Derrick Brooks Obituary

Derrick Roger Brooks

12/16/1965 - 9/8/2022

Derrick Brooks passed away peacefully at home in Clearwater, Florida, fittingly, on the same day as the Queen, whom he adored. Even in extreme pain, battling COVID and cancer, lovingly he had cared for his dad, Steve, for the past 3 1/2 years while missing his mom, Eileen, who passed away in March 2019. He traveled the world with them and created incredible memories.

Living most of his life in Riverton, Utah, he could tell you details of people, places, and events no one else knew. He learned from Grandma Johnson what elbow grease and stubbornness were, always going over and above. He will be remembered for the 17th Street Ice Cream Parlor, Christmas Around the World, and the Crane House to preserve history, celebrations, and the arts.

Derrick treasured all genres of music, especially Sarah Brightman, Josh Grobin, Freddie Mercury, and Montserrat Caballé. He loved and was loved by many family members and friends, who will miss his phone calls and karaoke performances, which almost always included a dedication to someone he cherished. Derrick knew how to make any day or celebration a truly memorable "event" with striking bow ties, gorgeous clothes, beautiful decorations, elaborate interiors, stunning flowers, and exquisite food. Christmas was his trademark.

"Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes - how do you measure the life of a man? …It's time now to sing out, though the story never ends. Let's celebrate! Remember a year in the life of friends." As a family, Derrick showed us there is joy in living. We love him and will miss him every day: his dad, Steve, "his bros" Darrin and (Steven Camicia), his sister, Denise (Shauna Clark), and his nieces, Kelsea (Peter Brook) and Hanna (Stetson Seamons). He will be buried next to his mom and grandparents in the Riverton Cemetery. Graveside services will be announced at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Sep. 11 to Sep. 18, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Derrick Brooks

9 Entries

Rebecca Varner

September 8, 2024

Derrick will be in my heart and my soul forever! He´s missed but I know he is watching over us and helping us when we ask. I bet he´s such a great angel!

Marcy

December 1, 2022

I met Derrick over our mutual love of
gardening. I only knew him a few
short months and was saddened to
learn of his passing. He was a very kind and thoughtful person and will be missed at Penthouse Groves.
RIP Derrick.

Joshua

October 14, 2022

Words are nothing more then an attempt to hide actions unfulfilled Derek never let anyone down including myself when I was homeless he housed me when I was hungry he fed me when I had no clean clothes he provided me with the space to clean my clothes his friendship will forever resonate in my mind his spirit will forever resonate in my soul this man seen me in such extreme circumstances and with no fear he rescued me. He had absolutely no care on how the people would treat him when he got me out of the situation I was in. truly one of my best friends he never judged he never pointed fingers all he did was give advice on how he would have handled the situation he never demanded that I take his advice many times I didn't many times I did he taught me that it was okay to be gay but it was okay to like flowers and that was okay to make bird baths out of crystal and most of all he taught me that it was okay to be different I will forever I mean forever miss this man
The pure generosity that the Brooks family has shown me throughout the 10 years that we had known each other was that of unfathomable compassionate beings they didn't need to take me in when I had nowhere to go but they never questioned d e r r i c k they knew that their son had put trust in someone then that was all that was needed I lived with them for several months while I was recovering from addiction they never treated me any different I sat down every single night to dinner with them they looked me in the eyes just as if I was a normal person.

Cathy Eagan

September 23, 2022

Derrick was so special to me. He made my day every time we´d meet in the elevator or I´d run into him at the condo. It was so touching to see him and Steve with his mom in her finest. Derrick touched my heart. Yes we did love Christmas at the condo. I´m heartbroken to hear he had a series of maladies at the end. It´s over now. Our most sincere condolences to Steve and his family.
Jerry and Cathy Eagan

Anita Reece

September 17, 2022

Sending my deepest condolences to the family
My sweet friend Derrick! A blessing to have known such a kind and loving human being. Christmas and Karaoke will never be the same! I will continue to grow more beautiful orchids in memory of him. Rest in sweet Derrick Brooks.

Kevin Hansen

September 14, 2022

Derrick meant a great deal to me as my significant other and friend. I will always cherish the wonderful travels we went on, the fabulous Christmas´s we spent together, and his twinkling eyes when he smiled. Such a generous heart and adventurous spirit. He will definitely be missed. His untimely passing has left me devastated. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family whom I also love dearly. May flights of angels sing you to your rest my beloved brother-friend.

Lenna Smock Lambert

September 13, 2022

Derrick and the Brooks family will always be important to the Smock family. We have so many memories of spending time together. Derrick always went above and beyond to make things nice - no matter the occasion. When my son died, Derrick helped Eileen call me to offer condolences...he made sure I could understand what his mom was saying to me. I am grateful for the life-long friendship, laughs, learning, and facing the challenges of life with our neighbors and friends, the Brooks´. I hope you all are having a wonderful reunion in heaven...happy days are yet to come!

Civita Schilling

September 12, 2022

Derrick was a friend that I met at Karaoke. He was always so complimentary and so positive. He was so kind to his parents and took such good care of his Mom. I loved to hear him sing Broadway songs. I loved the clothes he wore so fashionable!! He wanted to do a duet with me and I wondered why i didn´t see him again . I´ve thought about him often. I will miss him and his smile and personality. Rest In Peace my friend. I´m so happy to have known you !!

Mark Hughes

September 11, 2022

Derrick was one of the first individuals I met after moving to Gulfport, FL (St Pete) in 2017. We met at O'Maddy's during karaoke. Derrick was a regular there and after introducing himself and finding out I was new to the area, he introduced me to at least 10 other persons. That was one of the traits that I admired about Derrick. He has remained one of my close friends. We spoke on the phone last weekend and were looking forward to seeing each other at karaoke again. Derrick will always be in my heart.

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