Derek B. Lake

Hi Derek. I am just revisiting this page to share my love and gratitude for our time together some 27 years ago now. Whenever I think on or travel through Williamsburg I remember riding our bikes through the area together and I have beautiful memories of that time. Much Love! miss you man.

I new Derek from West Linn, Oregon. Although it has been many years since Derek's passing, I can vividly remember Derek's enthusiasm for life and his kindness towards virtually everyone he encountered. He was truly someone whose positive attitude and can-do spirit made those around him better. My heart goes out to those who knew and loved Derek.

Hi Derek and family. I am so sorry that you were taken at such a young age from this world. The world could really use more people like you Derek. For what it´s worth, I think of you often when I am trying to be a leader or am in a group setting. You had such an amazing way with people. It´s amazing that it has been twenty years. Love you bud. Scott

Dear family of Derek:
Words cannot express the sorrow I have felt since hearing about Derek, although I know that he lives and is still larger than life. He was one of my best friends serving together in the Virginia, Richmond mission. On hard days, which were many, I remember calling him at night (he was my zone leader) and his words of encouragement and his positive attitude and sense of humor. The memory of his laugh and smile will permanantly be engrained in my mind forever....

Dear Lake Family,
I was saddened to hear today that Derek had completed his mission here on earth. I was blessed to get to know him while we served the Lord in Virginia. I echo the sentiments of others in this book- I don't remember ever seeing him without a smile on his face. He served and loved with all his heart, every day. I am grateful our paths crossed, and will miss him. May God bless you and your family in this difficult time.

Dear Lake Family,
I send my deepest regards and sympathy to your family at this time. I went to college with Derek and know what an outstanding person he is. I was just looking at photos of us from Ricks the other day, thinking about Derek and the good man he is. My thoughts are with you all, espeically his wife- we met only briefly once at Ricks, but I will be praying for you. I am to be married in a few days and can only imaginge how difficult it is. God bless and strengthen you all....

Thank you for sharing this member of your family with us. I have such wonderful (and funny) memories of serving in VA with Elder Lake.
My heart aches for you and I rejoice with you in the eternal nature of families.

Lake Family,
Your son was an amazing leader and example to all. Those qualities will stick with those of us that were able to serve with and around him in the mission. I am inspired by his hard work. I am thankful that I was able to know him! My prayers are with all of you and especially his sweet wife.

Lake Family:
As I have read the entries in this guest book, I see that there is a common link in all of them, Derek's smile. He truly loved life, and those around him could not help but love life also.
I knew him as a missionary in Virginia and considered him a great friend. When I look back on the things I learned as a missionary, Elder Lake is the source of a lot of those lessons. We are here to have joy, and Elder Lake certainly lived that way and helped others to do the...