Derek Robert Burnell

Derek is lovingly remembered by his wife of 40 years, Joanne, daughter Lee-Ann (Robert McMillan) granddog Paisley of Victoria and his four-legged companion Buddy.

Sadly missed by his brother Brian (Kath) Burnell of Duncan, his sister Gail (John Normandin) Burnell of Grande Prairie, brother-in-law Ron Lascelle of Surrey; mother-in-law Susan Bryant, sister-in-law Mary (Jill) Bryant and brother-in-law Ken (Laurie) Bryant all of Mission and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Predeceased by his son Cory Burnell in 1998 and his sister Lynn in 2010.

Derek grew up in Duncan obtaining his Heavy Duty Mechanic designation, starting his employment with MacMillan Bloedel Logging, Shawnigan Division, and then a transfer to the Queen Charlotte Islands. Once the logging industry slowed down, he moved his family to Dawson Creek to work for the Quintette Coal Mine in 1982, eventually settling in Tumbler Ridge, BC. Derek and family moved through-out Canada over his careers, then to Kamloops in January 1991 where he worked for Kemess Mine in Northern BC, once that closed he spent his final years as a HD Mechanic working at CNRL in Fort McMurray, throughout his life he made many lasting friendships.

Derek and Joanne had many trips together fishing, hunting and exploring. They loved riding their HD Motorcycles throughout the winding roads around Kamloops and into the US. He loved his home, and took pride in his meticulous lawn and yard.

Friends are invited to join the family for a Graveside Service at Hillside Cemetery on Tuesday October 4 at 12:00 (noon), followed by a luncheon at the family home.

Barc's Tribute to Derek

From ancient times, human kind has had an innate desire to fly like a bird. Our spirits, long to experience the unencumbered freedom of flight. As children, watching birds, bugs and butterflies, we imagine what it would be like to fly wherever we wanted to go, whenever we wanted. Mystical stories and legends from all over the globe, speak of those who tried and succeeded, or tried and failed. It seems to be a part of our very DNA, to want to to experience it.

From an early age, we saw older kids riding bicycles, and imagined the freedom they could bring. When we finely got our own bicycles, we found ourselves longing for the speed and power of a motorcycle. Some of us fastened bits of cardboard with a clothes-peg, slapping in the spokes of our wheels, to get that sound .......

As we get older, the busyness of life, and other priorities, may sidetrack us, But ..... perhaps, ..... most of us have had some shade of that dream.

Some of us, including Derek, pursued that feeling of freedom, and bought motorcycles. Although still earthbound, ...... while riding, we feel the freedom of the open road, carefree for a time, unencumbered by a "cage" . The ride refreshes us and gets our head into a better space, a place that we often call," In the Wind".

My friendship with Derek could be easily measured in hours, but, as two old boys will do, we sat on his back porch, and talked of many things. Harleys, cars, trucks, hunting, etc. lots of mutual interests and experiences.

Sadly, Derek's earth suit was in a bad state of disrepair, by the time we met. To put it mildly, he was long past his" Best before", Date. We never rode together, or actually did the things we both loved, before he cashed out and left this dimension. I'm really glad to have met him, and I'm also glad that he isn't suffering now. And so here we are, gathered to say goodbye, and celebrate in our own way, a man who may not have been perfect, but who was, perfectly Derek. He will be here, in many happy memories, for lots of folks, and his family continues on as his legacy. But it truly could be said, that the essence of Derek is now, .......................... "In the Wind."

Today we are gathered together for the graveside service for Derek Robert Burnell. On behalf of the family, I would like to thank all of you for coming today. All are invited to the family home, 4726 Cammeray Drive.

My name is Barclay West a friend of the family.

I’m honored to stand before you to conduct this service.

When someone we love dies, a son, brother, husband, brother in law, son in law and father and is suddenly no longer with us, it can trigger very strong reactions and emotions. We are no longer able to enjoy their company, their friendship and guidance.

No matter how eloquent the words that are spoken today…

No matter how beautiful the music is…

No matter how kind friends are in their expressions of care and concern…

There is still a very genuine and valid sense of sorrow and loss that is experienced when a loved one is no longer with us.

The reason we have the ability to grieve is because we have the ability to give and receive love.

We thank you for Derek’s life here on this earth and treasure the many, many memories.

Family: wife Joanne

Daughter Lee-Ann (Rob) of Victoria

Son: Cory whom Derek’s space for eternal life is right here beside

Brother Brian (Kath) of Duncan and their children Tara and Adam

Sister Gail (John) of Grande Prairie and son Mark

Brother in law Ron and his daughter Andrea (Derek’s sister Lynn passed away in 2010)

Mother in law – Susan Bryant of Mission

Brother in law Ken (Laurie) of Mission

Sister in law Mary (Jill) of Mission

Derek faced his cancer many years ago with two surgeries and was able to have a normal life for the past 15 years. However, he always knew it was there hidden away in his body. He started kemo in June 2021 – but ended that in January as it wasn’t helping. In April 2022 he was not well, but managed with up and down days until August 30. We are very grateful for the past 5 months as he was able to be independent and if you knew him, he wouldn’t have it any other way. He was able to stay in his beloved home except for 1 final day under the wonderful care of our Hospice Home.

He truly enjoyed the days, when a friend from his working years called or stopped in. Also our friends and neighbours knew the door was always open – just come right in and of course, the beer was always cold, “help yourself”. He thrived on a mechanical question or to view your new purchase. He was always up for a discussion about equipment and could (I’m sure) name every piece of heavy equipment he ever worked on throughout his career.

He faced declining health with love for his family, strength and reality. His body was getting tired, even though we weren’t ready. He was never angry, he was happiest sitting on his deck with a cigarette, watching out over his yard and neighborhood, with Buddy the cat by his side or snuggled on his lap!!!

Derek, we honour your life, your departure we accept, your memory we cherish.

We are blessed to have heard your laughter, seen your smile and felt your reassuring hand in ours. Our lives are richer for having shared our life with you and having the love you gave us and the love we felt for you. You are no longer bound by this world, but a part of it. No longer tied to one place or one time, but free. We ask that you go now, with all our love.

With love we shall leave you in peace and with respect we bid you a fond farewell.

You leave us with the strength and pride to do what is good and right,

And your memory will guide us just as you did when you were at our side.

For this we say thank you, and goodby, your memory to our hearts for the rest of our days.

Derek go forth from this world knowing that you are loved beyond measure;

That you will be missed more than words can say; that you will be remembered and cherished, and that love will never end.

We will hold you close within us, and there you will remain

To be with us throughout our lives, until we meet again.

We are grateful that you have been a part of our lives but we now wish you well on the next part of your journey. May you travel safely, and know that our love goes with you.

Remember me on quiet days,

When rain drops whisper on your pane.

But in your memories have no grief.

Just let the joy we knew remain.

Remember me when evening stars

look down on you with steadfast eyes.

Remember me if once you wake

to catch a glimpse of red sunrise.

And when your thoughts do turn to me

know that I would not have you cry.

But live for me and laugh for me.

For when you are happy so am I.

Remember an old joke we shared.

Remember me when spring walks by.

Think of me when you are glad,

And while you live, I shall not die.

Lee-Ann - My dad, well he was one of a kind. He was born Derrick Robert Michael Burnell on Sept. 2nd 1951 in Terrace Bay, ON. He was known as many other names , including Old Balls, as you will see later on his helmet was what his co-workers lovingly called him. I was once in the Calgary airport with him and heard a colleague yell OLD BALLS from across the domestic terminal... never a dull moment that is for sure. He would sign his cards or messages as The Big D, and this is what our extended family in Australia refers to him as. I would often call him Big Guy and my mom.... well she had a lot of names for him. My dad always disliked the way his name was originally spelled and actually got a legal name change to Derek Robert Burnell. D-E-R-E-K... the correct way to spell Derek as I had been told many times.

Derek and his family moved to Duncan, on Vancouver Island. He had a brother, Brian and 2 sisters, Gail and Lynn growing up, he was the baby of the family. As you can only image, he was a bit of a rebel and sometimes his creativity and energy would get him into trouble. There were lots of chores to do picking apples; vegetables, feeding the animals and helping the family clear the land, as was the tasks of family in those days. He would often tell dramatic stories of his early years on various fast motorcycles, racing cars, including his beloved yellow truck “Hot Mustard”.

42 years ago, my Dad met my mother Joanne. A few years later, they were married and had 2 AMAZING children. My special needs brother Cory was a true Burnell-fighter, exceeded what the Dr.s thought was possible and we shared so much joy together until he passed away in 1998.

My dad had been logging on Vancouver Island for MacMillan Blodel and then was transferred to the Queen Charlotte Island in the early 80's. Another move followed to Dawson Creek and then to Tumbler Ridge, (once the housing was built) where he worked for Quintette Coal. For better schooling for Cory we moved back to Duncan. We build a large shop as a family that we lived in.

Dad started selling Snap on Tools, so another move to Port McNeil followed. It was a complete family affair. Mom would help with the accounts and we would all count and organize the inventory. On Saturdays I got to go to work with my Dad in Port Hardy, we had the best days together in the tool truck. That 1st year he got Rookie of the year for all of Canada...and Snap On sent us to the Indy 500 in Vancouver, VIP style. My dad... yeah he was pretty cool.

Snap on tools offered my Dad a corporate job in Fredericton, NB and as a family we drove across Canada in winter with 2 kids, 4 turtles, a cat and a rabbit. Dad decided he wasn't much for meeting and corporate structure, so we then moved to Kamloops to work in the tool truck again. Kamloops was a perfect fit for my family. My Dad had a variety of careers. He had a mobile welding business for a while, taught at the University TRU Entry Level Mechanical, and then worked as a heavy-duty mechanic for Kemess Mine (northern BC) and finishing at CNRL (Fort Mac). After retirement, he kept in touch with many of his friends, even though we lived so far away.

Dad was involved with the local Blazers hockey club as well as the Kamloops HOG Chapter, helping to organize motorcycle events and obstacle courses. My parents were always living life to the fullest, road trips on their Harleys, golfing, fishing and camping, exploring many local lakes. They loved bus tours to the states, and many vacations including Vegas and Hawaii twice with Rob and I. They visited me in New Zealand and we all went to Calgary Stampede.

Dad was very social in the community, and always had time for whomever would stop by, if you had a problem with your excavator, he would take the time to troubleshoot and tell you about the many intricacies of a Rad Cap. Dad would always have a cold beer waiting for whomever wanted to stop by, play some pool, and chat.

Growing up, my childhood was non-stop adventure. My parents took us camping a lot. Hunting and fishing all day long, and all year round. We did everything as a family, and that never changed. My Dad would rarely get upset; he was great at seeing the positive and not worrying about things out of his control. Sure... he said inappropriate things sometimes but at least you always knew what he was thinking... even if my mother would have to kick him under the table occasionally.

My dad was a complete goofball. If there was a straw in a paper wrapper, he HAD to fire that wrapper across the table, it had to be done. He got a gold-tooth added to his giant chest skull tattoo to match his own gold tooth! I have countless photos of him and my mother where he is sticking out his tongue! He loved revving his Harley engine in tunnels, and of course had the loudest pipes he could get. He would wrap a bandana around his head, brush his handlebar mustache just so and head out on the town, if you were stopped somewhere smoking, you would have met my Dad.

Dad loved jokes, and making people laugh! He was constantly building things in his backyard and inventing things that we didn't know we needed. He was always thinking outside the box. He loved to learn and was wildly alert with great memory. I didn't think I would ever hear the end of his Pearl Harbour facts after that tour! Recently it was You Tube video’s – How to do ??? Whatever

One thing I adored the most about my father was how much he loved my mom. He would do anything for his family, but I loved watching him around my mom. He would get up 1st in the morning, start by retrieving the newspaper (when there was a daily) and bring it upstairs for her. He would get her coffee and then breakfast with 1/2 cup orange juice, a yogurt and banana with a spoon. He would then walk her to her vehicle and kiss her goodbye each morning. Then before mom leaves work, she would call to say she was on her way home and he would go downstairs to the carport. He would tinker around downstairs and just wait in the chairs outside until she came home to greet her... everyday!

My Dad liked this quote by Hunter S. Thompson "Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW! What a ride!"

"Psalm 23"

The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green

pastures;

He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul:

He leadeth me in the paths of

righteousness for his names sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley

of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil:

For thou art with me;

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me

in the presence of mine enemies:

Thou anointest my head with oil;

My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall

follow me

all the days of my life,

And I will dwell in the house of the

Lord forever

* * * * * * * * * *

Derek Robert Burnell

On Tuesday August 30, 2022 Derek passed away peacefully at the Kamloops Hospice Home at the age of 70, born September 2, 1951 in Terrace Bay, ON.

Derek is lovingly remembered by his wife of 40 years, Joanne, daughter Lee-Ann (Robert McMillan) granddog Paisley of Victoria and his four-legged companion Buddy.

Sadly missed by his brother Brian (Kath) Burnell of Duncan, his sister Gail (John Normandin) Burnell of Grande Prairie, brother-in-law Ron Lascelle of Surrey; mother-in-law Susan Bryant, sister-in-law Mary (Jill) Bryant and brother-in-law Ken (Laurie) Bryant all of Mission and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Predeceased by his son Cory Burnell in 1998 and his sister Lynn in 2010.

Derek grew up in Duncan obtaining his Heavy Duty Mechanic designation, starting his employment with MacMillan Bloedel Logging, Shawnigan Division, and then a transfer to the Queen Charlotte Islands. Once the logging industry slowed down, he moved his family to Dawson Creek to work for the Quintette Coal Mine in 1982, eventually settling in Tumbler Ridge, BC. Derek and family moved through-out Canada over his careers, then to Kamloops in January 1991 where he worked for Kemess Mine in Northern BC, once that closed he spent his final years as a HD Mechanic working at CNRL in Fort McMurray, throughout his life he made many lasting friendships.

Derek and Joanne had many trips together fishing, hunting and exploring. They loved riding their HD Motorcycles throughout the winding roads around Kamloops and into the US. He loved his home, and took pride in his meticulous lawn and yard.

Friends are invited to join the family for a Graveside Service at Hillside Cemetery on Tuesday October 4 at 12:00 (noon), followed by a luncheon at the family home.

Should friends desire, donations to Royal Inland Hospital in memory of Derek would be appreciated.