Derek Andrew Ramsay

On November 24th, 2025, the world lost Derek Andrew Ramsay suddenly from a medical incident in Salt Lake City, Utah. Derek was the kind of person who brought profound meaning to every life he touched. He had a way of making people feel calm and at-ease even in difficult situations. People often remarked on what a great sense of humor he had and what an incredible boss he was. He tried to lead his employees and colleagues by an example of hard work and loyalty. Early in his life, he found a passion for basketball and began watching and practicing the game as often as possible. He could often be found shooting baskets behind his house with his father and brother, or at the high school with friends, and often on his own. He went on to play basketball for the University of Oregon, but due to unforeseen health issues, his early college career was paused. Despite this, he elevated the sport into something extraordinary to watch. He had a true gift and was pure magic on the court

Through true kismet, Derek found and forever cherished the love of his life, Kari, at the University of Oregon. They later moved to Utah where they built their life together. Derek and Kari were married 33 years ago in May of 1993. They shared a love that was pure and true and unwavering. Together they had three children, Emma, Isabelle, and Ethan. Derek was the kind of dad everyone should have. Dedication to his wife, children and family was unwavering and clear to all who met him.

One of Derek’s favorite things were sports, especially basketball and football, due in part to the strategic plays and sheer athleticism he witnessed and enjoyed. His devotion and (curious?) love for the Cleveland Browns NFL team, his hero Chris Mullin of the Golden State Warriors and Indiana Pacers, and the Oregon Ducks were some of his most endearing qualities.

Derek was a wonderful storyteller which translated most often into humor. He loved to share in laughter and particularly enjoyed the humor of Monty Python and the Flying Circus, the Naked Gun movies, any movie by Mel Brooks, Airplane!, and numerous other comedies. Derek also loved listening to and sharing music with others, and held a special admiration for people who could bring an instrument to life. Music by Prince, Erasure, Depeche Mode, Led Zepplin, the Rolling Stones, and many other eclectic bands, brought him joy. He adored cake donuts, particularly chocolate donuts, and loved chocolate of all kinds. But he rarely turned down a good juicy burger or a delicious pizza. He was also secretly a cat lover, though he would deny it if asked. He lived in England with his parents and his uncle Ian when he was little, and that was a cherished time that they all remember fondly. He and Kari and their children enjoyed traveling often to southern California, Oregon, Washington, Disneyland, on a cruise to the Caribbean, and to the East coast.

Derek had a kind, sincere soul, yet he was highly protective of his family and strived to be their shield. This was one of the reasons why he loved The Flash, Green Lantern, Batman, Cyclops, and other superheroes. DC, Marvel, GI Joe, Star Wars, and He-Man forever brought him joy and he was a collector of these things. Derek possessed a goodness that was so pure and almost childlike that he could be silly and tried not to take himself too seriously. We all need to remember that sometimes it is ok to be silly.

Derek loved the warmth and the joy of the Christmas season because it brought him back to the happiness of childhood. Most of all, Derek loved seeing his kids smile as they were truly the light of his life. Helping other people be happy, doing and fixing things for others, and overall making things right was a big deal for him and his pure heart.

Derek's legacy continues on through his wife and best friend Kari; his wonderful children Emma (Dylan), Isabelle (Oscar), and Ethan; loving parents, Andrew and Sheryl Ramsay; his brother Collin (Elan); his nephews Rowan (Bree) and Duncan; his mother-in-law Charlotte; brother-in-law Mike (Mary) and nieces/nephews Ken (Ele'), Abby (Skyler), Bill, and Jamie; sister-in-law Kelley (Joel) and nephew Ben; sister-in-heart Norma (Larry) and nephew/niece Ken (Ele’) and Mariana; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

If you made it this far, thank you! Thank you for reading about my love’s amazing life. Please feel free to share photos of him on here. I would love to see them. ~Kari

There will be a Celebration of Life memorial celebrating Derek's life on January 31, 2026 with details to come.

You can help Derek's family through this difficult time by donating to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-kari-ramsay-after-dereks-passing.

Alternatively consider donating to the American Heart Association and dedicate your contribution to Derek: https://www.heart.org/en/?form=FUNUSPGVDBJ