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Derek John Painter
1988 - 2014
Derek John Painter
1988 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1988
DIED
2014
Derek Painter Obituary
Born January 15, 1988
Chose to leave March 31, 2014
Derek is an exceptional human who has always sacrificed himself to help others. He is gifted with an intelligence so boundless and strength of will so intense that there are no goals too lofty. For those whom he held closely the rough façade gives way to an immeasurable sensitivity.
He cares deeply for those less fortunate than himself and those who struggle through day to day life. He has volunteered countless hours to the National Abilities Center, tutored his fellow students, and joined the Army after college to serve his country as a Special Forces medic. Derek cares so intensely it was often times painful.
Born and raised in Park City, Derek graduated from PCHS in 2006 and the University of Utah in 2011.
Derek leaves behind a loving family, parents Jill and George and brother Ian, as well as countless family and friends. All who miss him dearly.
Please join us for a party to celebrate Derek's life. Thursday April 10th 5pm – 8pm at Park City Mountain Resort's, Legacy Lodge, 3rd floor. Casual attire requested.
In lieu of flowers, Derek would be honored by your donation to either the Wounded Warrior Project (Support.woundedwarriorproject.org) or the National Abilities Center (discovernac.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ginny & Larry Hjalmarson
November 9, 2014
When Dj left for basic training, he asked me to take care of his potted cactus. Cacatus continues to sit on the table in our breakfast room in front of a sunny window. I think of Dj daily. We just learned today that he is gone and are so sorry. Prayers are being lifted for peace and strength of heart.
Zoe Kroessler
May 29, 2014
DJ was one of my closest friends. He taught me so much, and never ceased to amaze me. DJ and I always had a great time, whether it was watching kung fu movies, exchanging bad jokes, or simply a phone call checking in on one another. This world has suffered a huge loss, and will never be the same. I will miss him forever.
Martyne Stout
May 2, 2014
Jill, George, Ian - I remember working with Derek in the GSA and in his role as Ian's big brother. Derek was charming, funny, energetic, especially insightful and compassionate. He contributed so much in his too brief lifetime. His loss is deeply felt. We are very sorry. Martyne and Barry Stout
Liz and Rob Patterson
April 29, 2014
Dear Jill, George, and Ian,
We are so saddened at the passing of your dear son and brother. You are a wonderful family and Derek is an eternal part of that. I want you to know that I know his spirit lives on, and that you will be able to be with him again. Warmest hugs from our family to yours. Liz and Rob Patterson
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Randall Godfrey
April 17, 2014
Mr. and Mrs. Painter,
You and your family have my sincerest condolences. Derek always brightened the classroom. I looked forward to his input, his questions, his friendly banter. His sense of humor was contagious. You are in my thoughts, as is Derek.
Randall Godfrey
Nancy Krivick
April 11, 2014
Many students have passed through my classroom, I can still see Derek as a cute round faced boy in 6th grade. He has a special place in my memories. So sorry for your loss.
Donna Hall
April 10, 2014
Derek was such a wonderful kid to have in class and run our math lab. He was so sensitive to the needs of students who just didn't get it- patient and kind beyond compare. I don't run into students like him very often. Derek was a unique and compassionate human being.
Psalm 34:18
April 10, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Christine Terry
April 10, 2014
My deepest and sincerest condolences for your loss. I've seen your pride as a Mother and my heart bleeds for you. May you find peace.
Charles Hedelius
April 9, 2014
I am a complete stranger to you, but am truly sorry for your loss. I have a brother with a similar history i.e. military, giving & choice of life. Honor the memories and the sacrifice for family and country. Please accept my sincere condolences.
April 9, 2014
Dearest Jill and George and Ian, There is nothing that I can say to alleviate your pain. Just know that I love you. I love and admire Derek. His dedication to our country and to the injured and disadvantaged says more than words. Derek, thank you for your service. Jill, George, and Ian, thank you for being you. Thank you for giving us this fine young man. I pray that I never have to know this pain. Larry Higginson
April 9, 2014
Jill and George, As we all raised our families in Summit Park together. We all felt the love for each others family. May you now feel the love and support of our Summit Park Community as you live in this difficult time.
Jim and Sue Brekke
Eric & Mugsy Keller
April 9, 2014
George and Jill and Ian,
We are so sad to learn of your loss.
We hope family and friends are near to help you through this difficult time.
The great memories of Dereks too brief life will help you survive the long run.
You all are in our daily thoughts.
April 9, 2014
George, Jill, and Family,
I am so sad to hear about the passing of Derek. I know how difficult it can be losing a son at such a young age. Try to be strong for each other focus on the memories.
Thinking of you all. Your Friend Clint Petersen
April 9, 2014
RIP
Bill and Jan Coen
April 9, 2014
We love you guys so it is so hard to know what to say. What are the right words. We are so sad, The card we bought said to cherish the memories and take time to grieve. Love, Bill and Jan
Ed Mulick
April 8, 2014
Jill, Ian, George
I don't know what to say. I am so sorry. My heart aches for you. Derek was one of a kind. Unforgettable. He touched so many people with his life.
PFC Givens
April 8, 2014
I only knew SPC Painter for about a month during a recent training event down in Louisiana. He was an awesome guy. Always motivated to train and learn more. I learned alot from him in that short time. Im sad to see him go. Rest easy brother.
April 8, 2014
So sorry.
Mary Marcelo-Santillan
April 8, 2014
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss
April 8, 2014
My heart is breaking as I remember Derek in my 3rd grade class at Jeremy. He is the person you know who you say, thanks for letting me know you. He is the person we want our children to be like. My memories of him make me smile.
Marjean Johnston
April 7, 2014
Derek was truly a remarkable young man. I have followed with interest, many of his achievements, since I knew him as one of my fifth grade students. I remember him as a very caring, intelligent, and outstanding student. My heart is broken, for our world is diminished greatly when someone as special as Derek departs. My love and prayers go out to the Painter family!
Maureen Cunniff
April 7, 2014
I am so sorry to learn of Derek's passing, and I can only imagine the pain and loss family and friends are feeling. Derek went through Park City schools with my daughter, and I know second-hand what an amazing young man he was. You have my sincere sympathies.
Maureen Cunniff
April 7, 2014
My sincere condolences; Derek went all through school with my daughter, and I can only imagine how painful his departure must be for his family and close friends. May eternal light shine upon him, and may he rest in peace.
Maureen Cunniff
Barbara Bach
April 7, 2014
Derek and my son Bridger, were friends throughout their childhood in Park City. We both admired Derek's intense spirit and great sensitivity. I last saw Derek years ago in a park in Salt Lake. He was wearing his hakama and performing katas with his Aikido Sensei. His harmonious movements and ki were stunning. His hair was pulled back in a pony tail. I paused and witnessed the beauty for several minutes. Namaste Derek.
Barb Hansen
April 7, 2014
Jill, George and Ian,
I am terribly sorry to hear about Derek. I have such fond memories of him as such a special, intelligent, and clever second grader. He had such a sensitive spirit that touched us all. My thoughts and love are with you all.
Namaste
Barbara Bach
April 7, 2014
I remember Derek, as a wonder child growing up in Park City. He stood out because he was raised by amazing parents. My son Bridger, and Derek, often met each other at chess tournaments, science fairs, jazz band competitions, and in the same school clubs. Bridger admired his friends sensitivity and great spirit. I last saw Derek, in a Sugar House park years ago. He was with his Aikido Sensei wearing his hakama. His ki, and harmony of motion, was stunning to watch. His blond hair was tied back in a long pony tail.
April 7, 2014
Jill, George, and Ian. I don't know how to express the sorrow I feel upon hearing this. Derek has always had a place in my heart because he always pushed the envelope, never being at all apologetic about his beliefs. What an incredible boy, young man. I don't have the right words to express our sympathies but you will be in our prayers.
Love, Kara, Kevin, Kale and Kiersha
David Reynar
April 7, 2014
My deepest condolences. Derek and I spent a lot of time together in high school. I was drawn to his energy and his incredible intelligence. I will miss the passion that he put into every aspect of whatever he was doing. I'm saddened by your loss and wish you happiness and peace.
Lelauna Nolin
April 6, 2014
My deepest condolences. My heart is broken. I will always cherish the time we shared together in high school. I wish I could express how much your sons friendship meant to me. Derek taught me to put your whole heart in everything you do. He taught me to believe in myself. Derek introduced me to CAP, he studied and helped me be successful in it. Thank you for sharing your wonderful son and brother with me during that time. He will be very missed by everyone he knew!
Jo Ann Funseth
April 6, 2014
Jill, George and Ian, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved son and brother. It was an honor watching him grow up. He will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. I hope you will find comfort knowing he is in a much brighter place.
Wayne and Julia Edwards
April 6, 2014
Julia and I were new to the area when we met and worked with DJ at the NAC back in 2008. He was such an accomplished young man, despite his age. We were very close for a few years, then life gets in the way. I will treasure the time I spent with him. Good bye my friend.....
Gail Paquette
April 6, 2014
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time. My heart goes out to your family.
Carol and Stephen Post
April 6, 2014
Jill,George and Ian--Our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your beloved son
and brother. We hope you and your family can find comfort and peace at
this difficult time.
Chuck Higgins
April 6, 2014
George and Jill: So sorry to hear about Derek. My thoughts and prayers are with you along with my firm belief that you will be with your son again.
Kathy Anderson
April 6, 2014
Jill, George & Ian--I will always remember Derek as a bright-eyed, inquisitive and brilliant 2nd grade student I was lucky enough to teach--as well as the young man he became. The world is a better place because he was here. Peace and blessings to you all during this time. XOXO
Jeff Maxfield
April 6, 2014
George and Jill, so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart is heavy and hope you find peace in this tragedy.
Karen Green
April 6, 2014
Jill, George and Ian...we are so very sorry for the heartbreaking loss of your son and brother. You are in our thoughts and we reach across the miles with love.
Karen & Nelson
Kim Millikan
April 6, 2014
The world has lost one of the most humane and sensitive men I know. He will be missed by all who have been lucky enough to meet him!
Elisa (Patterson) Hunter
April 5, 2014
I am deeply grateful for the connections I had with Derek throughout my growing up years. He was a brilliant, thoughtful, courageous trailblazer. The Class of 2006 has experienced a great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. If it is of any comfort, I firmly believe in an afterlife and know we will see Derek again. Thank you for sharing your son with me, he has touched my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Paul Hare
April 5, 2014
George and Jill, my heart is heavy thinking about your loss. Derek knew the sounds of rain falling on a beret late at night and how to be there for his fellow team members. He now has light winds on his drop zone and his landing will be soft. I thank him for his service. George, I'll see you at work. Stay safe.
Wm. Paul Hare, LTC SF AUS Retired
Gail McBride
April 5, 2014
I am so sad to hear about Derek. To say he was a special guy is an understatement. He didn't judge others and was always so upbeat. He was incredibly smart, and could have been an ITA in any class, and yet he chose to be an ITA in my health class. I remember him as such a free spirit. I looked forward to our discussions, as he always had something interesting to share. I can still see him in his turquoise Academic Decathlon shirt with the alpaca. I am so sorry that I won't be in Park City on Thursday, but I will celebrate his life in my own way. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Naomi Doyle
April 5, 2014
So sorry for your loss. I saw Derek's obituary in the Park Record today, and recognized him as my son's camp councilor from way back at the National Ability Center. I always will remember him from the kindness and care he took with all the kids with special needs. He struck me as an exceptionally caring person. an unusual quality for someone so young. I think he was still in High school. I always remembered him because of his rare compassion and kindness, even after all these years. He helped my son, and made a difference peoples lives. I wish your family comfort and support through this difficult time.
April 5, 2014
Exceptional young man. So sorry to hear of his passing..He will be missed..
Laurie Alexander Park City Utah
Candice Chaney
April 5, 2014
Jill, I am speechless, and am in shock. Where to begin on how amazing he was. I will always cherish the talks we've had. He was my faith in humanity, and that not all was lost in the youth of today. Last time I saw him, we were joking about how when I met him, he was a little kid visiting his mom in PT. he then grew up to be the BEST peer partner at the NAC. From there, he became a friend. I really will miss him, as will you. I am SO sorry. :(
Ryan Stephenson
April 5, 2014
George - I was heartbroken when I heard about Derek. Peggy and I wish your family peace and understanding as you try to move forward.
Dana, Bill, Sarah, and David Tumpowsky
April 5, 2014
Jill, George, and Ian. . .we are deeply saddened over your loss of such a brilliant and caring son and brother. We hope that the love and support of your family and friends will help you through.
Lisa & Dave Actor
April 5, 2014
Jill, George and Ian: Our hearts ache for you. Know we are thinking of you. Wishing you the comfort of friends and family who love Derek as much as you do.
Lori Heyd
April 4, 2014
I wish I could have known you, but knowing and loving your parents is enough. I know you were an exceptional person....Lori Heyd
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