Edwin Victor Derkach

Edwin Victor Derkach, of Cambridge, Ontario, after a very sudden decline in his health passed away peacefully at the Stirling Heights Long-Term Care Home on February 25, 2024. Edwin was 91 years of age. Even though he lived a full life, his loss from diabetes complications was unexpected and his family is profoundly saddened.

Edwin was born on October 25, 1932, to Fred and Nellie Derkach in Insinger, Saskatchewan. He was one of four children; sister Merle (Late Albert); and brothers, late Cecile (Dora) and late Rudy (Virginia). Early in his youth, the Derkach family moved and settled in the hamlet of Ruthven, Ontario, just outside Leamington.

Edwin grew up working hard on the farm with his family in Ruthven, in the orchards and greenhouses tending the annual fruit harvest and growing flower business. He met Shirley Ann (Myronyk) from Leamington and had a wonderful 6-year courtship before marrying on October 25, 1958. Edwin and Shirley began to build a life together, trying their hand at farming, while building and working at the Leamington radio station. Edwin and Shirley went on to other business opportunities and moved their family to Scarborough, Ontario and later to the Stouffville, Ontario area where they spent many wonderful years. Edwin had a successful career as a business owner, manufacturing electronic componentry for electrical distribution, a business in which he later moved to Cambridge, Ontario area where he lived out his remaining years. After closing his business, he went on to work many successful years for Culligan Canada, becoming the oldest employee at 83 in their history. If not for a broken tibia, he would have been still there like the Maytag man; Edwin was always there at any hour, any time. Edwin was truly a dedicated and motivated business professional.

Edwin enjoyed many leisure activities, first as a recreational pilot, then taking it to the ground engaging in remote control model aircraft. He enjoyed many years coaching the baseball teams he sponsored, volunteering in youth hockey, engaging his three sons in 4 cycle cart racing, fishing and with his remaining time: dedicating extensive time and personal enjoyment in caring for the landscaping of the family home.

Two of his drumming legends were Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. Buddy Rich actually met Edwin in Leamington when Edwin was a drummer in his own band and gave him pointers on the drums.

He is survived by his wife Shirley and four children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They include his daughter Lisa "Lesia" Vandervet and late husband Deacon Paul; sons, Robert and wife Teresita; David and daughter Lindsay and great grandchildren Eva Grace and Ivan; and Richard and wife Angele and grandson Grant.

Edwin was an exemplary hardworking individual, ensuring long into his retirement, to be a supporting father to his wife and family’s needs. He was exceptional at everything he did, although faced with many obstacles and upsets throughout his life, Edwin had exceptional resiliency to bounce right back and live out a long and happy life, often exceeding the limits of what one might expect an individual to do.

His departure comes as a shock and is profoundly felt by his entire family who loved him deeply. Edwin will be remembered for countless things, expressly for his soft warm smile which lit up his icy-blue eyes. He made an impact on many lives. We love you and will miss you, Edwin, Dad "Tato", Grandpa "Dido".

The family deeply appreciated the support of the Stirling Long-Term Care Home during Edwin’s final years, as well as your continuing support for the family during this difficult time. A special thank-you to Dr. Elizabeth Mueller for her caring and loving compassion and to all the nurses and PSW's involved with our father's care. Thank you Brother Mark for your prayers and services for Edwin.

Relatives and friends are invited to Visitation at the Thorpe Brothers Funeral Home & Chapel, 96 West Street, Brantford, Ontario on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 10:30 am until the time of the Funeral Service in the Thorpe’s Chapel at 11:30 am. A sincere thank-you to Deacon Don Dudar for officiating. Edwin will be laid to rest at St. Elias The Prophet Ukrainian Catholic Church Cemetery in Brampton Ontario, on Monday March 4, 2024 at 12:30pm.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Ukrainian Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist would be appreciated by his family; where Edwin was a former parishioner.