Derrick E. McGavic

1938 - 2012

Never one for long goodbyes, Derrick slipped quickly away to the "big meeting in the sky" with wife Patty and friends at his bedside on Thursday afternoon, April 12, 2012.

Derrick's illness was devastatingly swift. He did however, keep his sense of humor and died the witty, shanty town Irishman we all knew and loved.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio May 23, 1938 to John Samuel Mc Gavic, M.D. and Ruth Everingham (teacher), Derrick was an Eagle Scout, competitive figure skater and voted most colorful, biggest wolf and best dancer at The Haverford School. He studied at Amherst College, Dickinson College and received his Law Degree from University of Iowa. He was brilliant and was, in fact, admitted to law school and medical school on the same day.

In 1964 Derrick commenced practicing law in Eugene, Oregon. Over the years he established several firms, set legal precedent and was a charter member in national legal organizations. Derrick closed his law firm in March of 2011 and was looking forward to a leisurely retirement prior to his recent cancer diagnosis. Unfortunately because there were only 13 days between diagnosis and death Derrick was unable to notify or talk to so many of you and he extends his regrets.

Always quick to offer assistance to anyone in need, Derrick was instrumental in helping many men and women escape from the depths of despair. Coffee cup in hand, Derrick would spend hours listening - sharing his experience, faith and hope. The hour early or late, no matter; you could always rely upon Derrick's support. Helping others was as vital as his coffee with cream and lots of sugar, air and water.

He loved to go to the coast, smell the breeze and skip a pebble into the surf. He used to say that was what kept him right sized. In the grand scheme of the tide, just how much effect did that one little pebble have?

Derrick asked that we express his sincere thanks to all of the friends of Bill W. who have enriched his life these past 23 years. The coffee's on, the book is open and he's saving you a seat upstairs 24/7.

He is survived by wife Patty McGough and her children Maxwell (Christine) and Kelsey of Springfield and Eugene; his two children: Rick in Chicago, IL and Betsy in Tigard, OR; a brother Dick and wife Brenda in Louisville, KY; a sister Martha and husband in Lowell, MI; numerous nieces, nephews, stepchildren and grandson Rex Jacob.

At Derrick's request, in lieu of a funeral ceremony, a CELEBRATION OF LIFE will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at The Living Hope Church, 2801 West 18th, Eugene, OR 97402 from 2 until 5 p.m. Commemorative program to be held from 2 until 3, dessert and refreshments will follow.

If you have a photo, "Derrickism" or a story about Derrick you would like to have included in the Celebration please send it to: pattymcgough@mcgavic.com.

If it is a private story, please indicate and Patty will hold it close to her heart instead of sharing it at the ceremony.

Donations may be made to Buckley House, 605 West 4th, Eugene OR 97402 or to Womenspace, PO Box 50127, Eugene OR 97405.

Private inurnment by Musgrove Family Mortuary.

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation."

Herbert Spencer


Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy