Duane Arthur Derksen
July 2nd, 2021
Duane Arthur Derksen Born October 16, 1956, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, July 2, 2021 in his home town of Didsbury, Alberta, at the age of 64 years.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Denise Derksen (nee Coreman); his children, Tara Stewart (Chris), Lindsey Rion (Jeff), Brittany Derksen (James); grandchildren Alexis Stewart, Elizabeth, Isabelle, and Abigail Rion; parents,Aaron and Lydia Derksen; siblings, Rose and her husband Eric Goerzen, Norma Derksen, Garry Derksen and his wife Anita Michiel-Derksen; bother-in-law, Les Tronsgard; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and special people.
Duane had an incredibly full life. He didn't just have one job, he had many. Husband, father, son, papa, uncle, friend, companion, confidant, welder, truck driver, fixer, and most of all, Dairy Farmer. Duane sat on the Calgary Milk Producer Board that later became the Chinook Milk Producers.
The dairy industry was his main focus and passion, he started by watching his dad hand milk cows into cream cans, to seeing robots milking cows and doing the chores. He was witness to all the changes and new technologies that have come to the dairy industry.
He spent his life sharing his joy with others and sharing his love of music with all. If he wasn't singing he was laughing. Duane spent his life in service of God, always showing love, compassion, humility, and always lending a helping hand.
He has touched many hearts and lives and will be deeply missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Mennonite Disaster Services, MDS 200 – 600, Shaftesbury Blvd, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3P 2J1 or mds.mennonite.net.
Messages:
Denise, We have only just heard about Duane's passing. Much too soon! I have great memories of our times together in the barn. Please accept our sincere condolences, thinking of you and the family at his sad time.
I’m saddened to hear of Duane’s death. Besides being a second cousin, he was a dear friend. We rode the school bus together and had some great conversations. In later years he was always so encouraging. May God comfort his family.
I knew Duane from very early in his life, as we both grew up going to Bergthal Mennonite Church. We sang together in choir and in a smaller group of four guys. Duane always seemed friendly and relaxed and put people at ease. I am sorry for your grief but do celebrate that he could be part of your lives for these years.
Wonderful person. Our condolences.
Any time I had a chance to speak with Duane, he was kind, humble, so in love with his wife, his family, and happy doing the work he chose. He touched many lives and will be missed here on Earth until we meet again.
Myself, Simone, Aaron, Sophie Gausden Family, send our condolences to Denise and the girls, Duane was a wonderful, kind, loving man and give my family lots of lovely memories when we stayed with you all on the farm. I think about you all most days days passing our local dairy Farm in Kingsdown seeing the cows evert morning and evening puts a smile on my face reminding me of the good memories watching Duane milking. RIP ♥️
Was lovely to read how much of a well loved and hard working man your dad was. I know Aaron will greatly miss him, sad myself and the children didn't get to meet him. Love to you all and thinking of you all always
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of this very special man. I pray that God would comfort and surround you in you sorrow. Much love to you all ❤
I only met Duane once through my friend Randy Tronsgard. I was a young teenager 13 years old, however, I must say that I knew Duane was kind and special… I never forgot that encounter as short as it was… that does say a lot!!! God Bless his family and may God’s light and glory shine upon him…