Derek Briggs Obituary
Derek Scott Briggs, 39, of Canal Fulton, died unexpectedly Jan. 28, 2005 at his father's home in Akron.
Derek had been paralyzed from a dirt bike accident in 1989. He loved people, and had a passion for playing pool and working on old cars. His smile will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Derek is survived by his fa ther, Harold J. Briggs of Akron; mother, Phyllis A. Sinnott of Canton; sisters, Denise Daniel of Canal Fulton, Michelle Boyer of Westfield Center; and brother, Eric Briggs of Canton, in addition to a host of extended family and friends.
There will be a gathering of family and friends to remember Derek on Wednesday, Feb. 2, at 3 p.m., at Millheim United Church of Christ, 2260 My ersville Rd., Akron. The family suggests that donations be made to Joni & Friends, Wheels to the World, P.O. Box 2222, Akron, Ohio 44309-222 or www.JoniandFriends.Org. Arrangements are being handling by Blessing Cremation Center in Mentor, Ohio.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mark McGiffin
January 26, 2022
Miss you buddy!
Michelle Boyer
January 2, 2006
My big brother, Derek. It's hard for me to believe that you've been gone almost one year. I think of you so often...I miss you very much. When I hold your picture in my hands and see your smile, I remember you clearly. I hear your voice...your laugh. I remember your kisses and big bear hugs. I remember just the night before you left us the words you spoke to me, "I love you, Little Sister." I didn't know I would never hear your voice again. Those words have become God's gift to me. Thank you. I remember your kindness to my children. They loved you! They loved to go for rides on your lap in your wheelchair. I also remember your great struggles and your determination. You never gave up. Time goes by here one moment at a time...my memories of you and the love we had for one another will never fade. I believe with all my heart I will see you again...on streets of gold. A place where there are no tears. A place where there is no more pain. It was because of you and God's mercy that Jesus became my All in All. I know you loved Him too. Until That Day, walk with the King.
Gina Pappano
March 10, 2005
My deepest sympathy to the entire Briggs family. My prayers for your comfort continue.
Kelley Dario (Wilkinson)
March 3, 2005
I just heard about Derek and want the entire Briggs family to know how very sorry I am . Michelle was there for me when my mother passed (20 years ago) and I feel so bad that I didn't know.
I would feel blessed to hear from you and will pray that you find comfort in all your memories of Derek.
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Jeanelle Johnson
February 18, 2005
My most deepest sympathy goes out to Derek's family . Derek was a good friend of my late husband and I . He alway's had a friendly smile . He will be sadly missed . " Love you Derek " May you rest in peace .
Sherri Slonsky (Stover)
February 18, 2005
To the entire Briggs Family, the Stover Family sends their deepest sympathy. In 2000, we lost our brother and only 7 months ago, our mother. The feeling of having a hole in your heart and in your life will linger...it's your hearts' testimonial of how much love you had for Derek. Fill that hole with the love, laughter and special memories you shared with him and remember, in faith, you will see him again.
Sherri Slonsky (Stover)
February 18, 2005
To the entire Briggs Family, the Stover Family sends their deepest sympathy. In 2000, we lost our brother and only 7 months ago, our mother. The feeling of having a whole in your heart and in your life will linger...it's your hearts' testimonial of how much love you had for Derek. Fill that whole with the love, laughter and special memories you shared with him and remember, in faith, you will see him again.
John Goehler
February 14, 2005
Very sad to hear of the loss, I knew him through my brother when I was younger, my sister-inlaw told me about Derek just Friday.
Elizabeth Doney-Kirkwood
February 6, 2005
To the Briggs family.Sorry for your loss.I went to school with Derek,he always put a smile on my face.We had alot of fun times together.I'll miss him.
Terry Fox
February 6, 2005
My Heart and Prayers go out to all Family and friends. Derek was such a inspiration to me . we had soo much fun. He allways told me that i had a monkey on my back, i thought he was crazy !! then he pulled one out from behind him and stuck it on my back ! he kept me on my toes!! i will truely miss him. he taught me alot about my pc and told me i had Bugs !! to my wheelchair guy, luv Foxxy, + Beeba
Tom Dwyer
February 6, 2005
I knew Derek from Joni and friends retreat's. I am a biker and I knew he was one also. we had many conversations together. What i remember most was the last retreat we went to me and Derek went on a nature ride through the woods. me on a bicycle we borrowed from the ranger station and him in his modified wheel chair. Man he could really go where i went. we had a great time talking about life and everthing P.S. (you know us bikers)It even started raining on the way back but I stopped the van and put the ramp down he wheeled right up in it.We had such a great time 2 biker bros having fun. I will truelly miss him but I know he is in heaven riding his scoot again. GOD bless you Derek and we will both ride again in heaven one day with Jesus
Phyllis Sinnott
February 4, 2005
Native American Prayer
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's
hush, I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at
night. Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there; I did not die.
For my son Derek Scott Briggs who will always be in my heart and who is loved so very much. He never ever gave up with his determination to walk again. He now is free to run, walk, and be free of pain. Our Lord God has his arms around him. Love, Mom
Larry Cole
February 3, 2005
In heartfelt sympathy: I got to know Derek when he would come to do volunteer work at the Joni and Friends Wheels for the World program. Derek’s in-depth knowledge of wheel chairs was a real blessing to us there. His friendly attitude and thoughtfulness were comforting. His resourceful ingenuity and energetic determination were a hallmark that made him a truly unique individual. Spending time around Derek was inspirational to me because it made my personal aches, pains and routine petty complaints pale by comparison to what his daily challenges were, which in turn made my complaints all but fade to insignificance. I am grateful to him for that. Without a doubt, Derek also touched many other lives in often subtle, yet very positive ways. He was my friend and I will miss him. May the peace of God that passes understanding be with us all.
Danny & Vickie Long
February 3, 2005
Your in our prayers!! We just ran into Derek last week, and he was so Bubbly like always! Danny and Derek played pool many nights. He was a great pool player!!! Were going to miss him. Everybody Loved Elroy!!! Your all in our thoughts.
Debbie McCurry
February 2, 2005
Derek-
I cant believe your gone. What a vibrant spirit you are - though I am very sad that you're no longer with us, Im so glad that you are free to run as wild as you like.
I know you are so happy in heaven!
Im so sorry to your family -
my prayers are with them. Ill cherish the memories - and will see you again someday brother. Say hi to Jesus for me:-)
Mark & Tina Akers
February 2, 2005
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Briggs family, Derek will always be remembered in our lives for the spirt and kindness he would always share. I know Derek was smiling today during the services, it was really great to see the families and so many caring friends. Derek, as you walk and run amoung us, we should all grasp the winds of your spirt and kindness, ride hard my friend.
Mark
connie wieland/greenwell
February 2, 2005
my thoughts are with you and your family for your loss. i have known derek many many years. my husband jerry and i went through jr high and high school with him. he came and visited us around thanksgiving. he lived in lakemore where we lived and we took him toobing on our speed boat. i will never forget trying to pull him onto our boat. he was not a quitter. he always went for anything he could, again god bless and he will be deeply missed by us...
Margaret Matasic
February 2, 2005
With our deepest sympathy. We will greatly miss Derek. From Joni and Friends Ohio PO Box 3330 Akron, Ohio 44309 [email protected]
Anne & Chris Dickens
February 2, 2005
To Harold and Eric-and the family-we are so very sorry for your loss-our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in knowing that he is at peace.
Karen (Legg) Clemens
February 2, 2005
To Derek's family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Derek and I went to the same high school and although we only touched base at the class reunions, I will remember his smile. The last reunion Derek was so eager to help in any way he could in planning, preparing, or greeting guests. His disposition and his good nature were a welcome surprise to the evening. He was always smiling and seemed to be enjoying himself. May God bless you during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
sharon(haines) mccurry
February 2, 2005
my deepest sympathy to your family.my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Harold J. Briggs
February 1, 2005
My Little Running Deer
Derek Scott Briggs
January 29, 1965
January 28, 2005
He can Run again.
He tried so hard all his short life.
Just never seemed to get peace and a break.
Now, finally, he can be as he always wanted to be.
"Loving & Giving"
As best he knew how, with all his heart & soul.
I know.... He cried telling me so.
He came Home, to go Home.
May he find what he wanted all his life.
:A Big Honkin Dirt Bike"
"A Big Honkin Truck to Haul it in"
"A Long Legged Woman to share his life with"
~~~~Love, Understanding & Forgivness~~~
What we all want.
Good by "My Son"
KNOW
No matter what---- I forever love you.
My Baby Boy
Who always wanted to please me.
you did.
I'm Proud in so many ways. More than you know.
Rest now Sweetheart
Yr Ole Daddy
Patsy Myers
February 1, 2005
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Bill & Beth Barone
February 1, 2005
Our deepest sympathy to Derek's family. Our love and prayers are with all of you. Most sincerely-Bill & Beth B.
Mark McGiffin
February 1, 2005
I also would like to express my deepest sympathy as well. I just can't believe that this happened. Derek was just over Monday for a visit, and we enjoyed a pizza together. He helped me in so many ways after my own injury. He was truly inspiring to watching what he could do, and what he had accomplished. He was a Good Friend, and I'll truly miss him!
God Bless,
Jane Hensley
February 1, 2005
To Derek's family, I am so sorry for your loss. He was taken from you too soon. I knew him as a young man. He was my sons friend in school. My son died two years ago and the loss is still with us. Take care and may God be with you. Jane Hensley
Brenda Sexton
February 1, 2005
My deepest sympathy goes to your family and friends. Although I only knew him when I was younger I have never forgotten his smile. His memory will go on in my life as my son was named after him. I pray that in his new life in heaven his light will shine so bright that we'll all beable to see it.
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