Mike Derry

July 17, 1942 - Aug. 11, 2016

Mike Derry, 74, of Albany passed away Thursday, Aug. 11, at Timberwood Court.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Derry; son Jon Derry; and daughter Michelle Derry.

Mike lived in Lebanon with his mother and grandmother. He eventually spent time in Idaho, Myrtle Creek and Eugene. Mike was part of the first graduating class of North Eugene High School in 1960. 

Mike worked as a hostler in Eugene and as an engineer for the United States Air Force. After his tour of duty, he returned home to Mary and to the Southern Pacific Railroad. He married Mary on May 11, 1965. They lived in the Eugene area as he worked out of the Eugene yard; later moving to the family farmstead in 1973 on Riverside Drive. Eventually he was transferred to the Albany division.

Mike was a railroad man, on and off the job. His father was a Southern Pacific engineer in the days of the almost breathing, living steam engines. Off the job, Mike was an avid collector of Lionel, Marxs, American Flyer and anything else that ran on rails. He was also fond of old toys, books and collectibles. He even had a Southern Pacific Bay Window Caboose placed in the old barn yard. Mike would repair toy trains and was especially busy around Christmas time. Yes, he was a railroader through and through. 

Mike was also a foster parent for 20 years, who loved helping kids.

He was also a loyal friend and would always lend an ear as well as advice. Mary met Mike over 40 years ago and they were good friends to each other from the start. She will miss him very much. They were known to talk for hours on end and not always about trains. They solved the worlds's problems over and over.

A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, at Fisher Funeral Home. A celebration-of-life potluck will be at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, at Bryant Park. Please come visit with friends.

Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.fisherfuneralhome.com.