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Derek De Leon Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Derek De Leon
Sponsored by Derek's Fan Club.
Noelle Winer
June 24, 2007
Dear Derek,
I miss you my dear friend. Happy Birthday, God Bless. I will never forget you. You were a great friend. There are times when I cannot believe you are gone.
Love,
Noelle
Rochelle Siquig
June 24, 2005
Happy Birthday Derek! The Big 30!!! I know, I know, I am right behind you and will be turning 30 this year too. boo hooo hooo. lol. How we used to enjoy a good laugh at Mike for being 30! And now look at us, we are hitting that milestone. I miss you and think of you every day. I have articles of you and the homies posted in my office and I smile at them, remembering you and the wonderful person you are and the legacy you have left for all of us remember.
Man, how things have changed so much the past year. I wonder what you are thinking and feeling when you are looking down at all of us. Probably laughing at all the goofy things that are going on, listening to us when we talk to you, and adding a spark in our day just to make us smile. Your memory will always remain strong in my mind and in my heart. I love you and miss you. Tell Auntie I said hello.
Happy 30th! Rochelle
Casey Robertson
May 26, 2005
Dearest Derek -
It's been a very sad year for our family. We miss your jokes, your humor and the laughs that could have been if you were here with us. It's been a real roller coaster with you gone but somehow, we're still here.
The triathlon and Team in Training experience was INCREDIBLE, INCREDIBLE. Thank you for sharing it with us and opening our lives and hearts to such a great experience - - It'll be something we'll never forget. Really.
We miss you, cousin. Take care of the rest of the gang - Grandpa, Auntie Tess and your mom - and send us some love every once in a while.
I am crying, yet again.
Love You Everyday,
Casey (and Steve, Andrew, Joshy and Noah)
Christel Minoc
May 6, 2005
Dear Derek,
Where do I begin? Last weekend, your "warriors" did you proud!!!!!! Of course, I was an emotional wreck, but that's to be expected. Driving into the park brought back all the memories of last year when we went to see you compete in the triathalon. I felt your presence everywhere!!! We met so many people who loved you and missed you as much as we did!!! How blessed we are :). You even sent some of us a new friend, also named Derek to let us know you were there. I would have kissed and hugged him but somehow I think he would have been scared haha!!
Derek, I was so humbled by getting to be part of the "cheerleading squad". To watch our family and friends compete out of their love for you makes me feel so blessed. Danny was AWESOME!!!!! But, you know that because you were there with him ever step of the way!!! I told you last year that you were my hero, well cousin, you're going to have to share that title now. All of "Derek's warriors" are my heroes!!!! Since, it's so emotionally and physically draining to just be a cheerleader, I figure that next year I have to participate as an athlete haha!!! I love you and miss you. How quickly a year goes by. Give mom, grandpa, and auntie Tess a hug and kiss from us. We know it's because of them that we have Tiana in our lives!!!! Oh yeah, and thanks for remembering your promise ;P.
Love,
Christel
Daniel De Leon
May 1, 2005
Hey Bro,
I know it been a long time since I have written you but I have never ever forgoten you. Today was filled with joy and love from our dearest and greatest family and friends. Some of us joined "Team and Training" just like you did and we worked out tails off to join, race, and do the "2005 Wildflower" in your honor.
Well guess what I crossed the finish line in 5 hour 10 minutes. I knew you were with me every step of the way especialy on my run that was bad experence, to the point that my body gave up. I know you heard me talk to you when I need you at the most and you answered me with you loving heart. Thank you for getting me through it all and watching over me.
You are always in my heart and I think of you everyday. I am trying to do my best in taking care of dad. Just continue to watch over us and guide us. Tell my I said hi and we miss her.
With love,
Danny (the "Triathlete"
Sarah Seibert
February 26, 2005
Dear Derek,
I know I haven't written you as quicky as some other people did. But you know that I have been thinking of you and your family for awhile now. You also know that I am a really horrible procrastinator!
I wanted to write to you and also your family. When I saw you in the casket, I just freaked out. It was just so final. I was crying so hard. After I "recovered", I was walking to the back to leave. I don't think I have ever been so crushed.
Your brother stopped me and consoled me. He told me that you live in me and all of the other people whose lives you have touched. I know that he is right. And in that moment, I knew that you were watching him and were so proud of him. I saw you in him. Thank you, Danny.
I remember all of the great times we had. Like hiking on Mt. Multomah (SP). I was so happy when you turned your cell phone off (unheard of!!) to enjoy nature. Later we went to see your store in Portland. You had to check it out to see how it was doing. Afterwards you said that it was displayed all wrong. It cracked me up.
I also remember walking with you at Vasona one day and both of us singing our brains out to Fleetwood Mac. Then of course the baseball game and, back in the day, the Winter Formal.
Derek, you do live in all of us. I think about you every day. I am thankful for your presence in my life and for all the great times we shared. You gave so much to others. I will live my life for each moment, as you so aptly did. I miss you and love you.
Love always,
Sarah
Mimi Mortezai
July 7, 2004
Dear Derek,
I don't really know how to begin. I miss you very much and still have to remind myself that you really aren't with us any more. I'm so greatful that we were friends and shared a lot of great memories together all the way back to our Mitty days. I will always remember your amazing spirit, strength and positive spin on life. And especially your laugh and smile-which are unforgettable.
Love,
Mimi
jOOdy bOOty
July 1, 2004
KUYA DEREK! Happy BELATED Birthday!! and HAPPY 40TH DAY today!! You are now in the pearly gates of heaven with your mom and family. My HUGS and HELLOs to EVERYONE up there and SMILE for your festive gathering this Sunday. I miss you soooo much, but knowing that you are now in heaven gives me more comfort. MISS AND LOVE YOU! P.S. Your birthday celebration was soOoOo fun in the suite! I hope you enjoyed ;) GOoOoO A's!! =P
Hannah Chen
June 20, 2004
Derek -
It's hard to believe you're gone, but just like so many people who have written about you, I will always remember your smile, your laughter and your positive outlook on life. I always admired your ambition to make the most of every opportunity, and you trully did. I think of you often and miss you dearly. But I'm so blessed to know that you are with our Father in heaven and that our earthly goodbyes are really just 'see you laters'.
Love,
Hannah
Susan Naumchik
June 16, 2004
Dear Derek,
I'm thinking about how next week will be your birthday. I still want to celebrate it and to celebrate you. You were and still are a very special person in our lives. I cannot think of or remember my life when you were not in it, although I suppose we met in junior high. Now almost being 30 I realize that you have been my friend for quite a while. I think about you everyday and there are reminders everywhere. I have such happy wonderful memories that I am thankful I can smile about them although I still miss you terribly. I gain comfort in prayer and in talking to my family and wonderful friends. It is amazing how many special times we can recall once we actually sit down and think. I remember talking to you about a week before you went to heaven. I called you Uncle Derek because we have our litte Daniel that we are hoping to adopt. Well, you are and will always be Uncle Derek. You were hoping to meet him soon and we were all planning to go to your triathalon in San Jose to cheer you on. We know your death was unexpected and tragic however we also know that we have a blessed angel watching over us all the time. The funny thing is that I can still hear your laughter. It is because you will never leave my heart. We will never forgot all the shared special moments with friends, at youth group, in high school, at parties, trip to Portland, just you,me, and Steve with our new tradition of trying all the different kinds of ethnic foods that we could find. I believe our next stop was Zorba the Greeks. Of course we are always thankful that you were in our wedding party and added so much fun to our special day. I also recall a few times that just you and I went out or did things with each other. It was always nice to talk to you on a 1-1 level also as well as in a group. Our last time with you was very fun with dinner at Island Grill and bowling afterward. You were so excited that you bowled over 100! Well, I could write forever, my dear Derek, I just wanted to share a little with you and anyone who reads this. All your friends and family that we have met are wonderful. Please have them contact us if they need anything. I miss you but know that you are still here in all the beauty of this earth that surrounds us. Happy Birthday, Derek. We will celebrate you next week and always.
Love, Susan and Steve
Howard Seidel
June 9, 2004
Dear De Leon Family,
When I first heard that Derek had passed away, there was, of course, the overwhelming shock where I just could not make myself understand what had happened. After the shock, I guess we all started to look at how Derek’s life had interacted our own. When that process started, I have to say; I thought Derek’s life must have been sort of compartmentalized. He was someone I had known for over eight years, spoken to pretty much every other day or so during that time, and there was just so much I didn’t know.
In the last few weeks, in getting to know Derek’s friends and family a bit better, I realized that Derek didn’t compartmentalize his life at all. Derek’s life was just so big and full, that I (perhaps others too) just couldn’t get a perspective of it all at once. It took a whole group of people that loved Derek to put perspective and comprehend a life that was really lived to it’s fullest.
And I think that maybe this is part of one of the many lessons that Derek has left. To live this life and put into it as much as we can. To realize that it is our responsibility to put in as much LIFE as we can, and then have no regrets.
I will miss Derek so much, he was an amazing person. I first met Derek through business, where he has always treated myself and the people I work with, with dignity and respect. He was also absolutely instrumental to my company’s growth and survival over the years, and I will always be grateful to him for that.
But most importantly, over those years, Derek became my friend and I will miss him terribly. I have learned so much from him, and know now that a lot of what made Derek, Derek, was the product of his family. His WHOLE BIG, varied, strong, vibrant and wonderful family.
I will never forget the impressions Derek has left with me, and because of the way he lived his life, his friendship will never really fade.
I wish your whole family my sincerest condolences.
Derek & Clarissa @ Angelique and Edward's wedding 10/03
June 7, 2004
simone grudzen
June 5, 2004
i wrote this letter to derek the day he passed away and now share it with you all.
derek-
you passed away this morning. i heard from anthony this afternoon by phone. i am in shock and don't believe that you are actually gone. there is so much that i would've wanted to say to you before you left this world and entered the next. this is my attempt to say these things to you.
mimi and i joked that you would somehow put some positive spin on your own death. you would have seen it in a positive light, talking about how amazing your life has been, all the great people you know and how much love and support you've always been given. you have been such a source of love and unconditional support and acceptance to me. you believe in everyone around you. i miss you, derek. i am trying to remind myself that you are not gone at all. you are still with me. you can still laugh with me about that time our freshman year at usc when we accidently stumbled into the private edward james olmos documentary screening, a formal affair for only cast and crew, sat down in our shorts and jeans oblivious to the suits and ties around us. i remember the moment when they filmmaker himself announced that everyone in the room had somehow contributed to the making of the movie and that they were going to go around the room and thank each and every person. i looked over at you and you looked more nervous than ever, an 18 yr old kid in shorts at a private formal film screening without any idea what to do! we snuck out and laughed all the way home. it was awesome. i remember staying up with you til 5am writing comp 101 papers in flour tower at usc. you are such a young soul, my friend. you are so young and so wise all at the same time.
ENERGETIC. that is one of the most telling adjectives for derek deleon. you are one alive individual. always working, working out, volunteering, traveling. you are a TRUE CHRISTIAN. NEVER JUDGING ANYONE, ALWAYS SIMPLY LOVING UNCONDITIONALLY. you saw your father through the loss of your mother. i miss you so much, derek! i wish i could've gotten just one more crystal clear memory with you. but that is selfish. i have so many already. i can't wait to go to your service and see all the amazing people who you loved. there are so many. i will always remember how positive you have always been, even through the death of your mother. you never shut down, always saw it as something you would just work with.. work through.. you were so devoted to your mother and now you are with her in the after life. your two beautiful energy clouds have become one. you soar through the sky with her brings light and billowing fluffiness everywhere you go. you mentioned several months ago that you planned on moving to san francisco. i was excited. it would be just like old times at flour tower, when i could run over to your dorm room and hang out. alas, this won't happen. i refuse to get down about your life because it was such a positive force in mine. it will continue to be. as you gained strength from your mother's life, i promise to gain strength from yours. you are still with me. you always will be. i miss you. i miss you. i miss you. please look after me. i need it. will you be my patron saint? st. derek? has a pretty nice ring to it, eh? love, simone
Tina Melander Bowers
June 2, 2004
Derek,
It is so hard to believe that you are gone. I have never known anyone with as much LIFE as you. It makes it so difficult to accept that you're gone... but at the same time, it's a comfort to know that you truly did live life to the fullest in the short time that you were here.
We had so many memories together in our days together, both at Mitty and at Holy Family. I remember how funny it was when we were now the "leaders" on a Youth Group retreat together because we couldn't help but remember all the crazy stuff that we went on when WE were in Youth Group together!
A few months ago, I started putting my wedding album together. I had chosen a candid photo of you and I on the dance floor. It's a picture of you and I dancing. You are laughing really hard, and I'm laughing at whatever you were saying (a typical scenario). At the time, I chose the picture because it had really captured a fun moment with someone that I really cared about and had fun with. I never would have guessed how much it would mean to me to have that photo in my album.
In trying to make sense of your death, and of how someone so truly good and special could be taken away so tragically, I have been drawing comfort from the way that you have inspired me. Looking at your life really makes me realize what kind of person I want to be. It's given me a new perspective.
I like to think that the way your life has touched mine is a tangible piece of you that will continue.
I will miss you, old friend, and will never forget out times together or the remarkable life that you led. God bless you and keep you.
Uncle Gary
May 31, 2004
Derek
You get to choose your friends but fortunately or unfortunately you don't get to choose your family. We've known each other since 1975 and I wanted to reflect some of the memories that I've had during your life.
I remember you and some of your friends who visited us in Mission Viejo while you attended USC. You visited either for the love of family, to do laundry for free, or both. You were like a son to Auntie Tess and me and an older brother (mentor) to David. Together as family, we enjoyed the tennis courts and the swimming pool at the club house facilities only two blocks away from our home.
I remember one weekend trip to LaJolla, Ca. with Auntie Tess, Casey, Patrick, David and me. We laughed the entire weekend. During that weekend, we had dinner at the Fish Market restaurant on Harbor Drive in San Diego. For dessert, Auntie Tess wanted to order the brownie hot fudge sundae and asked the waitress to "please describe it". The waitress left and returned with the dessert. Eventhough we didn't order the dessert,we all enjoyed it. When the waitress returned you stated to her,
"The dessert was delicious,could you please describe it for us AGAIN!"
What an enjoyable weekend we spent with you in LaJolla.
I remember at family gatherings in Marina your leadership in the game Jeopardy. You wanted everyone to play by the written rules but in the Fajilan family that's nearly an impossible task.
Of course, I always remember the NERTZ card games. I believe that no one but people in the family know about the game or how to play it. Now you, your mom, grandpa, and Auntie Tess are playing Heavenly NERTZ and we will all join the game sometime in the future.
Derek, you have always been very intelligent, an excellent student, a person with a heart of gold, courteous, treated others with kindness, always willing to help, respectful to your parents, sibling, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends. We all wish we had your attributes.
As we continue our lives, we will all try to follow the things you taught us:
TREAT,LOVE AND RESPECT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED.
Auntie Nancy, David and I will be thinking about you always and trying to live up to the things you taught us.
Until we meet again.
Love
Uncle Gary
Noelle Winer
May 30, 2004
I cannot believe you are gone. It seems like only yesterday that I saw you at mass. I will never forget the good times we had- movies, church retreats, and my 21st birthday (5 years ago, when you were mixing my mud slide drink with other drinks). You were the one with all the smiles! May God Bless You Always. You will be missed. Love you, Noelle
Friends Forever...
Jon Maynard
May 30, 2004
Deepest sympathies for your loss.
The Maynard family.
Casey Fajilan Robertson
May 30, 2004
Derek, You were such a dear cousin to me. I could always rely on you for solid advice and I will miss you sound, unbiased and wise words. I will miss your smile walking through my front door, hanging out on weekends watching videos with Steve and I and our many laugh attack memories. "Say cheese - quick, smile, pretend we're in a desert!"We always had so much fun - the two squares, in our cousins group, dancing like there's no tomorrow at Angie's 30th bday bash. Your spirit will live in me forever. So many people loved you - your dad and Danny received letters from people that met you only briefly, like the couple in SJ who met you standing in line at the Rose Bowl game this Jan. You were an inspiration to everyone. Next year, your crazy cousins will be participating in the 2005 Wildflower Triathlon in your honor. You have inspired many of us to live as you did. I love you so much and will miss you dearly. Love, Casey
Katina Caradonna
May 28, 2004
Derek,
You were a friend that I will miss with all my heart. I know that you are with us still, watching over us, encouraging us - all the while, smiling. I remember all the BBQ's we saw each other at. All the laughs and visits about our days at Mitty. Derek, you were the thread that kept so many of us connected. Now, we must learn from you and be that thread. And when we are weak and feel afraid to reach out to lost friends, find strength in our faith and your example to go for it. Derek, your family and friends have experienced a great loss and while we are grieving, we know you are taken care of - safe with your mom and Christ in heaven.
We love you Derek,
Katina and Michael
Cathy Noriega
May 28, 2004
Derek,
I didn't know you as well as some people, but I'll always remember your smiling face. Thank you so much for being such a wonderful "homie" to my sister, Marie. You have a lot of people here that really love you. I only hope that I can make as big an impact on people as you have. Keep smiling!
Tajalli Greengus
May 28, 2004
Derek,
I am so glad that I had a chance to get to know post USC. You are a beautiful soul--always smiling and friendly, thoughtful, and fun. We always had great times enjoying excellent food, seeing USC beat everyone else, and even playing some good Texas Holdems and going bowling. You will be terribly missed. Much love to you and your family,
-Tajalli
Gina Roldan
May 27, 2004
Derek,
Thank you for sharing your discounts with me! You always greeted me with warmth and a smile and always made me feel at home and like family. It is no doubt that you don't have to spend much time with you to know what a happy, balanced, and beautiful person you are. I regret that I didn't spend more time with you. I know you will be smiling down at us from heaven. I will miss you.
Chris, Espi & Nathan Arreola
May 27, 2004
Derek, We would like to thank you for all of the great memories and laughters that you have brought into our lives. We miss you so so much. When we first learned of your passing, it broke our hearts and so unbelieveable. But as time is passing, we know that God must have great plans for you in heaven. It makes us happy to know that you are looking down on us and will always be by our side. I thank God for bring you into our lives. You gave us some much laughter, happiness, and great memories. I, Espi will miss your picture perfect smile, great complexion, your dancing groove and especially your calls of Real World/Road Rules sightings. haha! We love you Derek! You will never be forgotten.
Cindy Gray
May 27, 2004
Derek was an unbelievable person! I met him through Casey many years ago back in the days where Aqua Net was the bathroom staple of every east-side household and bolo ties and flat tops were attractive – just to give you some perspective on the era in which I was introduced to Derek. Derek had so much love for family and friends that you couldn’t help but smile and laugh when you were around him – he laughed at my all my jokes – sometimes the only one that laughed at them. Although I didn’t hang out with him as often as most of you, I hung out with him enough to know that he oozed of happiness and joy that could fill a football stadium. It was so fun to watch him shake it up to salsa music at my wedding, one of my last memorable moments of him. My last few conversations with him were related to work where he helped me better understand merchandising in the context of a project I am working on – he had such a flexible personality! Derek, I will miss you.
Maya Balos
May 27, 2004
Derek,
I saw you last at your house when I visited San Jose last year. We talked about visiting me here in DC, I'm sorry we ran out of time. Your early passing will tell all of us left behind that it could have been any of us, this will tell us that we should never take any minute for granted. You have also given us the gift of wisdom - to live a good life - the way you have lived yours.
I'm sorry I am so far away. A mass will be held for you & your family at Saint Matthew's Cathedral in DC on your birthday, June 24th at 8am.
You will be missed,
Maya
Christel Fajilan Minoc
May 27, 2004
Derek, I told you when you finished your triathalon that you were my hero and you truly are. I thank God for giving you to us to brighten our days. Your pure heart, unique laughter and beautiful smile will be greatly missed. I take comfort in knowing that God needed you more in Heaven than we needed you here. The family is overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support we have received from people you knew. We take comfort in hearing their stories about you. You amaze me and humble me with all the people you have touched. Some people say they're going to do great things, you actually did them. It's hard to imagine going through life without you by our side..and yet I know you're up in Heaven clapping your hands saying "come on guys you can do it!!!" You were our best cheerleader!!! I miss you so much cousin...I don't want to believe it...my selfishness wants you here with us. I know you are with God, Auntie Eding, Grandpa and Auntie Tess and I am so jealous!!! haha..Our cousin parties will never be the same.."It's MIME stupid not MIMI!!!!" It's a good thing that N'sync is gone because I don't think I could ever go to another concert without you!!! "YO, Courtney can I get yo number??!!" You always said put 2 Fajilans together and it's an instant party with insane things happenning!! How right you were. I feel blessed that none of us have any regrets about not being able to tell you that we loved you because we did say it out loud. Not only with our words but our actions. You are the original William Hung!!! tone deaf and off beat but you still loved to sing karaoke and dance the night away like it was nobodys' business!!!! You ROCK!!!!! Thank you for being you and allowing us to be a part of the magic you created... Seeing you cross that finish line will remain imprinted in my mind forever!!! You're probably getting a good laugh about all of us cousins doing the triathalon next year. you're probably thinking "it took this to get them to exercise??!!" I LOVE YOU Cousin...Kiss mama, grandpa and auntie Tess for me.
Anthony Masaquel
May 27, 2004
Derek, you were my best friend from Archbishop Mitty High School. We were the few Filipinos in our school and represented our culture at the very top of our class. We shared a passion for education, tennis, movies, family, and friendship. You showed me about faith in religion and prayer. I shared my personal life struggles and sought advice from you, but you helped me to learn how to turn to religion for strength. I was good at listening and you were good at talking. I appreciate all the laughs, stories, and especially the love you had for your family and friends. I'll miss you.
Minette Licaros
May 26, 2004
Derek, the last time we ever saw each other was when you offered Anthony and me extra tickets to watch a movie with you. That was so in your character to be generous enough to invite me and Anthony with you. I wish I had seen you before all of this happened. All I can do now is pray for you and your family through this rough time. I will always remember you as the smartest guy at Mitty, the best Tennis player, and one of the funniest and wittiest guys I have ever known. I will miss you. ~Minette~
Teresa Romero
May 26, 2004
Derek you will be missed, but I know God has plans for you in heaven. I'll always remember your sweet contagious laugh and your ever loving kindness. It was you Derek who introduced me to Sushi. Dave was right, you created a monster that day in Tahoe! Every time I drink miso soup I'll think of you! You are the most pure soul I've ever encountered on this earth. I'll see you again someday, until then God Bless you and your family!
Tim & Cindy's Wedding 2002
Patrick Pangilinan
May 26, 2004
Derek, we will miss you dearly. You were loved by all of us. You brought joy and laughter to everyone, with your distinct laugh. I've known Derek for over 15 years. We actually went down to L.A. for college at the same time in 1993, only difference was he went after high school, and I was a junior college transfer, and he went to USC, and I went to CSU Long Beach. So we hung out in L.A. a few times while we were down there. Then he had to go and graduate before me. He was so fun to be around, never a dull moment. He's the kind of guy that you could go on a long road trip with, and enjoy every minute. Derek took me to an Oakland A's game last summer, when he got Diamond Level seats from his work, (the ones right behind home plate, right behind the netting), I'll never forget it. I last saw him when we went to the A's opening night game in April. I had just emailed him last friday, to tell him about a new reality show (like the Apprentice) casting over the weekend that I thought he would be interested in, he emailed back and he already knew about it, in more detail, and said that if he were to do one it would be "The Amazing Race." I am very proud of his accomplishment in finishing his first ever triathalon, just a few weeks ago. Derek, thank you for all the good laughs, and all the memories, I cannot go to another A's game and not think of you. You will be sorely missed, and never forgotten.
Judy del Rosario
May 26, 2004
Kuya Derek,
I miss you sOoO much! I am still in shock of what has happened, but I am here staying strong to be by your Dad and brother's side. I KNOW you'd do the same. You did the same for me when Tita Melba passed away. You were by my side while I was making programs and other preparations, during last viewing moments, and taking pictures for me while I couldn't at the burial. Now, I want to return that generosity in your honor. I can't believe how SOON I am doing it and that it is for YOU, but GOD has chosen your path and you are now with your loving, resting mom. We are ALL here for your Dad and brother to help them day by day and I know you and Tita Eding will be doing the same up above. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! Thank you sOOoOoO much for my birthday card! I will long for the "dinner & drinks" that you were going to take me to now that i'm TWENTY-ONE!!, but I know that ONE DAY we will reunite and we will have my Birthday 'dinner & drinks'. I WILL NEVER FORGET, AND MISS SooOoOO MUCH, your heartfilled KISSES (oh so one of a kind!), your stories of school, trips, & work, your jokes with Kuya Danny about the way "people look" (you know who!! ;P), going bowling or eating out, our Christmas gift exchanges at my house, our New Year gatherings at yours, the WONDERFUL cheesecake you tried to remake (created by the original Tita Eding....you made it REAL good!), and EVERYTIME that you would SIT by me and see "what's up" and new in my life and just sit there and listen to all that I have to say without worrying what time it is. KUYA DEREK I MISS YOU! I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW SHORT LIFE IS!! But i'm happy that you are at PEACE and you are in my prayers and thoughts DAY AND NIGHT..without a doubt......
Lillian Dishong
May 26, 2004
To my dear friend Derek who will always be in my heart.
Donna Canfield
May 26, 2004
My prayers and sympathies go out to Derek's family and friends. I will always raemember his bouncy step and permanent smile - he brightened everyone's day.
Jerry & Rachel Iversen
May 26, 2004
Dearest Derek...we will miss you greatly. We just can't believe you're gone. To Delfin and Danny we send all our love. Our hearts are heavy with sadness and we grieve with you. We pray that God will dry your tears and comfort your hearts.
Rochelle Siquig
May 26, 2004
My memories of Derek are filled with so much love and laughter. We wer always the early birds for group events, and that always gave us some time to catch up since it took everyone else about an hour. He was the Prince of Pop Culture always in tune with what "in". Derek was family to us and we will miss him dearly. The last time I saw him was in Vegas. He sad such a great time. We had stood in line that Friday night for over an hour to get in. While we waited, we acted as fashion police and joked about the clothes that people wore. When we got in we danced. We got all crazy as usual when the 80s songs started playing. We had a really fun night. When we finally left, he was in good spirits and singing at the top of his lungs " Roses really smell lie TA - A - I". It was the song from Outkast, but he used the Tagalog word for poop. It was so hilarious. He skipped to his own beat. He was always a happy person and he made those around him laugh. He will always be remembered and cherished. I know you feel our love Derek, and we miss you so much. I know that you are with Auntie now and looking down at all of us. I love you and will miss you dearly. You will always be my 80s dancing partner! Love, Rochelle
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