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Derek Miller Obituary
MILLER, Derek Karl June 30, 1969 - May 3, 2011 Derek passed away peacefully in the loving company of his family, following a long battle with cancer. He will be fondly remembered by his wife Airdrie, his daughters Marina and Lauren, his parents J. Karl and Hilkka Miller, as well as his many friends and relatives. Derek was a dedicated father and husband, a talented writer, singer, songwriter, musician, technologist and friend to many. Derek attended Burnaby public schools until grade 9, when he transferred to Saint George's Secondary School in Vancouver. Derek went to UBC where he attained a B.Sc. in Marine Biology, and a diploma in Creative Non-Fiction Writing. He also helped found two student newsletters, edited the student handbook, was elected to the Board of Governors, and worked for the UBC Alma Mater Society. An avid technology enthusiast, he was involved in digital communication early on, joining a fledgling group of "modemmers" in the pre-web days. Another passion of Derek's was music. After teaching himself to play drums and guitar, he went on to play in a series of bands and collaborate with many local artists, recording music, and travelling as far as Australia to play in the St. Kilda Festival. His music has been used in productions around the world, as he allowed his music to be used in other artists' productions. The family would like to thank the dedicated doctors and nurses at the BC Cancer Agency, and the Burnaby Home Hospice Palliative Care program through Fraser Health. The decision to set up a home hospice made Derek's end of life transition peaceful, comfortable and loving. Derek's greatest accomplishment was that as a loving husband and patient father. He spent many years as a stay-at-home dad. He was a loyal, devoted and supportive husband. Read more about Derek in his own words at: penmachine.com. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Aga Khan Development Network or your local Food Bank are encouraged. Donations to Derek's family can be made through the Miller Family Trust at any branch of Vancity Savings Credit Union (savings #475913 branch #17).
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90 Entries
Viet
March 20, 2024
I first read Derek's final blog post over 13 years ago. And it has stuck with me through the decades. Now that I'm 41 (and coincidentally with two daughters as well), I find myself seeking out Derek's post in moments of difficulties as his perspective and the peace he found during the later stage of his life was inspiring, reassuring, and comforting.
Thanks to Derek's family and friends for sharing his last thoughts with the rest of us. Thank you for your words Derek - your family looks to be doing well, they are happy, and they are loved.
S Demuynck
August 26, 2022
I was listening to Body in a Box (Dallas Green) and it always reminds me of you and your blog. I will forever be grateful you taught me that 2 spaces after a period was now irrelevant. :) I hope you are resting in peace, listening to amazing music. Miss your writings.
Shane
May 5, 2021
I was thinking of Derek yesterday at work right before his Dad commented about his blog. Never forgotten.
Kashif
May 4, 2021
Missing him very much. Still love to read his vlog archives.
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J. Karl Miller
May 3, 2021
Derek's penmachine.com blog is on-line again.
May 3, 2019
Derek was gone too soon, sad to lose such a talent and amazing son, father and wife.
Brbra
Karen SKLar
August 17, 2018
What happened to Derek's blog?
Kashif
August 16, 2018
missing derek and now his blog penmachine.com too..
Jennifer Walsh
May 9, 2018
I remember the day I came to work, and he told me the treatment wasn't working. I started to get upset and cry. He came down the stairs and gave me a hug. He was selfless in the face of his own pain and adversity. He was a kind, giving, wonderful person and a great listener. He is missed.
Jasmine Morel
May 3, 2018
We miss you everyday Derek. You will always be remembered and loved. You were an amazing man, wonderful father, son, husband, cousin and friend and I just feel lucky to have had the time with you and our family that I did. I see so much of you in your girls who are now beautiful young ladies that I am blessed to be able to spend time with and watch grow up.
I love you Derek and will hold you in my heart forever.
Karen Sklar
January 9, 2018
I just read most of Derek's blogs over the last few days and am very touched and glad to share a bit of the legacy he worked so hard to make sure would be there for me and others. I appreciated his wisdom, envied his abiding fascination and engagement with so many topics and pastimes and admired his love and devotion to his family. When I try not to end my sentences with two spaces after the period, I will think of Derek. To his family and friends: I hope the passage of time has greatly eased the pain of your loss.
May 4, 2017
An amazing young man, gone to soon. Thinking of you Hilkka, Karl and family.
Barbra
Kashif
May 4, 2017
Miss you Derek
Mom and Dad
May 3, 2017
Six years today since Derek died. We think about him daily.
Kok ming Goh
October 29, 2016
Thanks Derek and his family for sharing your stories in those blog online . I may be in Singapore but still is grateful to learn from your blog. Will try to pass on these wisdom to others too.
Kashif
May 7, 2016
Love you Derek.
May 4, 2015
Hard to believe that it's been four years since Derek died. There'll be a void in our lives forever.
May 4, 2015
Gone too soon, never forgotten. It was so sad to lose you and Ray.
Kashif
May 4, 2015
You changed my views about life, I'll never forget you.. Love you Derek.
Sirkka Morel
May 3, 2015
We miss you so much Derek...we think of you and Ray all the time...life is not the same.
Elena A.
May 9, 2014
Always coming back to read Derek's blog.
I hate that an amazing person, father and husband had to go through that and pass away so young. A true loss.
Luckily you've been able to spread your thoughts and words and music all around, and this legacy remains for all of us.
A big big hug to all your family.
A fellow atheist from Italy
Kashif
May 5, 2014
Miss you Derek
Barbra Goldman
May 4, 2014
Derek you left a footprint on everyone who knew you. The legacy that you left of the man you were is a special gift. Your inspiration will always live on.
Barbra
Shane Hendricks
May 4, 2014
Derek, you're very much missed. Peace to all his family and friends.
Bryan Page
May 4, 2014
I never met Derek but his voice became my friend. His contribution to the Inside Home Recording podcast was very valuable to me and I learned a lot as he accompanied me on long car journeys. A great and brave man, still missed.
Meredith Miller
May 3, 2014
I miss you so much
Jean-Hugues
May 3, 2014
I'll never forget.
Isabel Ribeiro
August 2, 2013
I was googling for a radiotherapy image so that I could use it on a Chemistry lesson about Noble gases when I stumbled up on your son's Flickr account. I saw there no pictures after 2011 and I wondered what had happened and then I found his blog. I was just looking for an image, and I ended up discovering a brilliant and engaging writer. I was very touched reading his story and sorry that he had to leave this world so young and in such a way. I wish his family well.
Kashif Farooq
April 24, 2013
I can never forget Derek's last post words, after reading his post my views about life are very much changed now.. Thanks Derek for showing me how much family is important for us.
Stella
March 21, 2013
I seriously miss hearing Derek's take on so many world events. A very special writer.
Eunice Sarmet
December 12, 2012
I found Derek when he wasn't anymore with us on earth. Congrats for such wonderful guy!
May 21, 2012
Remembering Derek and thinking of his family and friends.
Ann Nemesh
May 21, 2012
Remembering Derek and thinking of his family and friends.
Nick Craig
May 9, 2012
Derek was an amazing person! Prayers go out to his family and friends.
Barbra Goldman
May 5, 2012
Remembering Derek and the wonderful person he was. His legacy will always live on.
Barbra Goldman
Rebecca Palmer
May 3, 2012
Remembering Derek and thinking of his family & friends x
Norbert & Christine
May 3, 2012
Derek will never be forgotten! We are thinking of you all.
A. Bermudez
May 3, 2012
Remembering Derek, today...
March 30, 2012
Thank you Sir.
Patricia Edmonds
February 10, 2012
He had a gift for writing and loved his family beyond measure. I so enjoyed reading his words. His parents raised a fine man.
Rachel S
November 27, 2011
Thank you for your openess and honesty and for allowing me into your own personal and courageous battle. Your story has touched the lives of many and your legacy will live on. My heartfelt sympathies go out to Derek's loved ones.
November 8, 2011
We miss you and love you Derek. Forever.
Jasmine and Angelyna
Bobbi Shellard
May 16, 2011
My best wishes and strength goes out to you and your girls, dearest Airdrie. May you be supported and loved by everyone who was lucky enough to know your dear love Derek. Be well my friend. Be well.
Orvin Lau
May 13, 2011
Thank you Derek for being such a good friend to us all, whether it was in person or in your writing. Even when fate threw cruel obstacles such as diabetes and cancer your way, you were always positive and faced destiny with dignity. We have really been blessed with and thank you for everything that you brought to this world, and we will all greatly miss you. Our thoughts are with your family and loved ones. Rest in peace.
Chris Pearson
May 12, 2011
I have spent some time reading his blog. What a truly gifted person. My heartfelt condolences go out to his entire family.
The Sun filled Warmth of Derek over head ....
Mike Shields
May 12, 2011
May 12, 2011
In listening of the story of Derek, and his fight with Cancer,. . is touching, . and affected all the family and friends as he struggles to overcome . In looking at various blogs, it helps to release and heal the area of your inner self.
Years back, .. my Grand mother offered me a very special
course, .. " Dale Carnegie " self Improvement Course, ..
and at age 22, . . I really enjoyed it, . but I did not know till later on in life the real importance of the various memories.
At age 44, I suffered a massive Stroke, . no warning, .. No history, it just happened. It has taken me 5 1/2 yrs now . to overcome .. the ability to Speak, Read, and Write again.
The Doctors do not know what caused it, .
They comment, it's a miracle in the as usually the connection is lost between the Nerve and the various actions.
In closing, .. what i used , to help in my time of healing going back to a important memory of the Dale Carnegie course, . " if a Lemon is presented, look at the Positive and not the Negative, and make Lemonade " .
god bless. ... in your time of grieving ...
lesley taylor
May 12, 2011
I just watched Derek's story on Canada am. Thank you Karl for sharing his amazing story at this time of immense grief. I am so inspired by Derek. He is courageous, astute, smart and lived his life well.I have such empathy for his family yet I knew his courage will make it possible for his family to move forward and rejoice in a life well lived. Derek is an inspiration and model for the rest of us.
Erika Hoogesteger
May 11, 2011
In life, Derek rocked everything he did. I am enriched by his candid writing and his beautiful photography. I send my love to Airdrie, Marina, Lauren, as well as to Big D's parents.
Kindly, E
Pam and David Drucker
May 11, 2011
You are in our thoughts and have our deepest sympathy. May you find comfort from all he's written. Truly an amazing husband, father, son, man.
Andrew Flostrand
May 10, 2011
By taking the time and making the efforts to share his thoughts with us, Derek's intellect and warmth will shine and inspire for many many years to come.
Rosemary Gretton
May 10, 2011
To Airdrie, Marina and Lauren, Karl and Hilkka,
What a lovely, moving tribute to a truly remarkable man.
I was so sad and sorry to read Derek's last blog. It was a privilege to serve with him on the board of the BC branch of the Editors' Association of Canada several years ago. He was friendly, smart, funny, talented, helpful...and he wrote so eloquently and honestly.
My deepest sympathies to you as you mourn the loss of husband, dad, son. Derek K. Miller: writer, editor, web guy, drummer, dad, photographer, blogger--and friend, mentor and inspiration to so many. His words will live on.
Wishing you peace.
Adrienne Montgomerie
May 9, 2011
Thank you for sharing your love and your journey. We have learned a lot about living, and about dying well.
Giovanna Gerencser
May 9, 2011
My deepest sympathies to your family..
What a life.
What a story.
What a man..
What a family..amazing.
Kari Hentzelt
May 9, 2011
Much love and peace to the Miller family... I can't even convey how sorry I am :(
Carol Zhong
May 8, 2011
Derek was a wonderful person and a greater writer who inspired many people. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to all his family.
Sharon Tammen
May 8, 2011
We love you and were thinking of you and Airdrie and the girls. With love,
Martin and Sharon
K. Mayrs
May 8, 2011
From our family to yours Airdrie, we send our deepest sympathies to you, your girls and your extended family. We are sending warm and loving thoughts your way through this very difficult time.
Bill, Sherry and Jordan
May 8, 2011
Like Terry Fox, your life, your words and your example have made the world a better place.Our family grieves with you and celebrates a great man.
Steven Schwartz
May 7, 2011
You were a wonderful friend to me. I will miss our late night talks. You opened your home and your family to me when I was at my weakest and offered me comfort. I miss you. Your humanity I hope will someday make me a better man.
I will always look out for your family like I promised you I would
Kim Heinrich
May 7, 2011
Thank you Derek for teaching so many, including myself, to truly live life to its fullest, and not to worry so much about the small stuff....you will be missed!!
Lynda Coutts
May 7, 2011
To Marina and family,
I remember your dad well from my days at Chaffey-Burke School. He was always involved and proud and caring with his daughters. Please accept my deep felt sympathy at your loss. I read his blog, and it touched me deeply how he was able to express himself. I could see you all were dearly loved.
Eileen Muzzin
May 7, 2011
Sincerest condolences to you and your family, Airdrie. I wish you comfort in the knowledge that many were touched by Derek's work and talent, and that you have a wonderful group of friends and family to support you.
Jasmine Morel
May 7, 2011
Derek, you are a light and an inspiration that we will all keep in our hearts forever. I miss you and I love you always. Airdrie, Marina, Lauren, Karl and Hilkka, Angelyna and I are blessed to have you guys as our family. I love you Derek
Love always,
Jasmine and Angelyna
isabell mori
May 7, 2011
my thoughts are with you, airdrie, and with your family. the inspiration that derek has brought into the world is truly awe-some.
Shane Hendricks
May 7, 2011
You made a huge mark in this world. Best of luck in the next reality! You will be missed.
Gail and Ralph Hislop
May 7, 2011
Ralph and I will miss our dear son-in-law Derek. He loved our daughter greatly and was in awe of Marina and Lauren from the moment they were born. We admired the respect he showed his parents and his pride when he talked about his mother.
Rest well penmachine.com
Deb Thomas
May 7, 2011
Airdrie, Marina, Lauren, Mr. and Mrs. Miller, and family:
Who knows why bright lights fade too quickly? Derek meant so much to so many, and he left us far too soon.May you find comfort in the love of all the people who were touched by Derek's passion, talent and friendship. He loved you all so very much...
Shalom
Christine Thomas
May 7, 2011
My condolences to Airdrie, Marina, Lauren and the rest of the family. The world lost a bright light this week. Derek will be missed by the many people he touched through his various interests. I know that I am indebted to him for sharing information with me when I was making a critical decision. Derek will continue to shine on through his family.
Barb Adamski
May 7, 2011
You were a wonderful man, Derek. The way you both lived and died has been an inspiration to me and many others.
Kimli Welsh
May 7, 2011
I admired you in every way, Derek. You will always be missed.
Stacie Bee
May 7, 2011
I can't imagine what your parents, Airdrie and the girls are going through. I keep thinking that I'm so happy you were feeling well enough last October to make it out for my birthday. I feel honoured to have called you my friend and I'm going to miss you so much, Derek. ?
Sandra
May 7, 2011
I had never heard of Mr Derek Miller before this morning but today I have read his blog from beginning to end and wow what an amazing, brave and inspirational man. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
kerry kolodiazny
May 7, 2011
A great drummer!Thanks Derek!
"Hairy Kerry" drummer
(ROCKEN,DANDELION WINE)
Christian & Wendy Volkaert
May 7, 2011
The whole world is mourning the loss of your exceptional man, there are no words that can take your pain away, and for that we are so deeply saddened. Our only hope is that you will find the comfort you need in the love of your sweet angels that are so much a part of Derek, as well as yourself. If we can help in any way, please let us know.
Tim Gladney
May 7, 2011
I met Derek back in pre-web days, as part of the Apple Alliance, almost 30 years ago. The internet reacquainted us. We have parallel interests and families, and I was impressed by his blog and was a daily reader for years. When the tweets stopped, my heart sank. His ideas on religion, death, and family are all terrific, and I encourage his family to self-publish @penmachine on Amazon so more can see how tremendous a thinker he was. Please consider setting up a trust with a national bank, or publish an email address/paypal address so more can contribute to his family.
He will be missed.
Paul Garay
May 7, 2011
You always inspired me to be a better father, husband, & friend to everyone. I will miss you, Derek.
Marina Miller
May 7, 2011
You were as my mom says, the best dad, husband, and man in the world. That is why we cry as much as we do. The only reason you are going viral is because of your great achievements, and your amazing personality. I will think of you every day for the rest of my life and will never forget you as the dad that I was the lucky to be the daughter of.
Raul Pacheco-Vega
May 7, 2011
You touched my life and changed it in many more ways than you could ever imagine, Derek. I treasure the time I spent with you and the friendship that reading our blogs sparked. Hilkka, Karl, Airdrie, Marina, Lauren: thank you for sharing Derek with us. You all have a place in my heart nobody else can occupy.
May 7, 2011
We love you and will miss you Derek. Our sincerest condolences to Airdrie, Marina, Lauren, Karl, Hilkka, and the rest of the family. We are here with our full support.
Kerry Anne, Jeff and Clive
John McTeague
May 7, 2011
never had the pleasure to meet you in person but mourn your family's loss
Steven Schwartz
May 7, 2011
Derek you were my friend even when I was not an easy friend to be with. Your support and humanity gave me much strength. I will miss our talks and I will miss you. Thank you again for all the things only you and I will know about.
J.Karl Miller
May 7, 2011
A part of us died with you...
Forever loved,
Mom and Dad
Barbra Goldman
May 7, 2011
Derek made the world a better place and will be greatly missed. My condolences to his wonderful family that he loved so much. Derek's legacy will go on and we can all learn from him. Rest in peace Derek you did good and made the most of your short life. Love Barbra
John & Rita Sikes
May 7, 2011
The short life of a remarkable person has come to an end. Derek was talented in so many diverse fields yet his unrelenting compassion for others is what made him so special. Our thoughts and condolences go to his family.
May 7, 2011
We will always love you and miss you.It's hard to be without you. Much love Auntie Sirkka and Uncle Real.
Terry & John de Castell
May 7, 2011
The world won't be the same without Derek. We will all have to get used to that. But he left a wonderful legacy behind in the beautiful family unit that he became with Airdrie, Marina and Lauren. I know that Derek was a steadfast atheist, but for myself, I hope that deep in the night when all is quiet and dark, I can find him somewhere deep within my spirit and still be able to reach out to him. John & I will miss Derek, but will always be there for Airdrie, the girls and Karl and Hilkka. xx
Arieanna Schweber
May 7, 2011
In every way, you inspired us all. You are missed.
Cristina Ortiz-Mattingly
May 7, 2011
Derek was a true inspiration and a light that was always shining through his words! He will be missed deeply and he impacted the lives of many around the world. I never met him, yet his life changed mine forever. Condolences to His wife, Airdrie, his two daughters and his parents. Sending love to all of you at this moment, may Derek be in peace.
Alexis Kienlen
May 7, 2011
I only met Derek once, but read his blog on a regular basis. Just wanted to send my condolences to all family members. I am very sorry for your loss.
Airdrie
May 7, 2011
I loved you, my darling.
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