Derek Philip Chambers

August 12, 1930 to October 26, 2017

The family of Derek Phillip Chambers is sad to announce his passing on October 26 after a short illness. Derek is survived by his brother Roy Chambers and Roy’s daughter Joyce, his sister-in-law Eleanor Hanley, four nieces and nephews, Joan (Tony) Ranere, Patricia (William) Roe, Mark Hanley (Didi) and Paul Hanley (Haleh) and his extended family of great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his close companion and care giver Darlene Perlstrom. Derek was pre-deceased by his loving wife Leona, his parents Margaret (Young) Chambers, his father John (Jack) Chambers, brother Paul Anthony Chambers, sisters-in-law Virginia and Eleanor Hanley and brother-in-law Paul Hanley and his great nephew, Adam Roe.

Derek was born in Hornsey, in county Middlesex England in 1930. He attended boarding school in England, as was the custom at the time. At age 12, in about 1942, Derek travelled alone by ship to Venezuela in order to get to his parents and safety as the war in England intensified. He described the voyage as pure hell. Although he happily became a Canadian citizen in 1966, he retained some of England in his expressions and fondness for English sweets and food. His father travelled extensively as an executive in the Caribbean Petroleum Co. and Shell Oil. The family lived in London, Venezuela and New York City finally settling in Victoria BC. Derek married Leona Hanley June 29, 1974 at St. Andrews Cathedral in Victoria where they spent their married life. Derek and Leona both loved to laugh and have a good time, they were great hosts. They enjoyed entertaining and their home was always open to friends and family. Derek was a self-employed painter and decorator much in demand painting homes and businesses throughout Victoria. He and Leona and his sisters-in-law and Eleanor and Paul Hanley travelled throughout Canada, the USA and Europe. One of their favourite trips together was to Hawaii and going back to Hawaii remained on Derek’s bucket list. Derek was an avid photographer and his photos hung in their home and on the walls in our family home in Regina. Derek loved going out on his boat and one of our family’s favourite memories involved taking his great nephew out in the boat, age about 6, and helping him catch his first big salmon. Derek also loved motorcycles and enjoyed riding around the island, wearing a black leather jacket which gave him a bit of a rebel look. Derek had a great love of good food and liked nothing better than taking us and his friends out to eat. He had very eclectic tastes and loved to try new cuisine. In later years he loved to take us to a "little chicken place" for a fun meal. Derek was a stylish guy and loved getting dressed up to go out with friends and family. He was a great reader and followed politics and world events up until the end. One of his great treats was candy and his friend Darlene kept the supply coming. Derek was a kind and good man, and he will be missed.

The family would like to thank Victoria General Hospital and in particular Dr. Tiislar , nurse Natalie, care-aide Amber and staff for their excellent and thoughtful care. Dr. Myles, Derek’s long time physician, was an outstanding practitioner and we thank him for all he did for Derek. We would also like to thank Berwick Royal Oak Retirement Community, Nurse Jennifer and staff for giving Derek a close community of support and friendship. Great thanks must also go to Darlene Perlstrom for her friendship and care of Derek over the last 10 or more years. She was a great companion who helped him live a full life until his last days.