Clayton Vincent Derochie

Clayton Vincent Derochie, age 83, of Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026 at Royal Columbian Hospital surrounded by his wife and sons. Born March 17, 1942, in Sydenham, Ontario, to parents Vincent Henry Derochie and Rose Anna Couvillon.

Clay was raised in LaSalle, Ontario, where he met the love of his life, Janet (Meloche), while still in high school. Together, they built a life defined by partnership, adventure, and devotion, moving throughout Ontario before eventually heading west to British Columbia, where they settled to raise their family.

Never one to sit still, Clay left high school and never looked back, later studying economics at McMaster University. A natural entrepreneur, he carved out a career that combined hard work, travel, and opportunity. After several years in the courier business with BDC Ltd and Loomis Courier, he and Jan founded Reliable Courier Service, a prominent business they proudly owned and operated together for 22 years. Clay also served as President of the BC Courier Association and the Vancouver Executive Association. In later years, he continued forging new paths through Derochie Holdings, Total Design Group, and Sterling Electric, where he enthusiastically embraced emerging industries, including LED lighting products and safe entry systems.

Clay was a man who believed if something needed doing, you did it yourself — or recruited your kids, with tools in hand. He and Jan remodeled their home not once, but several times to accommodate a growing family and a wide range of interests. An active man throughout his life, Clay loved boating and waterskiing on the lakes of Ontario and the Okanagan. He enjoyed most sports including downhill skiing, golf, racquetball and tennis. Known for the twinkle in his eye, and ever-present smile and signature moustache, Clay was fun to be around and instantly engaging. A devoted husband, proud father, and enthusiastic grandfather, he carried himself with warmth, confidence, and a touch of silver-fox charm that never went unnoticed.

Clay is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Janet; his four children Marc (Ilene), Greg (Cindy), Chris (Maureen), and Kim (John); his 11 cherished grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, his loving sister Linda, and countless nieces and nephews. There will be no service at this time. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a future date. Friends and family are encouraged to raise a toast to “the old man” with a pint of Guinness and share memories in his honour.