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Derek McNabb Obituary
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the death of Derek McNabb aged 73. Derek was born in Vancouver, and spent his childhood in Michigan and Ohio. After moving to Fort William with his family he attended Westgate High School and Lakehead University. He taught math at Hillcrest, and math and computers at Selkirk and Westgate.
He is survived by his wife Susan, his daughter Keri (Mike Nigro) and her mother Monika, by his siblings Gay Brill (Ray), Claudia McNabb (Doug Kuusela), and Stuart (Nancy). Also left to mourn is his mother-in-law Betty Shubaly, his sisters-in-law Jodi Lewicki, Betsy Henderson (Mike), Barbara Precoma (Gino), Patti Shubaly, and special niece Laina Akervall. He is also survived by his much loved nieces and nephews Tyson McNally, Laura Lewicki, Robbie and Nicholas Precoma, Elizabeth Noel, Sean Latta, Paula Tully, Sue Whittaker, Eric, Matt and Jim Brill, and Tyler and Brady McNabb. He was predeceased by his parents Vivian and Douglas McNabb, his nephew Morgan Latta, and his father-in-law Tommy Shubaly. Derek was the go to guy in our family, always there for all of us. Claudia called him her guru. Even though he was physically unable to help in his last few months, he designed a beautiful stair case for Tyson's home, helped Keri figure out her lawn mower and weed eater problems, and worked on plans for a home renovation project. Derek had a great love for animals and spent his retirement years at home in Lappe surrounded by his many rescues. He died at home with them by his side. I would like to thank Dr. Bukovy (Michelle and Patty) and Dr. Lai for the care and compassion over the years. Thank you to the paramedics, the OPP, and Northwest Funeral Alternative for your help and kindness. A special thank you to Arnold and Barb Ostrowski. Cremation has taken place, no service will be held. If friends so desire donations can be made to" Our Hearts at Home Cardiovascular Campaign" or to a local animal rescue.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Derek McNabb
27 Entries
Deborah Waddell
December 4, 2023
Best teacher I had . I wanted to reach out and thank him for believing in me! RIP MR MCNAB
Joan Garrett (Einarson)
February 17, 2021
I loved Mr. McNabb as a teacher. He was a straight shooter and got along with his students by making everyone feel comfortable with being themselves by him being such a cool guy. Long hair and just chill. I remember him telling our class; "You can call me Mr. McNabb but I prefer Derek. Do not call me Sir or Sir Derek!" And he wrote it on the board as he said it. Everyone just felt at ease. So Derek i wish you an eternal resting place in peace. Thank you for being a great teacher and a wonderful mentor. My condolences to all of his family. ❤
Rick & Sharron Flatt
July 12, 2020
Derek was a quiet man with a great sense of humor, He will be missed greatly by us. Our condolences to Susan and the family.
Tammy Duke
July 12, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with you Susan. Condolences to you and your family.
Tammy Duke
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Lawni LaBelle
July 11, 2020
Derek was a true light, breath of fresh air and a relatable teacher. I was fortunate to have him team me in grade 9 and 10 at Westgate 30 yrs ago. There was always something reassuring and real with any interaction you had with him. Open and unapologetic in an education system that values conformity, he wasnt one to conform. He taught me that difference was a strength and a gift. Condolence to the family left behind. Thank you Derek for the great memories. RIP.
Angie
July 11, 2020
Sending my condolences. He was a fantastic teacher...my favourite ❤
Lisa Todd
July 10, 2020
I only meet Derek a few years ago when I became good friends with his daughter Keri McNabb and just meeting him out at his beautiful house with all the animals you can tell he was at peace out there. I wanted to go see him again before his passing but due to medical problems I could not go there was so much more I wanted to say it is very rare you meet a man once and you have so much to say that is my only regret not being able to go back before his passing. I know with becoming good friends with his daughter that he was a great man you can tell talking to him he was a great teacher and you now know he was with all these comments mostly from students and he has been retired over 20 years about and he still has a impact on there lives ! And becoming friends with Keri you know that is where she got her life skills from Derek always give people a chance dont look down on them and if she is you friend she would give you her back if you need anything. I could say a lot more but those are the things I will tell him when I see him again !!! Derek you left a lasting impact on my life in a short time but I have Keri to keep you going dont worry I will take care of her for you dont you worry be at peace ! Keri you are one lucky girl ! Love you Michael , Lisa, Graeme, Victoria, and Ryder Todd
Karen M Capricci
July 9, 2020
Susan, So Sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
Bob and Karen Capricci
Julie Dixon (Reiner)
July 9, 2020
Derek as he insisted he be called, was an unconventional teacher in a conventional time at Selkirk. I remember him standing outside his math room, long hair, jeans and t-shirt, one foot on the wall at knee height, just watching the world go by. If I remember correctly, he was the only teacher with a motorcycle.
Always doing what he felt right, regardless of the naysayers, he tried to instill that in others.
Never one to get mad, rather he would 'find' a way to teach math to any that didn't understand the 'book' method.
Have thought and talked about Derek many times since I graduated. Not a bad memory ever.
Thanks for being you, Derek. Rest in Peace.
July 9, 2020
My condolences to Dereks family. I fondly recall his hygiene appointments with me which were more like social visits chatting about firewood and tofu turkey and trying to clean dogs teeth. Im sure the posted condolences are just a fraction of how many people he left a positive, lasting impression on. Diane R.
Brady LM
July 9, 2020
Susan and Keri,
We are very sorry to hear this about Uncle Derek, and very sorry for your loss. I know how much you all loved each other, and how close you all are. Thinking of you guys.
Love Brady and Taylor
Trix (Bever) Fortune
July 9, 2020
I remember Derek from when I was a small child. He was friends with my brother. Years later I was at Selkirk school when a friend went there. I walked into Dereks classroom and he immediately recognized me.
My condolences to his family
Cathy lewis
July 9, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Beth Kydd
July 9, 2020
My deepest condolences during this difficult time. Mr. McNabb - Derek to his students was my favourite teacher and my number one subject (math) he helped me through some tough times and was the kind of person who made time for his students. I often thought of him wondering how he was doing. I will never forget his kind words or the extra time he spent showing me different methods of solving the problem. Math still is my favourite subject and perused to have an Accounting Diploma. Thank You Derek for being you. May you Rest In Peace
Sheri Selman
July 8, 2020
My condolences. Mr McNabb was an impeccable teacher. He was that teacher, never to be forgotten.
Cathy Banning
July 8, 2020
Deepest condolences, he was such a nice teacher, he always smiled and said hi to everyone, he told me and my friend we were the happiest students in the school, not sure if he was aware that he always made us smile and laugh he truly made students feel important. Rest In Peace Mr McNabb
Tine Schrijvers
July 8, 2020
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I was lucky enough to work with Derek at Westgate, I taught art so not the in the same department. He was such a warm, considerate and helpful person, really easy to become friends with. We had lunch duty together for several years and always had great conversations, he often talked about Susan. I was computer illiterate, no computer at home, and Derek gave me one on one help during our spares so I could learn the basics and learn the new marks program. I haven't seen him since I moved schools but I will always have good memories of him. Your family is in my thoughts.
Vi
July 8, 2020
So sorry to hear of Derek s passing. Many memories of Derek when he taught at Selkirk. My sincere condolences to his family.
Vi Turner
Secretary
Cindy
July 8, 2020
So very sorry for your loss. Mr. McNabb (who Was Derek to his students) was the coolest teacher at Selkirk. I was lucky enough to be in one of his classes (even though I dropped it later).
Patty
July 8, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Mr McNabb was a fabulous teacher that cared for his students. Your family is in my thoughts at this difficult time.
Kathy Wadas
July 8, 2020
My deepest condolences to the family. Mr. McNabb was one of my favourite teachers at Selkirk.
Anita
July 8, 2020
He was one of my favourite teachers in high school. RIP Mr. McNabb
Anita Pelletier
Darryl Wilson
July 8, 2020
Derek McNabb was one of those Teachers that you always remember. He taught me at Selkirk. My Condolences go out to his Family.
Cindy Savitsky
July 8, 2020
Derek was a terrific teacher at Selkirk and a really nice person. He always had time for his students. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Geof Botting
July 8, 2020
I am sorry to hear of Derek's passing. My condolences to the family. I worked with him at Selkirk many years ago and he was a legend. RIP.
Lynn Schutte-Martin
July 8, 2020
He was an amazing teacher. I was his math student at Selkirk in the early 80's. He was my favorite teacher and talked me through some bad times. I never forgot his compassion and care for his students. May he rest in peace.
Shelley Jacobson
July 8, 2020
Sending my Condolences to Mr. McNabb's Family. He was a great teacher, a cool guy and a positive role model.
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