Mr. Deryck Bruce Matthews

Deryck was born to Brynley (Taffy) and Jean Matthews February 25th. 1935 in Lamont Alberta. Mother Jean, sister Leslie and Deryck moved from Lamont to Deep Cove on Vancouver Island to live with grandparents while Taffy was overseas.

When the war ended the Matthews family moved into Victoria in the Gordon Head area. Deryck went to several elementary schools starting with Deep Cove. He carried on to Victoria Jr. High. When he dropped out of school he had a variety of jobs including delivering telegrams, working at the ship yards and taking a dental mechanic course. I have missed out a few short term endeavors I’m sure.

Deryck and Lea met when at age 14 and 18 they lived next door to each other .Lea had a summer babysitting job for her cousin s children and Deryck boarded next door. The romance lasted through the summer mainly going for walks in the evening. Lea returned to Nanaimo and Deryck joined the weather ship and did not meet until Lea was back in Victoria at school and he was in the navy. Lea found him in a coffee shop when she was out with college roommates. The romance restarted.

When Deryck retired from the navy he moved to Nanaimo where Lea was teaching. He proposed December 19th. 1958. The wedding took place August 22nd, 1959. Deryck and Lea moved to Surrey where Lea began teaching and Deryck worked for the D.N.D in Ladner (in communications a follow up from his navy career)

Over time, Kelley, Brent and Dale were born thus beginning his love of his kids and his involvement in everything they did. He spent many years coaching both sons in lacrosse (from age 6 until mid teens) through these lacrosse years he valued both his teams and their parents. Winters were spent being involved with Brent’s hockey team. Deryck has been a sports fan for many years as a participant and a spectator (a devoted Detroit Tiger fan from the age of 10)

When the wireless station in Ladner closed Deryck started his own business Lullaby Diaper Service associated with Stork Diaper Service, he later became the biggest shareholder and manager of Stork. The business was eventually sold but Deryck found after a few weeks of retirement that he needed to be busy. He started delivering for Highland Florist in Langley starting a “love affair” with his girls at the shop that has lasted these many years

He has spent all of his life being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

MATTHEWS, Deryck Bruce February 25, 1935 - April 17, 2010 He is survived by his loving wife Lea, children Kelley (Brad), Brent (Andrea) (Angelita), Dale (Ana), grandchildren, Carly (Bobby), Casey (Anne), Cara, Dyson, Jayden, Montana, Arizen, great-granddaughters Dilynn and Taylor, sister Leslie, nephews Ric (Naomi, Naia and Zoey) and Rob and niece Teresa. Deryck was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend (especially to dog Cairo). He had a long successful career as a lacrosse coach in Surrey where he coached both his sons. He loved playing cards and was considered a card shark by many. A Celebration of Life will be held at Coyote Creek Golf Club 7778 152nd Street, Surrey, B.C. on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 between 6-9 pm. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation to Langley Memorial Hospital. Condolences may be offered at www.hendersonslangleyfunerals.com

Arrangements under the direction of Henderson's Langley Funeral Home, Langley, BC.