Derek was very talented. He was a champion swimmer,the best among 3 champion swimmers, in the family, I think Illinois State Champion, in the backstroke.. I think. Derek was also a scratch golfer, on hard courses.. I wonder how many clubs, ended up in a lake... His hand wood planer ability, along with his expertise in the tools, made him a great woodworker. Like I posted above, he did excel in his abilities in the Air Force, and played golf, for the Air Force, for awhile, therefore getting good, and I believe, that he met Linda through golf.. So many other talents, and such a wiz, at current events, with right on observations.. He will be missed, especially Thanksgiving..Derek, and Linda both, can cook up some good eats.. His fishing prowess is 3rd, only to my older brother, and me, yet Derek could catch fish galore.. Always determined to know more, and be really good at things, and get a kick out of it, that's Derek..
I didn't know him personally, but I'll try and continue my life along the vain he took.
To Enjoy life, do my best at what I try, befriend as many as possible, and go away with people remembering me fondly.
RIP Derek, condolences to all who knew him and will miss him.
