Derek Wimmer

Derek R. Wimmer
July 22, 1946 - Nov 25, 2024
Derek R. Wimmer, 78, of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Derek was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 22, 1946, to William and Ina Wimmer. Growing up, education was a priority, and expectations for him and his older brother, Michael, were high.
The brothers attended King Edward's, a prestigious state school. While Mike was an outstanding athlete, Derek focused on the Dramatic Society, Debating Society, and singing-a passion he nurtured throughout his life.
Church became a central part of the family's life. Derek remained a lifelong, active member of local Anglican/Episcopalian parishes, holding numerous parish and diocesan leadership roles. He also sang as a bass in the renowned St. Wilfrid's Church Choir.
Upon completing school, Derek was conscripted into the South African Army and later became a diamond sorter and accountant to fund his college studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. During these years, Derek met his first wife, Lian, and they emigrated to England. In 1974, their son Christopher was born.
In England, Derek initially joined Jessell Securities, a mutual fund and investment company, and later Rockwell International. In 1978, Rockwell invited him to join the company's corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh.
Derek's 30-year career at Rockwell saw him hold various positions in Finance, Treasury, and International Business Development, which led him to the Rockwell Collins Avionics Division. When the division was spun off as a separate New York Stock Exchange company, Derek was appointed Vice President and Chief Audit Executive.
In Pittsburgh, Derek met his life partner, Sue, and they married in 1980. Together, they made homes in Pittsburgh, Northern Virginia, Southern California, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. When Derek retired in 2004, they settled in Huntington Beach, California, where they lived for 19 years.
In 2023, they returned to Pittsburgh to be closer to family and built their dream home in Gibsonia. During retirement, Derek was an active member of the local community, serving on the Board of the Huntington Valley Boys & Girls Clubs and as President of the Surf City Rotary Club and Beach Cities Interfaith Services in Huntington Beach, CA. Together, he and Sue were world travelers, avid golfers, passionate game players, and known for being wonderful entertainers. Derek was a keen photographer who loved traveling, especially with family and friends, visiting over 100 countries and all seven continents.
A devoted family man, Derek is survived by his wife, Sue; daughter Robyn (Mick); sons Tim and Chris (Kerry); brother Mike (Pat); grandchildren Travis (Katie), Casey (Marina), Jenna (Jay), and Liam; great-grandchildren Olivia and Conor; and a network of extended family and friends worldwide.
Derek was a member of St. Brendan's Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd, Sewickley, PA 15143, where a funeral service will be held on December 7, 2024, at 11:00 AM. A memorial lunch gathering of family and friends will be held following the funeral service at The Chadwick, 10545 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Huntington Valley, 16582 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708, http://apps.bgchv.com/donate-now (Tribute Gift), or the Rotary Club of Hampton Township, P.O. Box 685, Allison Park, PA 15101.
Arrangements by Schellhaas Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Please offer condolences at www.schellhaasfh.com.