We say goodbye to Derek, who passed away in the early hours on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. He passed away due to complications as a result of a car crash early in the morning of September 16 on his way to work. He loved to work, he always said "I work two jobs and I will always work two jobs, that's what I do." The only love he had more than work was for his 4 children. He always spoke of his love for Courtney, Colt, Dallas, and Brooke. His Facebook tagline was "My kids are my life. Pure and simple"
He leaves behind not only his children, but his older sister Dana, who always had his back, as he always had hers. They would do anything for each other. He also leaves his half-siblings, Neil, Kerri, and Tara. He is pre-deceased by his mother Dianne Cooke who left us in December of 2015.

Derek loved sports, especially baseball and hockey, spending most of his down time coaching the Blue Jays from the living room sofa. He always told us he's going to have to drive to Toronto get in the game and take over the coaching.
His passion for baseball spilled over to him playing in the Brampton baseball league for over 20 years.

He loved his sports memorabilia, and his collectibles and action figures. He had a story for almost every item, and each one had a special meaning to him.

Derek loved his movies and sitcoms, mostly from the 80's and 90's. He seemed to know anyone who ever starred in any movie and always could tell you some trivia. His favourites were Big Bang Theory, the Rocky series of movies, Jaws, and anything to do with Halloween. Halloween was just as exciting as Christmas to Derek - living out in the country the last 3 years he still carved and displayed pumpkins for his special day, even though no one ever came trick or treating.

Next to his his family, Derek absolutely loved life, something that was sadly cut short at 51 years of age.
We will always remember him, and always miss him.