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Derek Hans Blume

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University of Maryland

Derek Blume Obituary

ROCKVILLE, MD. - Derek Hans Blume, 25, of Rockville, Md., died Saturday, July 29, 2006. He was born on May 8, 1981, in Norfolk. Derek was a recent graduate of the A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, and a 1999 graduate of Magruder High School. Hired right out of college, Derek was an electronics engineer working for a contractor of the Naval Research Laboratory. Derek was an avid skier and ultimate frisbee player, an incessant tinkerer, an adventurous cook, a budding wine geek, a brew-master, a retro audiophile, and a lover of both cutting edge technologies and antiquated machines, especially his beloved MG; with all, keeping friends ever close at hand. Derek was a rare and beautiful soul, the likes of which we will never see again. He leaves an unimaginable hole in our hearts. Derek is the beloved son of Twila Blume and Dieter Blume; and cherished stepson of John Ovington and Anne Voegele. He also leaves to cherish his memories his grandparents, Lois Fisher, and Hans and Eva Blume; seven uncles, Peter Blume, Wolfram Blume, Gerhard Blume, Raymond Alderfer, James Alderfer, David Alderfer and Loren Fields; four aunts, Rachel Fields, Cynthia Page, Karen Alderfer and Lynn Blume; eight cousins, Karen and Sarah Fields, William and Stephen Alderfer, Erich Alderfer, Hoban, Salim and Eden Blume; his loving girlfriend, Lisa Ganocy; and his many close friends. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at Warwick River Mennonite Church Cemetery with the Rev. Samuel Weaver officiating. Memorial donations may be made to University of Maryland College Park Foundation, noting on the memo line 'Derek Blume Fund,' and mail to Ms. Radka Nebesky, Associate Director of Development, A. James Clark School of Engineering, University of Maryland, 3214 Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building, College Park, MD 20742-2831. Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.

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Published by Daily Press from Aug. 9 to Aug. 10, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Derek Blume

45 Entries

Melissa Polissedjian

August 14, 2006

Dear Blume Family and Friends, and especially his Girlfriend Lisa,

I was very shocked to hear of Dereck's passing. He was always a good kid, and never judged anyone on what they looked like or who they were on the outside - all throughout school. I am not going to give you that line about how he is in a better place, because frankly, I just lost someone close to me too and it doesnt help to hear that. But I hope God brings you strength and, in time, peace. Derek had a good heart. Keep him a live with the loving memories.

-With my sincerest condolences,

Randy Schaefer

August 13, 2006

Twila, John, Dieter, Anne, Lisa, Lois

There exists so much nobel talent and skills among all of you. So many folks love and care for you. That was confirmed to us during visitation and internment for Derek. We only knew Derek by second hand stories by my good friend David Alderfer. Now we have a vivid image of Derek. He is the shining golden pyramid that tips your family oblisk of Love, Strength, Kindness and Hope. Thank you for letting us share in the celebration of Derek's rich life.

Valerie, Randy, David & Heather

Freddy Blunt

August 10, 2006

Twila, Dieter, Lisa & Anne:

My prayers are with you.

We can't tell what may happen to us in the strange medley of life. But we can decide what happens in us, and that is what really counts in the end. Derek took the raw stuff of life and made it a thing of worth and beauty. Derek touched my life. I am so glad. God Bless!!!

Tegan Hendrickson

August 9, 2006

I did not know Derek very well, although I do remember him as being a fun, creative guy. I'd see him at parties and keep telling myself that I'd get to know him one day. Now, I'll never have the chance, but I am glad that I knew him even just a little bit. He'll be missed.

Melanie Weaver

August 8, 2006

Twila, I only knew your son through you but it was easy to pick up how Derek is the light of your life. These many heartfelt entries tell how he made his loving mark on others. A Mother has an important role in a sons life and you apparently did an exceptional job. Mother to Mother I will always be here for you.

Danny Barbat-Gonce

August 8, 2006

Anne & Dieter,

I am so, so sorry. I can only imagine how painful the loss of your son must be. Though his life was far too short, Derek obviously used his time well, touching the lives and hearts of many while he was with us on earth.

My love to you both,

Danny

Denise Pons

August 7, 2006

Dear Annie and Dieter...I know that my words will never ease the pain that you are feeling, but know that my prayers go out to you daily and to Derek's mother during this very difficult and tragic time. Please if there is anything that I can do for you down here in Newport News (while no longer in DC area), know that you can call me and I will be there. God bless and protect you all.

Kate Bunting

August 7, 2006

Derek was a truly remarkable person. I only had the privilege of meeting him a few years ago, but in that short time, he made a lasting impression-- I've met few people as energetic, as enthusiastic, and as inquisitive as Derek. Please accept my sincere condolences for healing and hope. Our circle of friends is missing a true shining star in him.

Jim, Karen, William & Stephen Alderfer

August 5, 2006

We are so very sorry about Derek's death. I am missing him already, feeling like the world will not be the same now that he is gone. We will miss Derek terribly much at our family gatherings. Our feelings reach out to Lisa too; she is always welcome at our family gatherings to remember Derek with us.

How can someone with so much life be dead? If there is a God, She is weeping with us.

alexandra keith

August 4, 2006

Dear Annie and Dieter,

While I did not know Derek I remember your speaking about him frequently and you enjoyed being with him. There is nothing worse than the loss of a child. I pray you can find strength to endure this.

Love,

Sandy Keith

Ken, Deb, Kristen and Kendra Kelps

August 4, 2006

Dear John and Twylia,

Our thought and prayers go out to you and your families. Wish we could be there to help comfort you in this time of loss. Know that we are thinking of you and are always here for you.

All our love,

Galina and Zina Gorelova

August 4, 2006

Dear Twila and Dieter,

Shocked by this tragedy!!! No words can ease your pain. Crying and praying for you.

Lori Martin

August 4, 2006

I'm so sorry for your loss. There are no words that I can express to you that will be enough during this difficult time. Just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Leeanne Smith

August 4, 2006

Dear Blume Family,

I send my sincerest condolences. Derek and I had a few classes together in high school and one in college and he was very well liked. Smart, funny, and dedicated, Derek will be missed.

Brook Yoder

August 3, 2006

My sincerest condolences to Derek's family and friends.

James Hughes

August 3, 2006

Blume Family,

Our hearts go out to you and your family during this time of loss. Just know you have friends who truly care, can, and will support you during this time. If you need anything do not hesitate to contact Marci or me, and if there is anything we can do just let us know. God bless and keep you.

Marci and James Hughes

Ellen Landriau

August 3, 2006

To the Blume family,

I only know of Derek through my daughter Melissa and her boyfriend Justin, one of Derek's closest friends. I know he was an avid skier and a wonderful friend and will be sorely missed. May all of the good times and happy memories live in your hearts and in that way, Derek will live on. May God Bless all of you and give you peace in this difficult time.

Suzanne Wayner

August 3, 2006

I only knew Derek a short time, but he will really be missed among our circle of friends. He was kind and funny and creative, and I wish I'd had the opportunity to know him longer.

Tamika Lee

August 3, 2006

Dear Lisa and Blume family,

My heart & prayers go out to you and your family. I am deeply sorry for the sudden loss of Derek. Lisa, Please know that I will be here for you if ever you need a listening ear or shoulder to cry on.

Sincerely!

Tamika

Akira Barnes

August 3, 2006

I am shocked and saddened by this news, such that I cannot adequately express my feelings. I met Derek through Brassy's Men, and it is a terrible shame that I did not get a chance to know him better, because he seemed a very nice fellow - and if I were to judge him by the quality of his friends, I cannot think that he was anything but the best of people. May all who live on remember him fondly the rest of our days.

Jessica Brooks

August 3, 2006

To the family of Derek Hans Blume I extend my sincere condolences on the loss of your dear loved one. Jesus Christ gave us comfort with his promise that those in God's memory will be restored to life at John 5: 28 & 29. I hope that in the coming days you will be comforted with that promise and the many others that the Bible holds out to those who love him.

Wendy Green

August 2, 2006

Twila

We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Rusty and Wendy

Vainateya (Desh) Deshpande

August 2, 2006

My condolences to the family and friends.

I remember Derek as an extremely bright and talented member of the Tawes team. I remember Derek exactly as described –

“an incessant tinkerer”, “a retro audiophile, and a lover of both cutting edge technologies and antiquated machines”

I wish peace and strength to all who are saddened by this loss.

Jason Hubbard

August 2, 2006

Wow, this seems so sudden. I've known Derek since he was a Freshman at UMCP. Derek was a really great guy, the kind of guy that was always willing to help out. He will be missed greatly.

Jason Hubbard

Jeff Timmons

August 2, 2006

Dieter and Annie,

I'm at a loss of words. Just know that Derek, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Alfred & Theresa Robinson

August 2, 2006

May God, family, and friends comfort all of those who loved Derek so much, and give them the strength to lift themselves and celebrate his life. May Derek rest in peace. Love and peace to you all.

Lydia Gallant-Britton

August 2, 2006

Lisa and the Blume Family,

I was deeply sadden to learn of Derek's untimely death. May it comfort you to know that others have him in their thoughts and prayers. My deepest condolences for your tragic loss.

August 2, 2006

Lisa,

I am so sorry for your loss.

GOD Bless You All,

Susie Sproul

Shelly Mohnkern

August 2, 2006

I have only know Derek briefly, but the good soul was evident from the moment we met. His passing has touched a great many lives, and he will be sorely missed. Blessings and peace. His family and friends are in my thoughts.

Paul Wayner

August 2, 2006

I didn't know Derek very long, but I greatly enjoyed the time I spent with him and will greatly miss him. My sympathies to the family.

Lawrence Lee

August 2, 2006

You will be missed, Rest in Piece...

Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary Ann Heine

August 2, 2006

Please accept my deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers are with the Blume family. Lisa, you are constantly on my mind.

Justin Stamen

August 2, 2006

I knew him only briefly, but morn his passing and the lost opportunity to have known him better.

Janet Lamberti

August 2, 2006

Dear Lisa,

Our hearts go out to you in your sorrow. May God grant His loving consolation to you and to Derek's family.

Janet Lamberti

Ben Llewellyn

August 2, 2006

There was a fundamental goodness about you that I will miss very much. Godspeed, Derek.

Cathy Raymond

August 2, 2006

Derek was a kind person, a lighthearted soul, and a good friend to all he knew. He will be missed and mourned.

Jon Lemich

August 2, 2006

You were such a great guy - open, friendly, giving, creative, funny, smart. I'll always miss you.

Linda Wilson

August 2, 2006

I knew Derek through our friends, and though I did not know him well, I remember him always having a smile on his face. He was creative, and vibrant, and game for almost anything. He was a genuinely nice person, and a valued member of our circle of friends. I wish I could've known him better, but I feel blessed to have known him at all.

Olga Charnaya

August 2, 2006

I am sorry that I can not make it to the memorial service, but I wanted to express my most heartfelt and deepest sympathies and condolences. I was shocked to hear of Derek's passing, and could not imagine a more loving and kinder soul leaving this Earth. Derek was truly unique in every way possible, and was loved and cherished by all the knew him.

Peggy Chalson

August 2, 2006

Though I have never met Derek, I know and love Lisa Ganocy and heard so much of him through her. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Flor Hiponia

August 2, 2006

My deepest condolences to the Blume family and to Lisa for your loss.

Flor Hiponia

Shawn Batty

August 2, 2006

Rest in peace.

Diana Ennis

August 2, 2006

Dearest Lisa and Blume Family,

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. I am overcome with sorrow for your loss.

Although I had not an opportunity to meet Derek, I feel I did know the truly wonderful young man who put the sparkle in Lisa’s eyes whenever she thought about or spoke about him; how her smile widened as she’d mentioned the cute and thoughtful ways he showed his feelings for her; the surge of energy from her whole being while she spoke of their individual and joint hopes and dreams.

The memories will never be enough, and for some time they will bring unbearable pain. Believe that those same wonderful memories will eventually blanket you in peace.

Derek’s gifts – his love and energy – will always be with you.

Diana

Russ Hanoman

August 2, 2006

I met Derek as part of his involvement with the 1948:Signals Game. We talked about brewing as we both enjoyed home-brewing and I got to sample some of his beer he had made for our group. He was a great guy who I wish I had gotten to know better.

Devin Lynch

August 2, 2006

I love and miss you dearly, derek.

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