Derek Anthony Bland, born December 8, 1923 in Melton Constable, Norfolk, U.K, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Toronto at the age of 93. He will be greatly missed by his devoted wife of 29 years and his best friend, Penny. Loving father of Alayne Ferley (Allan) and Cheryl Purych (Steve); beloved grandfather of Lindsay Walper (Ryan), Cari Comboye (Mike), Jeff and Derek Purych; proud great-grandfather of Liam and Brody Comboye, Tia Walper and soon-to-be born great-granddaughter Grace Walper; dear uncle of Anne Freeman (John), Nigel Hayward (Shirley), and Keith Hayward (Sue). Predeceased by his beloved parents, Leonard and Milbah (Whitmore) Bland; his loving first wife, Evelyn Mary (Rosam) Bland; and his sister, Thelma (Jane) Hayward. Derek excelled at King Edward VII Grammar School in King's Lynn, Norfolk before serving in the Royal Air Force U.K. from September 1939 to 1947. At the end of World War II Derek obtained Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Diplomas while working in technical sales. After immigrating to Canada in 1952, he continued building his career in aircraft maintenance, aeronautical engineering and adult education administration until his retirement. Derek enjoyed hobbies of woodworking, building, oil painting, gardening, N-scale model railroading and completing a daily crossword puzzle. As requested a private family celebration of life and cremation will take place. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Toronto. If desired, donations made to the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (SPCA) would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to The Simple Alternative, Mississauga, Ontario.