Derek M. Boatright

If you would like to join Derek's family for his Celebration of Life Service, please click on the livestream link below his obituary on this page.

Derek Migel Boatright (Sr) was diagnosed with lung cancer on December 19, 2023, and was only given months to live. He then received chemo, immunotherapy, and an incredibly huge amount of love and caregiving from his family. Defying the odds, he was with us for 7 more months, a miracle and gift to us all, and passed away surrounded by loved ones on August 2, 2024. He will be “eternally missed and in our hearts for all time”.

He was born on December 8, 1972, one of two children born to Brenda and Rick Boatright, making his sibling a big sister, who loved and cared for him as if they were twins. He attended Moorhead Sr High School and was a proud graduate of Lynnus School of Welding. 

Derek’s main goal in life was to spread happiness, no matter the inconvenience to himself, and he cared for his family above his own wants or needs. Even after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, he was only concerned with his family’s well-being.

He was stubborn, funny, generous to a fault, proud and protective of his family and friends, and valued loyalty, morals, and integrity. He was a master storyteller, excelled at finding the good in any situation, and possessed the innate ability to make others smile and laugh. He loved to camp, ride motorcycles, and cook for anyone that was lucky enough to sample his creations. He loved children, dogs, and got a kick out of participating in numerous shenanigans. 

He is survived by his mother, Brenda Boatright; sister, RikiLynn Boatright (“Brother”, Rob Boatright); children, Audrianna Boatright, BrendaLynn Boudreau, Damara Boatright and her children (Derek’s Grandchildren) Dawson & Aurora, Derek Boatright Jr, and his wife, Brynn “Dilly” Boatright; nephew, Alec Lien (Amber Twohearts); niece, Ellie Devereaux, and her children, Lilly & Violet McConnell, and niece, Cassandra Barr; grandchildren whom he adopted, Aleksianna Boatright, Maecilynn Boatright, & Tydus Boatright; step-mom, Deb Welborne; aunts, Judy Moore (Mike), Terri Durben, Molly Champion and Nellie Hale-Cichon; dearest friends, Chris and Olivia Farrell, Bucko and Patricia, Papa Strawberry, Rory, Hot Rod, Paul and Amanda Lawson, and numerous other family and friends from near and far.

He was preceded in death by his son, Devin Boatright and father, Rick “Doc” Boatright 

A Gathering of Family and Friends for Derek will begin at 2:30 PM, Thursday, August 8, 2024, followed by a Celebration of His Life at 3:30 PM, in the Paulson Chapel at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Moorhead, MN. 

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN)