He was predeceased by his mother Carol, and is survived by his parents, Greig and Karen; siblings: Eldon; Daniel (Jasmine); Kristen (Kalen); and Chelsey (Jay); grandmother, Grace; numerous uncles, aunts, cousins; and will be deeply missed by his 9 nieces and nephews.
Derek graduated with distinction from the Alberta College of Art and Design with a Bachelors of Design and worked for several years as a freelance artist and illustrator. He also shared his incredible artistic talent working with children to create a mural that can be viewed at the Boys and Girls Club of Calgary in Forest Lawn.
In the more recent years he had discovered a deep rooted passion for gardening. Derek enjoyed his time as an urban micro-green grower, and was well-known in his Sunnyside community for the stunning transformation of his front yard garden.
Family, faith and service were all foundational elements in Derek’s life. He volunteered as a summer camp counselor, a youth worker in the Dominican Republic and at the Boys and Girls Club of Calgary. As of late, one of Derek’s greatest joys came from teaching daily online art classes, followed by games of chess with the “McAllister Tribe” (five of his nine nieces and nephews).
He freely shared his time, creativity and giftedness with so many impoverished youth during a full year of volunteer work with the TEARS Ministry in the Dominican Republic. His investment in the lives of the TEARS School children and their families is treasured by so many in the Maria Auxiliadora barrio.
Derek had a smile and gentle spirit that were well-known and that will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Blessed are those who delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1:1-3 (Paraphrased)
For family and friends so wishing, charitable donations in memory of Derek may be made to the Education Fund (TEARS School) through Partners in Deed: https://www.partnersindeed.com/donate
A private Funeral Service will be held Friday, April 9, 2021 at 2 pm at Foster’s Garden Chapel Funeral Home & Crematorium with Rev. Keith D’Eall officiating. The service will be live-streamed starting at 1:45 p.m. (MDT) on Friday, April 9, 2021 with service to start at 2:00 p.m. Please see the donation section for the link to his webcasting, for the password, please contact Foster’s Garden Chapel at 403-297-0888.
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