Our family sadly announces the passing of Derek Ellis on January 3, 2022.
Predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Patricia and his son Robert. Derek is survived by his three daughters, Gerry Harper (Orest Iwaszko), Wendy Johnston (Robert) and Pamela Bryant (Michael) and daughter-in-law Li-Shien Lee. Derek is fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Ian, Christine (James Beard), Dylan (Krystyn Tully), Jennifer (Dave Lyon), Antony (May Petitfrere), Derek, Julia, Cameron (Dee DaSilva), Courtney (Steven) and Kyla (Toby). Cherished by his great grandchildren Calla, Hadley, Mackenzie, Silas, Honour and Leo. Derek was predeceased by siblings Joan, Norman, Daphne, Dorothy and Colin. He leaves behind a brother, Ken (Shirley) from England.
Derek was born in Pitsea, England. He served in the British Military Police for nine months in Singapore at the age of 18. After meeting and marrying "his only girl" Patricia in England they settled for a short time having their first two children. Wanting to always do best for his family, they moved to Canada back to Patricia's home town of Oshawa, Ontario. Two more children arrived and a busy family life ensued.
Derek worked as a supervisor and retired from Bathurst Containers, a subsidiary of MacMillan Bloedel in Whitby, Ontario. Derek loved to sail his CS-22 and Contessa 26 on Lake Ontario and into the Bay of Quinte. He and Pat later purchased and finished a cottage in the Haliburton Highlands where they hosted many a weekend with visiting children and grandchildren. While in their 80's Derek along with Patricia relocated to Port Alberni to be closer to family again.
Special thanks to the caring staff at Echo Village who doted on him until he discharged himself from care to live with family. Thank you to the lovely neighbours along Mozart Road who often checked in with him during his many daily walks along the roadway. Many thanks to the staff at West Coast General Hospital who cared for him in his final days. Special thanks to the RN's Hilary and Andrew. Your kindness and support will not be forgotten.
Funeral to be held at Yates Funeral Home in Port Alberni on January 18, 2022 at 11:00 am. Private family gathering for the internment will follow immediately afterwards.
To send a condolence to the family please visit www.yatesmemorial.ca
Yates Memorial Services 250.723.5859
"Lives Cherished and Celebrated"
Yates Memorial Services