Derek was born in Lancashire England, where he started his banking career as a clerk in 1944. His career was interrupted by his military service in Berlin following World War II.
In 1951, he married the love of his life, Doris, a nurse and in 1956 they immigrated to Toronto, Canada with their eight-month-old son Steve. Later, his daughter Kathryn was born in 1962. He joined the Bank of Montreal as a clerk/manager in August 1956, and held a variety of positions in the bank, moving to a dozen different cities before retiring in 1979 as Senior Vice President of the Alberta Division. In 1980, together with an economist and two merchant bankers, he established a merchant bank (MerBanco) in Calgary. He continued to serve on the boards of two insurance companies, a bank, and two oil and gas companies after he moved to Victoria in 1986. He was appointed Honorary British Consul in Calgary in 1983, and served as a Director on the board of the United Way and as a Senator of the University of Calgary.
Derek and Doris enjoyed many travels and spending time with their grandchildren. Doris died in 2011 after 61 years of marriage. Subsequently, he married the second love of his life, Lois Lacheur with whom Doris and he had enjoyed a wonderful and caring relationship for 20 years. Lois died in 2021. He enriched his family and friends with his humour and positive approach to life. His children and their spouses will miss him greatly, and his grandsons, Bradley, Michael and Alastair will miss their Poppa.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Linda McGuire (Bromley)
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Tom Arnold Derek will be remembered by many in Victoria for his incredible philanthropy. Such a wonderfully kind man who quietly did a lot to help improve the lives of thousands of others in this community. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with both he and Lois, and will treasure my memories of them both. My deepest sympathies to the family.
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Brenda Wuin I have many memories of times spent with Lois and Derek on special occasions, family events and various other opportunities. We miss them both.
Sincerest sympathy to the family.
Brenda Quin
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Wendy Crone So very sorry to hear that Derek passed away, I have such fond memories of him and Doris with my Mum and Dad. Sending massive hugs to you all.
Wendy Crone
Steve and Kathryn. Deepest sympathies. I do not know what made me think of your dad today, but decided to gooogle his name just now. Have always wondered about your family. Lots of love. Linda McGuire (BROMLEY).