Derrick Olivier Boissière Sr.

On August 4th, 2015 a gentle guardian of light came down to earth to wrap its loving arms around the most precious, loving husband, father, son, brother and uncle there ever was. Derrick Olivier Boissière was born on the Caribbean island of Trinidad, in the British West Indies, on July 22nd, 1931 to Elizabeth and Robert Boissière. He migrated to the United States in 1948 with his brother, George, and joined his mother and his sister, Gloria and her husband Art DeJess. His mother would later marry Gerald Weed.

Derrick graduated from the City of New York High School of Commerce and then went on to receive an Associate Degree in Applied Science Electrical Technology from the State University of New York Institute of Applies Sciences. Derrick served for two years in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and enjoyed it immensely. While trained as a Medic, he was assigned to Germany and given a job in the Quartermaster Corps. After his discharge in 1954, Derrick proudly became a citizen of the United States, was hired by IBM, and on September 4th of the same year married the love of his life, Marion Walters of Manhattan. He considered 1954 the best year of his life because of these monumental events.

Derrick worked at IBM for 36 years, first in Customer Service in New York City and then in 1969 he was transferred to Raleigh, North Carolina as a computer programmer. He drove back to New York almost every weekend for a year until he was joined in Raleigh by his wife and two children.

He taught computer classes to seniors as a volunteer member of SeniorNet, now a part of Raleigh Parks and Recreation. Derrick also served as the Treasurer of the Young at Heart Senior Club at the Five Points Center for Active Adults.

Derrick began bowling in New York City and continued the sport the rest of his life, many years bowling in three different leagues. He served as President of the Friday Owls for many years and was a great help when his wife, the secretary, needed his help during her illness. Derrick will probably join a league in the sky and save a place for his wife. Listen for the thunder of his strikes.

All those who knew Derrick were impressed by his kindness, thoughtfulness, helpfulness, and compassion. He will surely be missed by them all. He was a friend to everyone and an enemy to no one.

Derrick knew how to be a caring friend. When a friend injured his shoulder, Derrick drove him to the doctor and did his grocery shopping for him. When the same friend’s wife was hospitalized, Derrick and Marion, along with another couple, visited every day.

When two friends became widows, Derrick made it his mission to call them every night to make sure they were alright. Derrick enjoyed going to the movies and birthday dinners with friends, “The Fun Bunch.”

Derrick left behind his loving wife and soul-mate, Marion, two children, Derrick, Jr (Rick) and his wife, Teresa Boissière, Diane and her husband, Bill Rhodes, granddaughter, Kayla Rhodes, grandsons, Luke Boissière, Jonah Swann, Catori Swann, and their wives and Derrick’s great-grandchildren. He also left behind three sisters-in-law, Joan Walters, Barbara Mical, and Sandra Walthers and a multitude of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces, and great-grandnephews.

He was predeceased by his mother, father, stepfather, sister, and brother, who were undoubtedly waiting for him.

Diane and Rick will love and miss him always. As for Marion, she has lost the love of her life and will never, ever forget how lucky she was on October 22nd, 1951, the day she met her Precious.

A memorial service will be held at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609 on Sunday, September 13, 2015 at 2PM. Visitation with the family will follow. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.

On line condolences may be sent to the family at www.BrownWynne.com