Derek was a true friend, a brilliant colleague with a great sense of humour, a natural story teller and a pleasure to have in my life.  We spent most of our careers in St. John’s College. We had almost daily contact discussing recent news from the Globe and Mail, wide ranging discussions about local and world affairs and generous comments as friends sharing the details of our lives. Our families were close, sharing family holidays and significant events.  For 25 years we jointly hosted a lobster dinner for St. John’s colleagues and friends, modeled on the dinners we shared from our Atlantic Canada background. My condolences to Mary, Jason and Justine. Jim Dean

Uncle Derek was such a great man. I was so proud to say my uncle was a professor. My last conversation with him was about socio economics. I was fascinated and inspired by his deep knowledge. I remember him as a warm, caring man. He loved his family so much. I recall the loving adoration in his eyes when interacting with his dear little grandchild. I regret not making more  opportunities to visit him. My heart goes out to Aunty Mary, Jason and Justine. He’ll be forever missed.

Derek Hum worked with me and many other young men on the Forest Protection Limited budworm spray project flown out of Taxis Airstrip near Boiestown, New Brunswick in the early 1960s.
I remember how Derk was smarter than everybody else.
He had a job keeping records on airplane fuel usage among other duties. Bev MacDougall, the big boss from Campbellton, came to look at our records. He asked who did the gas records and called Derek in. He knew Derek because they were both from Campbellton. He told Derek that his gas records worked out perfectly to the gallon but due to leaks, evaporation and spills, gas records never worked out that perfectly.
Derek said he FIXED the numbers. Bev told him to UNFIX them.
Derek was a favourite among the southern US pilots and one gave him a pair of cowboy boots that he wore every day.
Happy memories of those days.

Jay, Ida, and the lovely family,

Reading the obituary, I was struck by the remarkable qualities of Mr. Derek Hum. Gloria, Morgan, and I extend our deepest condolences to all the family and extended family. 
He will be deeply missed.

Remember, he is watching over you from above. 🙏🏼

Thank you,

Derrick Agyiri

My sincere condolences to all of Derek's friends and family.  I worked with Derek at the University of Manitoba and was always very grateful for his guidance and support.  I enjoyed when Derek would pop in to my office to chat about something.  Usually these short visits would be extended as he would always have an interesting story to tell.   He was once telling me a story about his neice that sounded familiar and we discovered that his niece was the friend of my cousin with whom I had played with often as a child.  Small world.  Derek's departure from the department was keenly felt and meetings became much less colourful.  Rest in Peace, Derek.

I was deeply saddened to hear of Derek’s passing.

Over the years at The Chancellor, I had many conversations with Derek throughout the building; in the elevators, lobby, and hallways. He was always warm, thoughtful, and kind. He carried himself with a quiet gentleness that made people feel comfortable around him.

One memory that has always stayed with me happened many years ago. I bumped into Derek in the elevator, and during our conversation he suddenly asked me, “Did you get flowers for your wife today?” I looked confused for a second before he smiled and reminded me that it was Valentine’s Day, something I had completely forgotten in the middle of life and work.

He then told me, in his calm and caring way, that I should go buy flowers for my wife. I still remember that moment vividly because it had been years since I had done something like that. It may have seemed like a small interaction, but it reflected exactly the kind of person Derek was, someone who genuinely valued love, marriage, family, and the little things that matter in life.

Looking back now, it makes perfect sense. Derek and Mary shared a beautiful marriage of 57 years, and anyone who saw them together could immediately recognize the deep love and respect they had for one another.

When Derek’s health began to decline, Mary stood by him every step of the way with incredible strength and devotion. Even during the most difficult times, she continued to care for him with unwavering love and grace. Their relationship was truly inspiring to witness.

Derek was one of those rare people who quietly made a community feel warmer simply through his presence. The building will not feel the same without him.

My heart is with Mary and the Hum family during this incredibly difficult time. Derek will be deeply missed, but the kindness and humanity he shared with others will never be forgotten.

Our condolences to you, Mary, and your children and grandchildren in the loss of Derek.  Knowing Derek not as well as knowing you, I had seen him to be the very wonderful man who made you happy and provided a great life to his family.  Since I've known you , every year you two were traveling to places all over the world.  It's  a big loss to lose such a great man, but let your precious memories bring you comfort.  May Derek rest in Peace  and may God  Give you and your family the strength  to carry on with Derek in your hearts and memories forever.

Ernie & Margaret Choptuik
and family

Dear Mary and Family,
I received this sad news from Paul Thomas. Our prayers are with you all at this time.  Derek was a great colleague and friend. 

Best
Rod Clifton

My family and I knew Uncle Derek, Aunty Mary, and their kids Jason and Justine through the Chinese school run by the Manitoba Academy of Chinese Studies on Saturday mornings.

Later, I had the privilege of taking an undergraduate economics course at the University of Manitoba which was taught by Uncle Derek, and "taught" was the key word.

He wasn't simply knowledgeable about the subject matter, he was passionate about it, and he shared his passion in an engaging and entertaining manner. There were no side conversations or slumped/sleeping students in his classroom.

During one class, he informed us that eminent Canadian artist Alex Colville would be visiting the U of M to receive an honorary degree, and Mr. Colville would be delivering a presentation of his works at St John's College. More than a few students from our class attended the presentation, where it turned out Uncle Derek was the evening's emcee.

That was Uncle Derek. More than just a family friend; more than a university professor. Quietly expert, humbly multi-dimensional, and always eager to pass on knowledge and insight.

Mary ,Justine and Jay,
So saddened by the news of Derek’s passing. Our friendship with Derek and Mary began in the late 60s when we were all young and travelling far from home.From a chance meeting with Mary at a bus stop in Athens, my friend and I who were on the way to London found that Mary was also headed that way. The three of us shared a flat in London for a year. Derek was studying at Oxford and conducted a tour of Oxford University for the three of us. I still recall how Mary could not tolerate the cold English winter. So after she and Derek married we could not believe the she would live in Winnipeg… it must have been true love. The friendship has lasted from when we were in our twenties until now when we have reached our eighties.
We have many fond memories over the years, especially meeting up with Mary and Derek when he was on a sabbatical in Australia…we had been apart for many years by then but the friendship was still strong. Our last meeting was when Ian and I visited them in Vancouver..a very special time for all of us.
Mary and Derek were a devoted couple..two people born on opposite sides of the world who were destined to find love.
Derek faced many health challenges, especially in his latter years and Mary’s devotion was to be admired,
Mary our thoughts are very much with you, you must be feeling emotionally drained but having your children and grandchildren to share the burden and to support you at this time will give you comfort.
Rest in peace Derek. No more pain…a brilliant man laid to rest.
Corrie and Ian
Perth
Western Australia

Great memories of Mr. Hum driving myself and Jay to swim practices at Frank Kennedy pool  many, many times.  He always had sage life advice for us and from my perspective had zero judgement of his son’s latest ‘Fishbone’ haircut.  He was a very ‘cool dad’ indeed.  Big hugs to the Hum family from the Smalls in Winnipeg.

Derek was always warmly welcomed at Trier University in Germany by our colleagues and students alike. In his classes, he skilfully compensated for our methodological shortcomings. In private conversations, often with Mary, he was charming and provided insightful commentary on the Asian-Chinese history of Canada.

Dear Mary so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. Sending condolences to you and Jason and Justine. So many great memories of our travels with You and Derek. Derek was so good at finding great conferences for us to go to and doing some travelling around them.  We always had such a good time.  Derek was a good friend and colleague to Wayne. Many complicated economic conversations that I never understood.  Will always remember those good times. Take care!

I was saddened to hear that Uncle Derek passed away.  Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. I was thinking about Derek’s unforgeable achievement, we feel very proud and comfortable. He will forever be missed.

Sending our condolences to you Aunt Mary, Jason and Justine! I always have such fond memories of how smart, warm and wonderful Uncle Derek was--and such a zest for life! I remember how enthusiastically he and Aunt Mary welcomed me during visits to Winnipeg  and Vancouver. I'm sorry we didn't get to see him and all of you more recently. We're sending you all love and hugs, and hoping you find comfort in all the wonderful memories you hold of him.

Dear Mary and family. We met on the high seas on an Oceania cruise and we clicked right away. I got to know Derek only for a short while, but I enjoyed his love of life and interest in so many things, including his art collection. Life is not fair when it steals such a vibrant person from his loved ones. I send my deepest sympathy
Jinny Slyfield

Gary and I send our deepest condolences to Derek and Marys family.
We met Derek thru Jay (Jason) in Costa Rica during one of their travels there.
We grew to appreciate them as neighbours and fellow Canadians and shared some good times.

Gladis and Gary Flatt

So sorry to eat of his passing.  I have very fond memories of Derek in school in Campbellton and then at Mount A.   I spent some time with him a few years ago in Moncton NB when he contacted me for a visit..   I admired his intelligence and humour so very much.   My very deepest condolences to his family.

Jay Ida and family 
very sorry for your loss. Reading 
the Obituary I became aware of what a great human being He was and the contribution to 
Society
Again our condolences to the
Family
Carmine and Lina La Rosa
((friends of Jay and Ida)

Thank you to Dr. Hum and Mrs. Hum for raising my dear friend Justine and for always welcoming me into their home. I cherish my memories of visiting Burnaby in 2023 while Justine and the kids were there. The Hums, of course, made me feel like family.
I enjoyed Mrs. Hum’s delicious cooking and neighbourhood recommendations, while reminiscing with Dr. Hum about the University of Manitoba, his research, and his students. The Manitoba Mincome experiment was groundbreaking. His appreciation for art stood out to me, and the love of travel they passed on to Justine is something I’ve been lucky to experience. Sending love to all the Hums.

OBITUARY

Derek Hum

30 November, 1944 – 18 April, 2026

Hamilton Harron Funeral Home

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