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Derek Woodhouse Obituary
April 6, 1948 ~ July 19, 2017
Resident of San Jose, CA
Superior Court Judge Derek Woodhouse, 69, died peacefully in his home on July 19, 2017.
Derek was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. At age 9 he moved with his family to California and settled in Campbell. He graduated from Campbell High, San Jose State, and Santa Clara University Law School.
He volunteered for the draft in 1968 and served in Vietnam. While in the Army he became an American citizen and married his high school sweetheart, Sheri Arnold.
His legal career began in 1976 as a Deputy District Attorney. In 1979 he went on to practice labor and employment law for 25 years. He was appointed to the Superior Court Bench in 2005.
Derek is survived by Sheri, his sweetheart and wife of 49 years; his children Elizabeth and Lindberg; his grandchildren Asher and Isabella; his sister Sigrid and brother Philip. A Celebration of Derek's Life will be held Saturday July 29th at 1:00 p.m., Campbell United Methodist Church, 1675 S. Winchester Blvd., Campbell, CA 95008 (Colorful attire is encouraged) In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Disabled American Veterans – dav.org
View the online memorial for Honorable Derek Woodhouse
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Memories and Condolences
for Derek Woodhouse
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Alain Lajoux
February 20, 2019
I served with Woody in Vietnam he was a true Rakasan may you RIP, You always made us laugh even when the chips were down in loving memory.
Cheryl Coffman
December 14, 2017
I remember Derek from high school. He was so polite, sweet and always a smile and kind word. He would greet you by name and ask how things were going. I was so happy to hear he had married Sheri. I was in band with Sheri and thought they made such a cute couple. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
August 29, 2017
Sheri and Sigrid, I am sorry to hear about this. I remember Derek and his laugh. A nice guy. I only spoke to him once after high school and that was when I called him to contact Richard and Sigrid. This is a shock. I am sorry for your loss. Al Royer
August 3, 2017
I would like to give my deepest sympathy to Derek's family. I know he will be dearly missed. Although he is my cousin I regret only having the 1 memory of him but it has always stuck with me over the years. I was just a kid when he came to Manitoba for a visit and I found him to be just a very sweet and easy going person to be around. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Take care and love to all.
Bonnie Metner (Gillis)
August 1, 2017
I know we didn't get to see each other very much. Sorry to hear of your loss.
Love from Swana Klapprat (Gillis)
July 29, 2017
Derek was a wonderful person that I had the pleasure to work with for many years. He represented the company I used to work for, VIking Freight. I have very find memories that I will always carry with me. Prayers for his wife and family, who he always talked about with such joy.
Jennifer Battin Burt
Linda Usoz
July 28, 2017
Derek hired me into my first lawyer position 30 years ago. I will always remember him as one of the most compassionate lawyers (and, of course, judges) I had the pleasure of knowing. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
J B
July 27, 2017
A compassionate judge who cared equally about the people before him and he applied the law judiciously. His two tours in Vietnam speak for themselves. We owed him a debt of gratitude for his life of service. May he rest in peace.
Myrna & Larry Brunel
July 27, 2017
So sorry to hear of Derek's passing. You have our deepest, heartfelt sympathies! He will be missed!
Derek Woodhouse<br />1966 Campbell High School Student Body President
July 26, 2017
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