Derril Edward Mann

Derril Edward Randall Mann, 88, dedicated husband, fantastic father, fun-loving grandfather and a true friend, passed away Monday, April 10, 2023 in Kelowna, BC. He was born September 1, 1934 in Rimbey, Alberta. Raised by Violet and Alex Clark. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1954 where he met the love of his life, Valorie Land, and married on June 13, 1955 in Centralia, Ontario. His Air Force career spanned 26 years and was stationed in numerous places including Portage La Prairie Manitoba, 4 Wing Zweibrucken Germany, Cold Lake Alberta, Greenwood Nova Scotia, and Namao Edmonton Alberta where he retired from the service in 1980. They moved to Kelowna BC soon after and worked at Copytron for 15+ years before retiring.

Derril was a sweet compassionate caring person, who was honest with strong moral principles that found the good in all people. No matter what the challenge or request, he gave his all to ensure he exceeded all expectations whether for himself or for others. He leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family and friends who were always entertained by his larger than life stories and his infectious sense of humor. He loved to get together and always enjoyed his happy hour with his glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. Desserts were always his favorite part of the meal. Ice cream, cake, cookies, butter tarts. He wasn’t picky. He loved them all. Dad never learned to cook so he was always thankful for a home cooked meal, never leaving anything on his plate due to his modest upbringing.

Besides raising five children; Shelley, Brenda (predeceased in 1979), Brian, Mike and Laurie, he was an “all-in” family man. Between various side jobs to support the family, he was an avid sports enthusiast. Derril was an outdoor guy who loved to walk, hunt, fish, golf and camped extensively. He was a talented “Jack of all Trades” building a camper which was used for years. He loved Christmas, cutting down the “right” tree when the kids were young and especially decorating the house with numerous lights. He was thrilled to hold the top decorated house award in “Sunrise Village” on numerous occasions.

He was active in Cold Lake Search & Rescue, a long time Legion member and year after year in his retirement, volunteered to sell poppies on Remembrance Day. Dad took his military career seriously and was well respected amongst his peers. He worked his way up through the ranks and was proud to be a Veteran, proud to be a Canadian and was most proud of his family and cherishing his loving wife, Val.

Derril will never be forgotten but forever remembered and missed by all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Rest in peace, Pops.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com for the Mann family.