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Derek Biggs Obituary

Derek Matthew Biggs Derek Matthew Biggs, 19, the beloved son of Joe Biggs and Debra Hansli, died Sunday, June 27, 2004, following a tragic auto accident near Ocala. An informal service to remember Derek will be held at 1 p.m. EDT Thursday at the home of Joe and Karen Biggs, 4520 Argyle Lane in Tallahassee. Guests are encouraged to bring musical instruments to play, as well as to share their thoughts of Derek and experiences with him. There will also be a free concert to honor Derek at 5:30 p.m. EDT Saturday at the Beta Bar, with entertainment beginning at 6 p.m. EDT. All of Derek's many friends are encouraged to attend both events. People are also encouraged, in lieu of flowers, to send memorial contributions to the Tallahassee Coalition for the Homeless (850-576-5566.) Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Riggins Road Chapel (850-877-8191) is handling arrangements. Born and raised in Tallahassee, Derek attended Chaires Elementary and Swift Creek Middle School, as well as Shephard Academy and the School for Applied Individual Learning (SAIL). Derek was a lifelong lover of music and a talented musician. In 1999, along with Chris Smith and Aaron O'Rourke, he founded and was the drummer for the local punk-rock band GWPI. He also recently had joined the local cow punk band White Trash Messiahs with Eric Holdos and Matt Jones. They were preparing to begin a tour of Texas and other Southern states Friday. Among the mourning family Derek left behind are four sisters, Allie, Sara, Hanna and Julie; two brothers, Garry and Jay; and stepparents, Karen Biggs and Fred Hansli. All are of Tallahassee. To family, friends and acquaintances: Derek was the most loyal and non judgmental soul. He had a heart of gold, always defending people who couldn't defend themselves. He gave and received strength and love from his countless friends. Above all else, Derek had the courage to be himself. Oi!

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

Published by Tallahassee Democrat on Jun. 30, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Derek Biggs

Sponsored by Debbie and Fred Hansli and Allie Biggs.

Not sure what to say?





Hank

March 18, 2014

Thinking about you this weekend. There's still a hole in this scene where you used to be.

June 23, 2013

Reminiscing a bit recently and put on some Convicted today. Got home from work and found some videos on Youtube. Crazy to see some of those old photos and recognize so many faces that were hardly visible.

A lot of things seem like they happened a lifetime ago, but it's hard to think that it's been almost a decade since Derek passed.

He was still a boy back then, but he had a world of promise. I can't help but think what kind of a man he'd be if he was still with us today.

~tony

Aaron O'Rourke

April 10, 2013

It's been almost nine years but here I am, up at 4am and thinking back to all the good times we had together and what an amazing influence you've had on my life. You are still very missed, loved, and admired.

Jana Miller

March 18, 2013

I still think about you every day. Happy birthday. Late nights downtown are still the best memories of my life :)

Jonny

July 30, 2012

Missing you. As usual.

Jonny

November 1, 2010

Still thinkin' about ya, Brother. Miss you.

Tianna Forbes

April 29, 2008

I'm always thinking of you derek. I put on my GWPI CD you gave me and rock out. i'm still sad, but i take you with me where ever i go,and never forget to take you to shows. I will never forget you. All my love.

Sara Biggs

December 26, 2007

I just popped onto this page to read back over the entries that people have left. It's now been 3 1/2 years. People say that the first year is the hardest. Although some days are more peaceful than others, there isn't a moment that goes by that I don't miss him. People say to remember the good times, but that's not enough. I know he was with us yesterday when Aurora opened her Christmas presents. I know he is with us right now. I miss you so much little bro. Memories of you will never fade.

May 2, 2006

May 2, 2006

May 2, 2006

May 2, 2006

May 2, 2006

Kara O'Ferrell

July 18, 2005

It has been over a year since Derek's passing, but today is a hard day and I miss him so much right now. It is comforting to read all the wonderful things that these kids have to say about the kind of person Derek was. He has touched so many people's lives in so many ways, he is greatly missed. I love you Deb, Fred, and Allie -- Keep Strong!

Rachel Nickens

August 21, 2004

While I never got to know Derek as well as I wished to, he was wonderful to spend time with. Whether at school or at shows he was friendly and loving to everyone and quick to strike up a converstaion. He has given us all something to strive towards in our lives.

All my heart goes out to his family.

Karly S

August 14, 2004

It's been over a month but it still hurts like it happened yesterday. Derek was the big brother I never had; he was always there with his big smile and bear hugs and I'll never forget him. My condolensces go out to his friends and family. I love him alot and I know that a part of him will live on in each and every person whose life he touched.

Jennifer Carter

July 25, 2004

To Derek's entire family (and his close friends),



It's been almost a month now and I am still having a very hard time accepting Derek's passing. His presence was so great and his warmth so intense. He cared for so many, and so many cared for him.



His memorial service was truly moving and awe-inspiring and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to hear so many wonderful stories about this sweet guy who touched so many lives.



I think of you all every day and hope that somehow you are able to get strength from each other and Derek's memory to help you get through this terribly painful time.



Sincerely,

Katie S

July 6, 2004

I have nothing but wonderful memories of Derek . ROCK IN PEACE

We All Love You

Waleed Abbas

July 6, 2004

I am a friend of Sarah and i just hope and wish that GOD gives all the family and friends enough strength to deal with this situation. May GOD bless you all and you will all be in my prayers.

Tom McCullion

July 5, 2004

I knew Derek as a kind and gentle man. He always had a smile on his face and seemed truly happy. A rare gift. My heart goes out to his friends and family.

Corrine Heery

July 4, 2004

I met Derek when he worked at Shoestation for a couple months. He was a really nice guy and I'll always remember how happy he seemed when he was talking about his band. My sympathies go out to his close friends and family.

July 3, 2004

Kelly Wiley

July 2, 2004

I never knew Derek, but his brother Garry is my best friend. I heard alot of good things about Derek and I'm so sorry about the loss. I hope things get better. Garry,I love you!! My sympathy goes out to his entire family.

Sharri Mazur (John Metcalf's Daughter)

July 2, 2004

Family and Friends of Derek Biggs,

My deepest condolences to you during these difficult times. You are all in my thoughts and in my prayers.

John Metcalf

July 2, 2004

Joe, my heart and prayers go out to you, and your family in the loss of your son.

I offer my love, and deepest sympathy to all involved.



Your friend

Katie Nowak

July 2, 2004

Derek is my cousin and I attened his funeral yesterday. It was so emotionally healing for me to see all of his friends and everyone that came and to hear their stories. Derek is the kind of people I think we hope we can all be. I love him and miss him SO much.

Michael Ericks

July 1, 2004

Dear Family and friend of Derek,

Derek was the best friend I ever knew who had everybodys back all the time no matter what it was going on. I knew Derek 14 years, and its hard to lose a best friend. Derek was always there for anybody that wanted to talk. He was the best friend anybody could have. Derek we hope your in a good place looking down on us and knowing we will always think about you and remember you. Derek and I knew each other forever we was the best. We love you DEREK.

allison s.

July 1, 2004

i can't believe that such a wonderful person is gone. it's hard to say why it had to be this way, but i guess the thing that makes it just a little bit easier to handle is the thought that so many people loved him and were influenced positively by him. maybe this happened to make everyone realise how truly wonderful derek's soul was. maybe this will make people want to be more like him, to carry on his memory. no one really can say why. at least he was as good a person as he was during the short amount of time that he had in this world. wherever he is, he's making someone laugh, i just know it.can you imagine him in heaven, giving god a great big bear hug? my love goes out to his family, and the many many people that loved him.

becky ledger

July 1, 2004

My deepest sympathy



Grandmother of Aubrey Young

Leslie Mason

July 1, 2004

Our deepest condolences for your loss. Derek sounds like he was a wonderful young man with alot of friends and family that will miss him dearly. God bless your family, friends, and all of the people whose lives Derek had touched.



The Mason's @ 4528 Argyle Lane and all of your neighbors at Miccosukee Meadows.

Elaine Petford

July 1, 2004

Derek and I went to SAIL together and he was a really great kid to be around. He was such a sweetheart and a guy who I will never forget and a guy who will always be remembered by many who knew him. God bless the loved ones that he left behind.

Kathy Strubble

July 1, 2004

My husband and I are feeling your loss. We lost our son, Matt aka "Curly", last October. I'm sure he and Derek were friends since they both played in the local music scene. If you ever need someone to talk to, we are here.

Adrienne & Wayne Funderburke

July 1, 2004

We will always remember Derek as a sweet and gentle soul...with a special dash of humor. Joe, our hearts break for you, as we pray for you and your entire family. Our wish is that you can find some comfort from the outpouring of love from friends and family.

Jack Flynn

July 1, 2004

Derek was an amazing person, and a big brother to my sister any time she needed another one. Always welcome at the dinner table, we knew each other for years and years, and always skanking with me and Coolie Ranx every time the Pilfers came to town. But more important his is a wonderful soul and a light for us all. I miss you.

Donald Loree

June 30, 2004

I am so sorry for your loss. He sounded like a wonderful young man. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sadness

jonny rutledge

June 30, 2004

to the family: i met derek once- it was the saturday before he died. i hung out with him all nite..it was one man befriending another. he was a passionate man and ill never forget him! much respect. oioioi! sincerely, jonny

Stacie Spelman

June 30, 2004

I always saw Derek at shows and he never failed to make me smile. He had no problem coming up and talking and making you feel like family.



My prayers and hope for all of his family.



May all of us smile in his stead. And never forget.

Sheila Balthrop-Flynn

June 30, 2004

I am so sorry for sweet Derek's many friends and family. He will be missed and remembered with love. Sometimes it does not feel like a consolation to know that our departed loved ones are in a better place, but I hope that some day soon it will comfort those who miss him so much.

"Neither death, nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God." Rom 8.38-39

Ashley Douglass

June 30, 2004

Derek was a wonderful human being. Whenever somebody needed just defending Derek was there. He was kindly and made me feel welcome at Fade Theroy and Beta Bar shows. He was always the loudest one to shout Oi! He will truly be missed. My heart goes out to Ali and the rest of the family.

Alyssa Chapman

June 30, 2004

What can I say? Derek was an amazing guy who always knew how to brighten people's day. I barely knew him but what I got to find out about him was truly amazing. He was a great guy and made P.E. fun. I'm so sorry that this world had to lose such a super cool, funny, and sweet guy....he will always be missed.

crissy chapman

June 30, 2004

i went to school with Derek,and i must say,he was the coolest person i ever met. the first time we actually talked was at the beta bar one night. We talked for awhile and then i went home. i also had the pleasure of having personal fitness with him. he always made us laugh.he was the person i talked to when i was down when i found out it hit me like a ton of bricks i cried. i was so upset its hard to believe that a person i talked to nearly everyday until he left in the spring is gone.i saw him at the prom with Maddie and they looked so happy im so sorry to his family for their loss. im glad that i had the chance to get to know him. may he rest in peace.

Melissa

June 30, 2004

I'm so sorry for your loss. My heart and support go out to all of his loved ones in the wake of this terrible tragedy. I used to go to SAIL and saw Derek occassionally but we never really talked or became friends. I knew he was a nice person to be around and well-liked. Even though I did not know him on a personal level, it is still very disheartening to lose such a talented member of the community. I hope that in the coming months, his family can take refuge in knowing that his school and community will cherish his memory.

June 30, 2004

God bless the family and friends in this time of loss...

Caroline Jones

June 30, 2004

We are so sorry for the loss of your son, Derek. May God bless you and keep you during this sorrowful time.



Caroline and Bill Jones

(Parents of Matt Jones)

Joey Orsini

June 30, 2004

Biggs, you were one of the greatest people I have ever had the privelege to know. I'll miss you sweetheart.



My heart goes out to Allie and the rest of the family.



I love you!

. .

June 30, 2004

I knew Derek a long time ago. It seems like ages ago we were in middle school and having a blast swimming and goofing around. No matter how long it had been since we saw each other he always treated me like there had been no time. I feel like I have no right to be this upset when there are people who've been his friends for years that never lost touch and are hurting so much more than me. To his family and especially to Allie: I'm so sorry. I know nothing that I can say can possibly make anything better. But I hope and pray that you all find peace within yourselves and with Dereks memory.

Matt Jones

June 30, 2004

Derek was a soul like none other. He loved music and musicians loved him. His irreplacable drumming will be missed.

Maddie Flynn

June 30, 2004

Derek was the nicest person I knew.

I loved him and I will always miss him

Forever loved and missed...

June 30, 2004

June 30, 2004

MAY GOD LOOK OVER DEREK AND HIS FAMILY AT THIS TRAGGIC TIME.



JUST A FRIEND

Leisa Flynn

June 30, 2004

Dear Family and Friends of Derek,

I just wanted to put in writing two thoughts. First that Derek was a truly sweet and gentle young man and that the outpouring of love I have seen in the past three days is great testemony to his spirit. Second I want to tell his parents and family that they have a great deal to be proud of in Derek. You raised a a true and good human being. Peace.



Maddie's Mom

Eric Holdos

June 30, 2004

Later Bro, I'm gonna miss you.

We all are.



Rock on....



Rev. V!

me me

June 30, 2004

nice man

jacob sanford

June 30, 2004

derek was my friend and my brother. i love him and i will miss him so so much.



my condolensces go out to everyone that is hurting, especially to his family.



OI OI DEREK!

Diana Lee

June 30, 2004

I am truly sorry for your loss. I am the step sister of Kara & John. I had the chance to meet Derek when he was best man in their wedding. My prayers are with your family.

Showing 1 - 56 of 56 results

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