Derrick Franklin Cedars

I only spent a few months in Bethel, but Derrick greeted me with open and kind arms and taught me to fly the sled. I moved on to bigger but not better airplanes and I speak frequently to my co workers about my time in AK and last week I was chatting with one of my first officers who had spent time in Bethel. I told him that Cedars had taught me to fly the sled and he then informed me of Derricks passing. I'm way late to the table but my condolences to his family and the YKDelta community....

Derrick,
I still can't believe you're gone. Though our paths crossed and went our separate ways, you never treated me any different. I'll always remember you for your love for the skies and those damn cigars. :) Hope the skies in paradise love your pilot wings!

What an honorable man of sweet strength Derrick was! I am proud to call him cousin and will cherish always his family legacy.

Derrick:

Now coming on a year since your passing, it's still hard to believe you're on to the next stage in life. One we will all eventually follow. I miss you buddy. You always made yourself available to consult me on my many big decisions in life and while I was appreciative, now putting it into more perspective, I feel very fortunate to have borrowed some of your time. You were a confidant and good friend. You were easy to have fun with...camping, hiking, flying, shooting,...

Derrick,

You were the first captain I flew with when I went down to bethel as a 208 copilot. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I preflighted 42y and we went out to good ole Nelson Island, you impressed me from the get go. I was highly impressed with your knowledge of the ykdelta, aviation in general, the 208, basically everything. Your flying skill was beyond amazing. You taught me a lot for the few years that I knew you. Always welcoming me down to bethel as I was...

Derrick,
I now realize how much I took you for granted. I always assumed we would be old together and have many opportunities to look back on our great adventure in awe. I think about you on a daily basis now, some days only for a moment, other days for hours. Thank you for allowing me to share the path with you for the last fifteen years. My life received great benefit, expansion, knowledge, and improvement from knowing you. Your impression within me will never fade. My words will...

Derrick, I am so sorry to get this news, found it on accident on the web, ironacaly listening to Mazzy Star at the same time (one of your favorites). I think of you often, and our great times in the prime of our youth in Chico. "Songs from the Cold Garage" will live on forever Bro! I can't wait for our intellectual discussion on life again some day....We will meet again, don't worry. I learned so much from you, and thank you for our time and laughs while your were here on earth. You are...