Derek John Greig Gilchrist

Derek passed away suddenly after many health issues. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and emigrated to America in 1948 at the age of 10. He loved to reminisce about his boyhood in Scotland and the “war years”. He enjoyed sharing his memories, living at the fire station, playing golf with his big brother, chasing rabbits, and going to Coldingham on “Holiday”.

Golfing after learning as a “wee lad” was his favorite activity, and we as a family enjoyed many happy times on and off the golf course. After working 18 years at Zellerbach Paper Company, he “retired” and became an entrepreneur. He acquired and operated an ARCO AM/PM, which helped him launch a successful golf cart rental business in 1998 that is still thriving today.

Derek loved running in his younger years and was proud of his accomplishments on the track team at CK McClatchy High School. As a Masons of California member, he really enjoyed playing a role as a Keystone Kop back in the early days of the Pig Bowl at Hughes Stadium in Sacramento. He was a scratch golfer with many tournament wins over the years, and with a knack for providing great tips, he was able to help just about anyone with their golf game. He was so proud of his sons and grandson and loved coaching & teaching them on the soccer field, baseball diamond, or the golf course. He was tough but always fair and caring. For many years, he really enjoyed spending time at our cabin in Tahoe Donner playing golf, of course.

Derek was a very devoted and loving husband and father. We will miss him and cherish the time we had together. He was preceded in death by parents James (Scotty) and Jessie Gilchrist. Survived by his loving wife Phyllis, son & daughter-in-law Derek & Maryanne, son Jeff, Grandson Jaxon, brother Edward (Lottie), sister Anne (Bill) Gwinn, and many nieces & nephews.

Please send remembrances to his favorite charity, the Shriners Hospital for Children.