Edwin R. Derby Jr.

Edwin Derby Obituary

Edwin R. Derby Jr. of Billerica, Korean War vet; 77 BILLERICA Edwin R. Derby Jr., age 77, husband of Barbara A. (Pixley) Derby, died Wednesday, at their home. He was born in Johnson, VT, January 2, 1931, son of the late Edwin R. Derby Sr. and Cleo (Emery) Derby. He lived in Middlebury, VT before moving to Billerica 44 years ago. Mr. Derby served in the Army during the Korean War. Mr. Derby was employed as a Foreman for the Asplundh Tree Co. for over 30 years, prior to his retirement. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved spending time with his family, especially his eight grandchildren. He also enjoyed puttering around the house and spending time outdoors. Besides his wife of 48 years, Mr. Derby is survived by his 3 sons, Edwin Derby III and his wife, Paula and Timothy Derby and his wife, Valerie, all of Tyngsboro, and Jeffrey Derby and his wife, Mary of Dracut; his daughter, Aimee Krueger and her husband, Kurt of Chelmsford; his 2 brothers, Thomas Derby of VT, and George "Bud" Derby of FL; 3 sisters, Grace Billings of VT, and Mary Olsen and Margaret Ticehurst of VT; 8 grandchildren, Jeffrey Derby Jr. and Jessica Derby of Dracut, Bradley, Jared, Ryan and Kate Krueger of Chelmsford, and Edwin Derby IV, and Elizabeth Derby of Tyngsboro. Also survived by his many sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and his special sister-in-law, Addie Pollard who resided with them in Billerica. Mr. Derby was the brother of the late John Derby. DERBY Of Billerica, Nov. 5, Edwin R. Derby Jr. husband of Barbara A. (Pixley) Derby. Visiting hours will be held Friday at the SWEENEY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 66 Concord Rd., Billerica from 4-7 p.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01071. Funeral Directors W.J. and Dean M. Laurendeau.

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Published by Lowell Sun on Nov. 6, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Edwin Derby

6 Entries

Eric, Tina Krueger

November 8, 2008

To, the family of Ed Derby, our thoughts, condolences and memories. While not direct family there were many times we interacted at gatherings from a casual hello to a more in depth discussion about the outdoors. Rest in peace.

Kristen (LaGrassa) Erickson

November 7, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this very difficult time. It's been a very difficult year for us as well, and several others from the old neighborhood. On behalf of my family we would like to extend our condolences to you.

Michelle Barnes

November 7, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Derby family at this difficult time. May you happy memories keep your loved one with you always.

Michelle and Bill

Janet & Jay Penney

November 6, 2008

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Janice Ramsey

November 6, 2008

Dear Barbara and family:

Ray and I express our deepest condolances for your loss. This world has definately lost a very special man.

Ed and I worked together for over 10 years, up until his retirement. Ed had a stronger work ethic than anyone I have ever met. You would have thought he owned Asplundh given the amount he gave to them! Through all the hours he was away from his family though he spoke of everyone so often that I still remember all the names and stories all these years later. He was so proud of his kids! Back then the first grandchild, to Jeff and Mary, had just come along but I'll bet he was equally proud of all the others after him.

I will always remember Ed as the most important person in my career as a utility arborist. I could never thank him enough for all the guidance and friendship he gave to me. I thank all of you for sharing Ed all those long days he was away from home through storms and up and down events with the crews. We certainly did appreciate having him on our side!

Sincerely,

Jan and Ray Ramsey

Erin O'Donnell-Norrad

November 6, 2008

Barb & Family,

My heart is with you all. Your family, being there for each other, is the best support and comfort.

Words cannot express my feelings for Ed, but I'll try.

Ed was a man who loved his family and was never bashful about expressing this sentiment. Spending time with his grandchildren was a joy and priority in his life. He spoke of them endlessly and was a part of their everyday lives.

Ed was one of my Dad's (the late Wallace O'Donnell) oldest and dearest friends. Throughout my father's illness Ed provided much needed support, not only to Dad, but to all of us as well. Ed was a great visitor! They would talk for hours about: WORK; grandchildren: trucks; hydraulics; and the past 40 years! All the while sipping the Dunkin' coffee Ed brought with him. After my Dad passed, Ed was always patient with me, answering my questions or offering his opinion on topics I now couldn't discuss with my own Dad.

My family was lucky to have Ed and Henry (Beek) visit us in Canada. When it was time for them to return home, I selfishly tried to convince them to stay. Ed said he couldn't move to Canada - it was too cold!

I am fortunate to have known Ed and I will miss him forever.

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