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Derek Vettese

August 22, 2021

Derek Vettese
It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that Derek has passed away.  Derek is survived by his loving wife Karen, 2 sons Steve (Candace), John (Laura), 4 granddaughters Katey (James), Kirstie (Kent), Taylor and Talia and one great granddaughter Walker. Predeceased by his mother Henrietta and father George. Also survived by sisters Derrise (Tom) and Sandra. Many neices and nephews.. too many to name.  Derek was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He lived in Brechin and when he was 12, he moved to Arbroath where he lived until 1967 when he and his then new wife Catherine immigrated to Canada. They lived in Toronto for 3 years and then moved to Vancouver where they had 2 sons, Steven and John.   Derek worked in the insurance industry for 41 years, 34 years of which were with ICBC where he retired in 2008 from his Vice President of claims position.  Derek loved train spotting as a young man and started working on steam locomotives. He always treasured that time as he felt that trains were living beings.  He was a drummer following in his father George‘s footsteps and from a musical family. He coached soccer for many years as the boys were growing up. Derek had a love for most sports but Rugby was his passion and “his“ sport. Derek loved airplanes, was a car enthusiast, music lover and a jack of many trades and also a master of most. He was an avid reader his entire life.  Derek was a wonderfully kind man, a loyal friend, always conducted himself with honesty and integrity and the best friend, partner and husband of 35 years that I could have ever asked for. 
Due to covid restraints a gathering with friends and family will be held at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the BC Cancer Society Stem Cell Research.  http://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/goto/derek_vettese
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Messages of Condolence

Dear Derek was my favourite Manager. He was a very wise man of great integrity, compassion, kindness and common sense. His sense of humor and his caring of people made him a very popular and well remembered man. My warmest condolences go to dear Karen and to his family. ~ Gail Nicholas

I was sorry to hear that Derek had passed. My deepest sympathy for the loss of Derek ~ Dave Harding

Karen, Expressing deepest sympathy and hoping you will find comfort in knowing others care and are near in thought today. I have wonderful memories when I was invited to your place for dinner. You and Derek were wonderful hosts. Faith ~ faith shimonek

Karen and family, Derek was such an incredible person - so smart, fun, kind, and full of spirit. Karen, We have amazing memories of our times with you and Derek… we will miss him very much. We hold you and the family in our hearts. Love always, Annie, Doug and the family. ~ Annie Bailey & Doug Bibby and family

I knew Derek from when his family stayed in Arbroath. A lot of memories. Spoke to his sister Derrise a few times over the years and found out today that he had passed away recently. Have not seen a picture until today too. Looks a lot like his Dad. The whole family were/are good to know. My deepest sympathy on your loss. ~ Alex

Derek was the nephew of my late wife Mary, also of Edinburgh, Arbroath and Brechin. As part of the family we spent time together in Scotland, Vancouver and also a visit Derek had with us in Maryland USA. A finer and kinder person you could not meet and I'm so glad to say we grew even closer although further apart in our later years. Mary and Derek had a special relationship and I'm sure they are currently reminiscing and waiting for the rest of us. Fair winds and following seas my friend. ~ William Reed

Derek was an assistant coach for my soccer team for many years. I have many fond memories of his support for all of us players and his use of the word “Rubish” on the sidelines when something didn’t go well. Over the years I had lost touch with Derek and I am deeply to saddened to belatedly hear of his passing. My condolences to John, Steve, Karen, and the rest of the family. ~ Mike Woode