Mr. Arthur Art John Derksen

It is with profound sadness and a broken heart that I announce the death of my husband and best friend on Saturday, October 20th at Victoria General Hospital.

Art is survived by his wife of twenty-two years, Sandra Vincent. Art and Sandi were married on January 12, 1990 at Lake Tekapo, South Island, New Zealand, in The Church of the Good Shepherd – a dream realized. Art was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Nettie Derksen, his sister Esther Landry, his brother-in-law Eddy Landry, his brother Albert, sister-in-law Denise Derksen, and his father-in-law Bert Lemmen. Art is also survived by sisters Lydia Martens and Zelma MacDonald, sister-in-law, Patti Barnes (Tom), mother-in-law, Margaret Lemmen, as well as many nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly. Art treasured the special bond and relationship with his niece, Bev Vermette (Gilbert) and his nephew Robert (Bob) Martens (Lorraine), and was keenly interested in the fishing adventures of his nephew Geoff Barnes, a kindred spirit.

Art had many interests including not only fish but all marine life, in fact all life; the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi held special meaning for him. He was a voracious reader; world history and that of his ancestors was an ongoing quest, aviation history was a close second, along with every novel ever written by Clive Cussler, Ken Follet, John Grisham and James Michener.

Art was born on the family homestead at Gouldtown, Saskatchewan. At an early age the family moved to Manitoba, eventually settling in Morris, where Art received his early education. Art graduated from the University of Manitoba with both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree and after working for a short time in Wheatley, Ontario; he returned to Manitoba and joined the Fisheries Department of the Government of Manitoba. Art enjoyed a long and rewarding career as a Fisheries Biologist, latterly contracting with the federal department of Fisheries and Oceans. Art was the consummate biologist – the resource always came first. Art was an ethical and principled man and never strayed from his internal compass. He was a man of great moral integrity and his loyalty was unwavering.

Special, heartfelt thanks are extended to Dr. Brian Sharkey, Art’s long-time physician. His caring and compassion and respect for Art, which directed all his medical advice, are unsurpassed; his ministrations during Art’s last days were a comfort to both of us.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WaterCan Canada, the Parkinson Society of Canada, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, or the Winnipeg Humane Society.

At Art’s request, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will take place at 2 pm on Friday, October 26th at Church of the Good Shepherd, 933 Summerside Avenue in Fort Richmond.