Derek Charles Tinsley Gifford

In the early morning hours on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, Derek Charles Tinsley Gifford lost his short battle to Cancer at the age of sixty.

Derek is predeceased by his mother Beryl Tinsley Gifford. He will be remembered by his dad Frederick Gifford, sisters Brenda (Eric) Wallman, Christine Williamson, brother Trevor Gifford, niece Kayla Wallman, nephew Samuel Williamson and special family friend Pamela West; aunts, uncles, cousins, best friend Darrell (Anita) Krizak and their family, as well as friend and neighbour Chuck Hoff.

Derek was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on January 10, 1963. While living in Norwood, Derek received his first adopted pet from his cousin Karen; a dog named Chief which ended up with the nick name Digger, no explanation needed, and other pets followed. Derek enjoyed playing sports in school or a pickup game with friends. The family moved to Anola, Manitoba in 1977 where Derek certainly found the benefits of endless miles of roads for dirt biking. Upon finishing high school, Derek went to the Northwest Territories to live with his dad. He worked and enjoyed winters of snowmobiling before his return to Winnipeg where his new passion for off-roading led to tinkering on anything that had an engine because everything always needed to go faster.

While back home Derek started his lengthy career as a skilled flooring installer and was still working until his recent Cancer diagnosis.

Derek’s boisterous voice, his ability to get a good zinger in when you least expected it, sometimes-warped sense of humor will be missed by family and friends, as well as the endless repeated stories of being up north and his off-roading adventures.

Family and friends can take solace that Derek is no longer in any pain and is at peace.

As per Derek’s wishes, cremation has taken place, there will be no service and a private scattering of his ashes will take place at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Gifford family.