Derek Scott

“Give me a problem and I’ll hand you a solution.” Those who knew Derek Scott would agree that, that motto accurately described him. Derek was a man of great drive and a very original, independent thinker. For Derek, no challenge was impossible, and just about any desired result was within his grasp. Derek placed great trust in his intuition. Since that intuition generally led him in the right direction, who was he to doubt it.

      Derek was born on August 19, 1937 at Bankhall Hospital in Burnley. He was the son of Herbert & Beatrice Marie Scott. His childhood found him in Rosegrove, Burnley where he matured into the independent person he eventually became.

      Derek grew up with 7 brothers and a twin sister. He had 7 brothers, Harold, John, Herbert, James, Roland, Robert, Victor, And twin sister Lilly. Derek could be seen as being stubborn by his siblings. It was important to him that he was perceived as “right” when it came to his part in those typical family spats. However, this quality did not over power his caring for his family. This ability to balance his family, with his need to be seen as right, helped him to develop into a young adult while enjoying many good times with his family.

      During his grade school years, Derek was a very focused and serious student who actually enjoyed the challenge of many classroom problems. He was determined to succeed, and he drew upon his gifts of trust and perseverance to provide him with a competitive edge. While his first love might have been academics, Derek took part in Soccer. Derek delighted in projects that required planning, critical thinking and resolution.

      During high school, Derek was relentless in his pursuit of learning, especially in those subject areas that really grabbed hold of his interests. It wasn't that he didn't put forth his best efforts in all classes, but if a subject really interested him, he would eagerly put forth extra effort to learn all he could. Derek graduated from Burnley Grammer School in 1952. His favorite class in high school was all subjects. Derek loved education.

      Derek was loyal to his friends. He found that he was most in tune with people who had similar interests and thought about things much the way that he did. Derek sometimes had a tendency to be critical in his friendships but he was more interested in finding out what was right in a situation rather than in being mean toward others. He never intentionally set out to hurt any of his friends. Derek was a person who challenged others to fend for themselves and to be original in their thinking and evaluation of the outside world. While growing up, some of his best friends were his brothers and sister. Later in life, he became friends with Bob, Barry, Victor, Alan, and Ross.

      On October 3rd 1964, Derek exchanged wedding vows with Doreen Knowles at Christ Church of Colne, Lancashire. England. Doreen's sensitivity to Derek's needs proved to be a wonderful influence on this man, who preferred to live in his “gut.” Doreen's influence brought Derek to a new emotional level, one that eventually enhanced all of his other gifts and abilities. Doreen was able to help Derek appreciate the fact that others made contributions and Derek became better at interacting with those around him. Because of this, Derek grew as a person.

      Derek often neglected his own feelings in order to give to others. This was very true when it came to how he dealt with his children. He was able to hand on to each child a number of strong values. He taught them to appreciate their abilities, gave them a desire to persevere despite obstacles and set within them a drive to succeed. He had Three, Two Daughters, Julie Amanda, And Beverly Joanna. One son, Stephen David. He also had Four grandchildren, Jesse, Amber, Emily, and Kayla. They were always aware of how much Derek loved them.

      During Derek's professional working years, he was at his best when working independently. It became the hallmark of his performance. Derek was generally able to refocus his drive and determination and readily work toward finding a way to get things done that was beneficial to himself and his co-workers. His primary occupation was Enforcement Officer at The Ministry of Transportation. He was employed for 24 years .

      Watching his favorite sporting events by himself was never a problem for Derek. It allowed him to indulge in his own individual interpretation of the event. It was not uncommon for Derek to know what the right play or move “should have been,” and he would vocally address these feelings even if there was no one around to hear them. And if there were others around, he would still state his feelings and gladly debate anyone on their opposing views. In high school, Derek played soccer. Recreational sports included snooker, and baseball. He enjoyed following his favorite sporting events. Tops on his list were baseball, and golf.

      Derek placed his interest wholeheartedly behind any project he took on. The “engineer” part of his personality pushed him to find out as much information as he could, to understand the practicality in a given situation. This was something that influenced his involvement in work, pleasure and volunteer activities. Derek was involved in serving on committees for the union five years as sports secretary at Burnley Ribble Bus Line 1965-1970 U. K.

      While he never set out to gain individual recognition, Derek did receive honors and awards. Some of his most prestigious awards included The Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2000 in Industrial Manufacturing at his business, 401 Publications Inc.

      Derek's skepticism was visible when he found it necessary to place too much trust in one person. This was never clearer than when it was time for him to schedule a vacation or period of time away from his regular schedule. Derek loved the research aspects of planning a trip, but the actual process of relaxing was far more difficult. Still, he did manage to enjoy some time away. Favorite vacations included Blackpool, Isle of Man (U. K) Wasaga Beach, (Ontario) and P. E. I .

      Derek was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Derek's favorites was Loki, A Pitbull, Boarder colie mix. They were best friends for Loki was in Derek's life 13 years.

      When Derek's retirement finally came in February 28, 1995, he was ready. He worked out many of the details in advance so that he could enjoy the time and not have to worry. His new life involved relocating to Peterborough, where he ran his business with his family.

      Derek Scott passed away on January 9, 2013 at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. He is survived by his wife Doreen, Daughters, Julie Amanda, And Beverly Joanna, Son Stephen David. Grandchildren, Jesse, Amber, Emily, And Kayla. Brothers Robert, Roland, And Victor. Services were held at Comstock Funeral Home, Peterborough. Derek was Cremated, But will be laid to rest in Lancashire England.

      Derek Scott was always drawn to what was measurable, practical and factual. He was a very competent person who expected competence from others. He could be headstrong and certain about the way things were supposed to be. He was determined in every aspect of his life and certain that he was usually right about things. He trusted his intuition over all else, even if it opposed the popular belief, and he had faith in his inner vision and speculations. He wanted to be acknowledged by others as having made a contribution to whatever he was working on. His family and friends will miss his fierce determination, relentless innovations and analytic mind. He leaves with all those who knew him many wonderful memories.

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SCOTT, Derek “Deke” Owner of 401 Publications, Printer Paul and Scott Print. Retired Inspector & Auditor, Ministry of Transportation & Communication (for 24 years). – Peacefully, at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, in his 76th year. Derek was the beloved husband of Doreen for 49 years. Loving father of Julie Boyce (Scott), Stephen Scott and Beverly Scott. Proud grandfather of Jesse, Amber and Emily Boyce, and Kayla Menzies. Dear brother of Robert, Roland, Victor and the late Harold, Herbert, John, James and Lilly. Derek will be remembered by many relatives in England, and many friends and neighbours in the Peterborough area. Visiting will be held at the COMSTOCK FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 356 Rubidge Street, on Sunday, January 13, from 2-4 pm with a service to follow at 4 pm. Donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockfuneralhome.com.