Obituary of Derrick Gardiner Fife

Derrick was born in New Westminster, British Columbia on November 1, 1957, to Fran and Harry Fife, the oldest of 4 children.

He grew up in Coquitlam BC where he enjoyed many things outdoors and was a heck of a baseball player. It is here he attended school, and met Louise, the mother of his children.

As a young man Derrick was eager to get to work and be done with high school and early on, he found his passion for trucking. 

In 1978 Derrick and Louise welcomed their first child Jillian. They then married in the fall of 1979 and, in 1980 they welcomed their second child Raschel.  I can almost hear him say uh oh two of them. 

In the mid 1980s Derrick’s love for trucking took the family north to Fort Nelson, BC.  Here he worked for several different companies over the years, forming lifelong friendships with many of you here today. 

In 1995, Derrick became a proud Gramps with the arrival of his first grandchild Rylyn, it’s also the year he first went into business for himself with the purchase of his semi truck, the blue Freightliner.  He was beyond proud of both.  

In 2003 he welcomed his second grandson, Brennan.  He was beaming with pride all over again.  Then in 2005 his granddaughter Brooklyn was born. She was perfect he said. Grandpas’ Girl.

Derrick had another passion as well.  Fishing. He loved to fish and what made him happier more than anything was taking his friends and family out to the ocean and fish.  An adventure for all who went with him.  Its on these fishing adventures up and down the west coast where Derrick formed more lifelong friendships with many of you here today. I’m certain there are countless memories made from those trips.

Derrick also loved to travel abroad taking him to many places including Mexico, Australia and the Philippines. Its there, in the Philippines where he found his second home and when he sold his business and retired from trucking, he chose to escape the harsh winters of northern BC and spend it in paradise. While there, again, he was able to form special relationships with Wena and many other friends and loved ones.

Derrick is predeceased by his father Harry, mother Fran and beloved sister Dallayce.

He is survived by his brothers Geordie and Ian, mother of his children Louise, daughters Jillian(Arnie) and Raschel(Chris).Grandchildren Rylyn, Brennan and Brooklyn and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be a Celebration Of Life for Derrick April 26, 2024 at the Fort Nelson Curling Lounge.

Doors open at 4:00pm, eulogy at 5:00pm and a pig roast dinner at 6:00pm