read. He received a diploma in Agriculture at Vermillion Agricultural College and later received a degree in Agricultural economics at the University of Alberta. He worked in the field of Agriculture for 35 years.
In 1977 he married Isabel and they raised two children Jody and Scott. Derek was a supportive, loving father always available to support the children he was so very proud of.
Later in life Derek married Dorothy and they enjoyed many years together including travels, times at the lake and other exciting adventures.
Derek loved spending time at the family cottage on Red Rock Lake. In the ideal morning Derek would wake early and get out on the crystal clear lake for a paddle while the loon’s were singing. He had an amazing thirst for adventure spending many days downhill and cross country skiing, biking and kayaking. He also loved his other hobbies like golfing with his friends and curling.
That same thirst for adventure led Derek to embark on many travels around the world where he cycled in Europe, visited the great wall of china, hiked the Santiago trail and experienced the heights of Machu Pichu.
Derek was so excited to become a grandpa later in life. He was playful, imaginative, an animated book reader, a keen early morning babysitter and so much fun for his four grandchildren.
Throughout the years Derek spread his loving energy throughout the community with his dedicated volunteer work. Derek volunteered with Windsor Park United Church and their many programs that support the larger community. He also volunteered with Agriculture in the classroom, 4H club and Fort Whyte Farms. Derek wished to make a positive difference in the world with his strong work ethic, empathy, kindness and gentle spirit.
As we look back on Derek’s amazing life these words resonate deeply for all those who knew him.
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as you ever can.”
John Wesley, Letters of John Wesley
Derek was predeceased by his wife Isabel, his father Charles, mother May and nephews Darren and Christopher. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, his children Jody (JP) and Scott (Meg), his grandchildren Jala, Anouk, Theo and Lucy, his sisters Carol (Doug) and Marilyn (Chuck) along with his nieces, nephews, stepchildren Heather (Joe), Angela (Aaron) and step-grandchildren Alex, Jessie, Antonio, Julian and their families.
A private family service will be held on January 20th, 2021. We look forward to hosting a larger celebration of life when we are able.
In lieu of flowers please donate in Derek’s honour to Fort Whyte Alive or the Windsor Park United Church.
Family invite friends to share memories of Derek by signing the online book of condolences at ejcoutu.ca
E.J. Coutu & Co. Funeral Directors
204-253-5086
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Derek Charles Read Saturday January 16th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba