William Derek "Derek" Kasparoff

1970 - 2011

William Derek Kasparoff, formerly of Juneau, died April 29 in Anchorage. Derek, as he was known to his friends, was born February 24, 1970 in Oceanside, CA to James A. and Donna J. Kasparoff. He grew up in Oceanside, graduating from Mountain Valley High School. He moved to Alaska in his early thirties, first to Juneau and more recently to Anchorage.

Derek loved to surf, scuba dive, and play his guitar. A favorite pastime was to take his dog "Pawsha" to the beach for games and play.

He worked as a boat builder, construction worker, and chef. Always he had time for friends and loved to make new ones. He liked to make them smile when they were down. When they needed help he gave as much as he could.

Those who knew Derek will miss him greatly and pray that God will be there to light his path as he goes on his journey. The world has last lost some of its gold.

In addition to his parents, Derek is survived by his daughter, Stormy Brianna, sisters Debra and Alyssa, and longtime girlfriend, Shelley Miller of Juneau, as well as Anchorage loved ones Andrew and May Navarro, his God-daughter, Alycia Love Navarro, and many others.

A remembrance gathering was held in his memory Saturday May 21 on Portage Blvd.