Derrick Richard Lord

And then there was Derrick. Derrick Richard Lord was kind-hearted, generous, honest, loyal, humorous, witty, and exceptionally intelligent. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose family was always his priority. His friends and coworkers loved his sense of humor.

Derrick was born on August 8, 1954, at Parks Air Force Base in California. He grew up in Lodi, California alongside his two brothers, Dan and David, and his parents, Betty and Derrick. The boys loved spending their days playing with friends and neighbors on La Vida Drive, creating memories and friendships that lasted a lifetime. From an early age, Derrick was athletic and competitive. He excelled in swimming and golf while attending Tokay High School and later San Joaquin Delta College. He went on to attend California State University, Fresno, where he majored in Surveying and Photogrammetry, beginning a career that would ultimately leave a lasting impact throughout the Central Valley.

Derrick dedicated 28 years to the City of Visalia, starting out in the engineering department as the survey party chief. This ultimately led to him building and advancing the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) Program during the early emergence of ESRI technology. Serving as the City’s GIS Manager, he was respected for both his intelligence and leadership, earning recognition and accolades for his contributions and achievements in the field. Among these achievements included sharing with Caltrans the City’s basemaps for use toward construction of the Hwy 198 expansion.

In 1977, Derrick married the love of his life, Sue, and together they raised two daughters, Candace and Heather. They were married almost 49 years! He loved spending time with his family, whether taking trips to Pismo Beach, traveling in the family motorhome, or simply enjoying the outdoors together. Adventure, exploration, and quality time with family were always important to him.

As an adult, Derrick continued pursuing his passion for cycling, competing in multiple semi-professional 100+ mile races. He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time with friends on the golf course at the Valley Oak Golf Course in Visalia. Whether he was cycling, golfing, skiing, target shooting, working out at the gym, listening to music, BBQing, or escaping into nature, Derrick embraced life fully and enthusiastically. In retirement, he loved practicing on his guitar, going for long hikes near their cabin at Camp Nelson, taking leisurely trips to the coast and always perfecting his cooking skills.

One thing everyone knew about Derrick: he appreciated quality. If he bought something, he bought the best. It was simply part of who he was – thoughtful, discerning, and intentional in the way he lived his life. And perhaps one of Derrick’s favorite roles was being “Papa” to his four grandchildren: Isaiah, Glory Ann, Adam, and Jade. They brought him immense pride and joy. Derrick will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The world was truly a better place because he was in it.

Derrick’s Celebration of Life will be held at the Valley Oaks Golf Course in Visalia, CA on June 12, 2026 between 11:00am – 1:00pm.