Derek Johnathon (#19), died on May 3, 2003, at 11:25 p.m. In only 21 years of life he had more experiences than most of us ever will.
In John 10:10b, Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest." If anyone ever lived out this gift, it was Derek. His life was a continuous testimony of how great a time we can create on earth, if we choose to. Derek could turn even the most ordinary day into an adventure. He could not contain his love and joy inside him; we always saw him smiling and laughing. It is this joy that will remain with us. The passion in Derek was contagious to everyone around him. We thank God for the time we shared with our Superstar. We have many memories of the full life Derek lived. During this time of sorrow, we remember that Derek would be the one to make us all laugh, even in a time we thought we could never smile again.
His time here was shared with his parents, Tom and Maria; his siblings, Rosie and Ryan Janzen, April and Danny Ferguson, and Andy; his grandparents, Maria and George Siemens, and Esther and Frank Zomar; his great-grandmother, Emily Szanto, his aunts, uncles, cousins; along with countless extraordinary friends, Abbotsford Pilots team mates and fans. A hockey bursary has been established through the Abbotsford Foundation, in honour of Derek's passion for life and joyous spirit.
Viewing will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2003, at 7:30 p.m., in Emmanuel Mennontie Church, 3471 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford. Burial will be on Friday, May 9, 2003, at 1:00 p.m., at MacLure Road Cemetery (off Abby-Mission Highway). A celebration of Derek's Life will be held at 2:30 p.m. in Emmanuel Mennonite Church, followed by a Reception, where there will be opportunity to share your stories.
P.S. Derek can no longer be reached at chickenkiller-dm@hotmail.com, he has a new home address in heaven.
You are invited to sign the family's on-line Book of Condolences at:
www.personalternative.com
then click on "Memorial Register"
PERSONAL ALTERNATIVE FUNERAL SERVICES
604-857-5779