To Derek’s family my name is Eric Dhabliwala and Derek was my friend, brother and mentor. 
 Derek and I first met when he came to Ohio to work for planet ocean. I was a fairly new instructor. And walks this young man Derek bounding cocky self assured no holds barred he introduced himself. I knew right away he was going to be a dear friend. We made many dives together and  taught classes together. Some fond memories of that time with Derek I’ll never forget after class or work on Tuesdays we would go to the Buckhorn Tavern and eat stuffed  prime rib and play trivia we were team PADI it was always such a good time . My heart is crushed today as I just found out that I’ve lost such a good friend. I just have no words. 

Just learned the news after texting Derek's mobile, not getting a response prompted me to find the terrible news online of his passing last month - I texted Derek a picture of John Candy and Steve Martin carrying Del's trunk near the end of Planes, Trains & Automobiles - a flick we both shared a great love for.  I had just watched the film tonight and thought of my old friend. 

Derek and I were neighbors and drinking buds in Alexandria, VA, before my move away in 2009 and his move to Portland shortly thereafter.

I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing - sadly, we had not been in contact with each other since i shared the news of my mother's passing in July 2020 on FB.  I left FB in November 2020.

To Derek's family - three years of my life were spent as his neighbor and drinking bud - we laughed, we fought, we cried - but we always carried on.  A year older than me, we were both stubborn Virgos - but we understood one another well.

To Derek's friends and professional friends - you know your life was made brighter by his entry into it.

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Zeller Chapel of the Roses

Derek Zeller

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Derek Arner Zeller

September 5, 1968 – November 28, 2021

Zeller Chapel of the Roses

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