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Derek Best Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Memories and Condolences
for Derek Best
Sponsored by Robert, Deborah and Byron Best. Never Gone....Never Forgotten.
Janet King
May 7, 2025
My Mom´s grave is one above Derek´s. They are neighbors. We saw something referring to music tonight on his grave. While we don´t know him, our hearts go out to his family and we know he was a joy to all. L4L. Lancer for Life! Blessings and peace and we are so sorry for your loss. Barry and Janet King (Norma and Jim Ayers).
G B
January 9, 2024
Crazy how much time has passed. You will never be forgotten. ❤
JK
October 6, 2016
Driving home today after seeing someone who reminded me of you and the day you were taken from us. Enraged, still, "See You Again" comes on the radio.. And I let it go. I still miss you buddy. <3 gone but never ever forgotten.
Katie McCauley
June 1, 2015
Listening to Thursday "War all of the time" coming home from work and you jumped in my head. I will miss you forever best friend. I hope you're flirting with the Angels and playing a sweet guitar with God. I miss you my man.
How you can show support
Brandon toms
February 19, 2015
Thinking of you today buddy. I love you. I miss you. Wish we could just get together and hang out. I wish the world could've seen how you'd grow up. I feel robbed that I can't come home and just call you up to go grab a beer. High school reunion is coming up. .I wish you'd be at it. ..so we could go do pranks and fake falls and shopping cart antics. ..and find out that our bodies are to old for that crap. I want to know what mature Derek would've been like. .it's so hard to imagine. The Derek I knew was the funniest kid at Manchester high. I can't imagine a grown up Derek wearing a suit and having a 9-5 job. .maybe a family of his own.. I can't imagine it, but I would've loved to see it. Miss you bud, I'll see you again.
Jacki Knobel
September 5, 2013
Happy birthday D-Rock. I think about you all the time, and miss u everyday. Certain songs and certain places still hit me hard, even 5 and a half years after you were stolen from us.
Always loved, always missed, never ever forgotten.
Ashley H
March 8, 2011
Derek,
Its crazy how fast time goes by and I still can't believe it's been over 3 years since you were taken from us. I miss you so much and I wish so badly that I could go back in time and see you smile one more time. I'm going to come by and see you sometime soon...its been almost a year since I've done that. I love you so much and we all miss you still.
Gina Stewart
January 28, 2011
We all Love and Miss you greatly.
I think about you all the time! One day we will see each other again. Until that day; I will see you in my dreams!
Jennifer Moore
January 12, 2011
Derek I can not believe it has really been 3 years since you where taken from us. This world can suck sometimes. Well, I miss you and I love you!!!!!
mom
September 6, 2010
I miss you more and more every day. I wanted to celebrate your birthday but it still hurts too much. I love you my baby boy.
Jennifer Moore
September 5, 2010
Happy Birthday Derek!! I miss you and I love you!!!
Jennifer Moore
September 5, 2010
Happy Birthday Derek!! It's not fair that you are gone. It hurts everyday. I miss you and I love you!!!
Jill Armstrong
January 9, 2010
I still can't believe it's been almost 2 years now. I think about you all the time and miss you so much. The little stuff is what gets me, a song on the radio, a scene kid on a skate board, even a random tv show lol. There's so many happy memories and that's what I want to hold on to. Love and miss you babe
Jennifer Moore
January 9, 2010
Derek,
I miss you so much. I think about you everyday. Just doesn't seem like it is almost 2 years you where taken from us. But I know you are looking down on us. I wish you could meet your little cousin Anna Lynn. She was born 4 months after you where taken from us. Well, I love you and I miss you so much.
Love your cousin,
Jennifer
deb best
December 30, 2009
I do not know what 2010 will bring......all I know is that I love and miss you more and more every single day. You are my baby boy and always will be. Love always, Mom
Jacki K
January 19, 2009
Derek..Its been over a year now..and I just still cannot believe that i cant hear your voice anymore. I actualy kept ur cell number in my phone until the number was disconnected..because I could at least call your cell and hear your voice on your voicemail. I miss you..I miss you saying.."hey..did you see that Gullible over there?" and ud point...and i looked everytime. I only got ou with it once. I miss goin to parties with you..and that one time i picked up u and Durtis and Durtis was rollin around in the back of my old minivan...and a deer scared me and i swerved and made him fall. haha Good times will never be forgotten. My thoughts go out to Byron, Deborah, and Robert. I pulled into the Cemetary behind you all right before christmas time..I had an ornament with Derek's name on it..and i put my car in park and picked it up..it exploded in my hand..sending its interiors all over my car..it was a small snow globe ornament..and i took that as a sign to leave you guys to be with Derek that day. I still miss you so much Derek..and I visit you as much as I can. I listen to Ape Dos Mil all the time..and your picture is still in my windshield.I hope to see u soon kid.
Mom
January 9, 2009
1-13-2009 will be one year without you. I love you, miss you, cry for you every single day. Life was beautiful with you here. I am so blessed to be your Mom. The depth of our pain never ends. You were our world. Until the day we are together again............I love you !!!!
anon anon
April 21, 2008
so sorry for your loss deb i truly am just be strong for byron cus he needs you now more than ever always xxxxxx
pat canavan
March 27, 2008
deborah my heart is broken like yours but remember you had an awesome son and he will be watching over you and your family.
i know derek best is in heaven it may not console you but it will given time.i will pray for derek and your family everynite
Jo Smith
March 25, 2008
your one of heavens precious angels now derek please look after your lovely mom and send her some special cuddles. deb my heart goes out to you my thoughts and prayers are with you always
eamon canavan
March 22, 2008
i know you mom and i feel the loss but i know something will come good just cos how you are
Blair Nuckols
February 28, 2008
Derek, I still can't believe you're gone. I think about you all the time. Remember the cat in the hat you won me out of that vending machine in mall? i have him in my car, so it's like you're always with me. I can't wait to see you again. That will be a good day. Who know what trick you'll play just to make me laugh.<3xo
Deborah Best
February 13, 2008
One month ago today Derek was taken from us. One month of every emotion there can be - so much grief that there are no words to convey, extreme feelings of loss, helplessness, hopelessness, questioning our faith and emptiness. With all this there is one thing that has come shining through - LOVE. The love for Derek, the people who love Derek, the people Derek loved (everyone!), the friends and family who have expressed their love for Derek and all of us. Love will somehow get us through this impossible time. The tears and pain never end, but there is always somewhere there to talk to us, cry with us and understand. I am honored to be Derek's mother. He was special not because of anything I did, he was special all by himself. I think everyone would agree to one thing - we were all better people from being around Derek. He had that affect on everyone. Thank you for loving Derek and letting him be a part of your lives. Robert, Byron, Gina and myself appreciate and love you all.
Tom & Texas
February 12, 2008
Derek~
We can't believe a month has already gone by since you were taken from us. I know you are making everyone glow up there. We miss and love you!
Robert, Deborah, & Byron~
We think about ya'll with every day that passes by. You will forever be in our prayers. You had such a warm hearted son/brother. He will always be missed and never forgotten. We love ya'll
Tom & Texas
February 11, 2008
Derek~
We can't believe it has already almost been a month since you've been gone. I know you are making everyone glow up there! We love and miss you.
Robert, Deborah, & Byron~
We think about ya'll with every day that goes by and you will always be in our prayers! You had such a beautiful and warm hearted son/brother. He will never be forgotten. We love ya'll!
Laura Lane
January 24, 2008
A very special man with a good heart was taken all too early. Derek was a joy to have visit my son, Matt. I remember Derek as always being very mannerly and kind. He will be missed.
Kimberly Brazier
January 21, 2008
Derek,
You touched everyones life that you ever came in contact to. I will never forget thet impact you made on my life and the lives of so many people. You will be missed, but never forgotten. I'll see you again one day. I miss you so much Derek.
My heart goes out to your family and all of your friends who have loved you so much.
January 20, 2008
Our love and prayers go out to Robert and Deborah, and family. We know this is a hard time you are going through.
Love,
Aunt Audrey Moyer, and Cousin Genevieve Moyer Black, and family
Misti Binford
January 19, 2008
Deborah and family-
I worked with you several years ago at Willow Creek and wanted to express my deepest heart fellt sympathy of the pain you and your family are going through.
please accept my condolences and know you and your family are in my heart and prayers. Misti Binford
Lee Terry
January 18, 2008
Deb and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Derek,I had no idea until today. May God bless you all and give you strength. You have my deepest sympathies and prayers,
Dennis
January 18, 2008
I recieved this from a dear friend (Loretta Taylor) in the mail. She wrote it in honor of Dereks life.
Affirmation
A rose is beautiful
Tho' its thorns
prick my hand.
Life is beautiful
Tho'its thorns
prick my heart.
She always knows how to turn a phrase to touch the heart. Derek will always live, young and forever free in our hearts. I love you Derek, Uncle Dennis
Cheryl Lewis
January 17, 2008
On behalf of the staff of Mount Carmel Institute of Biblical Studies I would like to extend our condolences to the Best family. There is no greater pain then that of losing a child. May the Lord give you that peace that passes all understanding during these sorrowful times.
Heather Rippert
January 17, 2008
Dear Debbie, Robert and Byron,
My heart reaches out to all of you at this tragic time. I am sorry I was unable to attend the services with Harold. I want you to know that the next painting I am working on will be dedicated to and in the memory of Derek. When I complete it, I will email it to you. My love and deepest sympathy,
Heather Rippert (Harold Best's fiance)
mary gonzalez
January 17, 2008
Derek will be greatly missed. its so hard to lose those that we loved and cared about. derek will remain in our hearts and and prayers. i know its hard and i will pray for is family.
Deborah Best
January 17, 2008
All the outpouring of love & support for Derek has been tremendous and a comfort. To know that in 19 short years he touched so many people with his kindness and gentle nature, makes me believe he was on this earth for a reason. I was looking at his "myspace" reading all the wonderful thoughts from his friends and then I got to his profile. They asked Derek who his heros were. One was God. Then they asked who Derek would like to see. He wrote "Daniel and God". Of all the musicians, stars, etc he could want to see, he chose 2 of the most special who impacted his life every day. I want my son back, nothing will change that, but I try to believe every minute, Daniel and God were there to greet Derek and surround him with their love. From reading Derek's poems and writings, it is almost as if he knew his time would be short. He had this deepness in his writing with understanding & acceptance of immortality. Derek's belief and love for God makes me know he is by His side, along with beautiful Daniel. Please take care of and love my son as much as we, and everyone else did. God Bless all his friends for loving Derek. He loved you as much as you loved him.
Your Cousin Wanda
January 17, 2008
Robert,
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your son,Derek.I wish I had known him.Gosh,It's been twenty years since I have seen you.I always wished our family had been closer.When I heard that you wrote a book I had to go out & buy it.It was such a good book.Just know my thoughts & prayers are with you at this time of your loss.
January 17, 2008
I did not know your son, however from what I have read he was a wonderful young man and much loved by many people. It is so tragic to me, that such a senseless act of violence could take your son from you. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
A Concerned Virginian
Danny, Maria,and Nick Herlong
January 16, 2008
DEREK,
Today, you were laid to rest. It was so amazing to see all the people there to say goodbye. There were cars as far as you could see, and then some. Derek, you are a very special person to have so many people care about you and love you. Then again, everyone who knew you knows how special you are. After Daniel died, you would come by from time to time to see how we were doing. This shows how caring you were and meant alot to us. Recently, I read a paper you wrote six months after Daniel passed and it makes me cry every time I read it. Derek, you had a real talent for putting words on paper. I am so glad Daniel had a friend like you to grow up with, to laugh with, to play practical jokes on people with, play guitar and skateboard with, etc. I bet the two of you are up there right now, thinkin about who you will play a joke on next. Look out for each other. And watch over all of us down here and we will see you soon.
Robert, Deborah and Byron,
Derek was a wonderful and caring young man. He was taken from us way too soon. I guess God needed another smiling, funny angel in Heaven. Just, remember to lean on each other, and your family and friends. Your memories will help you through this. We wiil be here if you ever need us.
Much love,
Ann Selby
January 16, 2008
Dear Debs and Family,
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve. Bless you all x
amanda tomlinson
January 16, 2008
this still has me in shock. im just trying my best to believe its not true. i remember when i had guitar with you for those few weeks before i got sent to a different class.i remember when me and you "talked" andyou used to write me cute notes and give them to me after class. i remember your "elmo" drawings. haha! overall, i remember how amazing of a personyou were. you always knew how to make people feel better. you truely were an angel on earth, and now that youre gone heaven has gained an angel. we all love and miss you derek. this shouldnt have happened to you. rest in peace...
katie
January 16, 2008
Derek, i can't believe the last time we hung out, is seriously the last time i'll ever see your smile and hear your voice.. i just can't believe anything like this could happen to someone as amazing as you. i'll miss you playing guitar for me.. and just you in general. you were so easy to talk to.. REST IN PEACE, sweet boy..
to Byron & Gina, and the rest of the Best family..and close friends..
my deepest sympathy goes out to you. <3
A Concerned Citizen
January 16, 2008
To the Best Family,
I did not know your son but to hear such bad news like this I was hurt.I know what you are going threw but its ok to cry and think about him.Just remember God loved him best and he now with him watching over all that cared so much about him.
I will keep each of you in my prayers.May God Bless You All! RIP Derek
Sherri
January 16, 2008
Robert, Deborah, & Byron,
Can't imagine what you three are going through now. May God hold you close in his arms. Derek went to school with my daughter, Jordan. She spoke highly of him and said he was well loved. Robert, Derek looked exactly like you. From all the e-mails, he must have had your sense of humor. Your in our prayers,
Sherri
Paula Taylor
January 16, 2008
Parents,Grandparents Byron and family, May you find comfort and peace with your loss, justice will be found. You are loved and thought of and our prayers are with you!From the Mother of Casey and Kristyn Friends of Derek and Byron
ashlee struble
January 16, 2008
To the best family, I am so sorry for your lost. This world has lost an amazing guy who always knew how to make people laugh! Just know that he is watching over all his family and friends each day! He will always be with us! My prayers and thoughts are with you!!
<3 Ashlee Struble
Kristin Breslin
January 16, 2008
The Success Program at Manchester High School was blessed and honored to have had the experience of working with Derek for three years. His gentle leadership was an inspiration to many students. He had such an impact on our program and he was the perfect example of compassion. He will be missed and he is treasured.
Nikki Jennings
January 16, 2008
Derek,
Thank you for touching the lives of every person you met whether you knew it or not. You don't come across good people like you much in this world, and you had enough good in you to hopefully leave a little piece with each of us. If more people would be more like you, we'd be in a much better world. We'll think about you every day, and your memory will never, ever die buddy. WE LOVE YOU, and thank you for being a ray of sunshine in what seems at times to be such a grey, cruel world.
And remember, "even if things end up a bit too heavy, we'll all float on alright." <3
Melissa Mesko
January 16, 2008
Dear Deborah, Robert & Byron,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. How senseless for Derek to be taken so young. I hope that your memories will bring you some comfort.
Melissa Mesko
"Perhaps, they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy."
Pat Grey
January 16, 2008
Deb, Robert, Byron
I wish it were in my power to spare you the grief and pain you feel now, but unfortunately it is not. The only thing I can do is help you cry, and let you know how much I love you,and by the turn out last night proves that Derek is truly loved.
I cannot imagin any one hurting such a sweet, loving "old soul" as Derek.
you can remember him only that he is gone or you can cherish his memory and let is live on.
you can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back or you can do what he would want: SMILE, OPEN YOUR EYES, LOVE AND GO ON..
Terry Cain
January 16, 2008
To Deb,Robert and Byron, I am so sorry for your lost may the many word of comfort and prays you recive bring some peace to your hearts at this time if their is anything I can do please let me know.
January 16, 2008
Its shocking when tragedy becomes reality. Derek I only hung out with you on a few occasions, I had no idea when I got in my car over the summer it would be the last time I would ever have the chance to get to know you better. My thoughts are prayers are with your family.... and if there is one thing this has helped me to realize, it is that time is not something to be taken for granted. You will be missed.
Caitlin Garris
January 16, 2008
Derek you will truly be missed. Thanks for bringing laughter into my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Love You
Andy Morton
January 15, 2008
Derek and Best family,
After reading the messages, I was wondering how I should start this. I have no idea how actually. I just wished I could of known you better. I wish I could of been more of a friend rather than a person you've talked to or seen a couple of times during school. When I got that call Sunday morning, I was shocked. I thought to myself, "No way. Not him. Not now." It was hard to believe. I was thinking about it a majority of the time at work and at home. Tonight made me believe it though. It hurt honestly, it really did. I looked around and saw everyone's faces. I just simply thought, it was sad. No one should feel the type of pain everyone was enduring. This whole time Ive thought of the memories I had of you. I remember Daniel Penny and I were out in front of the school talking to you about guitars and such after guitar rehearsal. I remember your random showing up in guitar class last year playing guitar. I remember messaging you on Myspace telling you that we should get something organized, like a fest type of thing for Daniel when he passed away and you sounded really stoked about it. The thing that got me the most was, we were gonna jam soon. Sam has told me, since about November, that you wanted to be another guitarist with us, in this possible band we were getting started. Ive always told him, "Defiantly" Id also ask, "How good of a guitarist he is?" Sam replied immediately with, "He's pretty good." I just said, "Alright, we'll get things rollin soon." Sam and I finally got some free time from work and planned on going down to get a storage space to play this week. Then when we had that done, we would go from there. Unforunately, everything came to a stop. I would give anything for you to have that jam session with us. Ive always heard how good you were at guitar.
I know theres a reason for whatever happens, but i nor anyone else knows what it is. My thoughts go out to the Best family, and Derek's friends. Derek made people laugh, smile, and has everyone closer than they've ever been.
We all look forward to seeing you again one day. Thanks for everything man, I will never forget you.
Nancy Wood
January 15, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. Derek was a sweet kid who had very close and very loyal friends. There are many who will miss him at Manchester.
Kellie Seay
January 15, 2008
I have so many memories of Derek, from school or when he used to come over all the time. I remember how i used to love it when he, Matt, Will, Daniel, David, and Shane would come over, they were always good for a laugh, no matter what it was about. They made inside jokes out of the simplest things. I really can't believe that i will never hear him say "Kellie, we got you a cheeseburger, but we forgot the ketchup" (another simple inside joke they all made) again.
Cindy Walton
January 15, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Deborah and your family and friends.
Sincerely,
Cindy Walton and Lawton Maner
zachary servais
January 15, 2008
you will be missed greatly!!
Debra Butler
January 15, 2008
Deborah, Robert & Byron -
Words cannot expresss our sincere sympathy. To know Derek was to love Derek - how could one not when he was such a sweet and generous person with a wonderful sense of humor. May God hold all of you close during this time.
Love from the rest of "Stern's" family,
Debra, Mike & Cody Butler
Gail Best (cousin)
January 15, 2008
Robert & Deborah:
I am sorry for loss. I can only imagine what you must be going through. My oldest son is 17 and you never think of something like this happening. Please tell uncle Harvey and Gracie that they are in our prayers as well. I know we haven't seen one another in alot of years and you may not remember me Robert. Sorry this brought us back in touch.
RJ King
January 15, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
The Soukup Family
January 15, 2008
To the Best Family,
We are sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. You will always be blessed with the memories and you will have an angel guiding you. The Soukup's (Pat Grey's son, Greg; wife, Michelle; and children)
January 15, 2008
I never knew Derek but he was in one of my classes. He and his family will be in my prayers. They say only the good die young...
Amanda Dickerson
January 15, 2008
Derek, im still in complete aww of the fact of you not being here any more.You were one of the most funniest down to earth guys i knew,you always were the class clown ... I remember going to warped tour and ending up having to stay at the beach,or when you put the blood packets in your mouth and fell in the commons haha everyone flipped out! Tell Daniel i say hello and my deepest regards to the best family he will be missed <3
Roxanne and Ed Blankenship
January 15, 2008
Deborah, Robert and Byron-We ache for you and the grief you are suffering at the loss of your precious one, nothing can replace the emptyness in your life so cling tight to each other and know Derek is a treasured gift that no one person can completely take away from your hearts. All our love-
Brittany Gracik
January 15, 2008
Derek, I'm going to miss you so much. I've known you for 5 years and you've always been a good friend and you were one of the nicest people I know. It won't be the same at work without you and I know that every Sunday I'll be waiting for you to come in but you never will. :[ R.I.P Derek, We will all miss you.
Brandi Boulware
January 15, 2008
I remember starting every school year off waiting to find out who I had classes with, and I knew that if you were in one with me, I would have a good time no matter what. You had a gift of making people laugh, but not many people knew the sweeter, more genuine side of you. I'm glad I did. The world will miss you Derek.
b b
January 15, 2008
Derek I remember talking to you in 10th grade all the time you always helped me out through my relationship and helped me feel so much better about myself. You would always give me courage and hope things would get better. Ill never forget the time me and samantha and micheal came over at like god know how early in the morning, but it was so much fun chillen with you, but it was good hanging out with you and sam and butler. Rip
-britty
jordan hendricks
January 15, 2008
derek.. we miss you!!!
Brandon Evans
January 15, 2008
Derek, you are truly missed my friend. I know I will see you again one day... Peace Love -BME-
Brandon Willard
January 15, 2008
Dear Best Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Willard Family
Nikki Jennings
January 15, 2008
Derek,
I wish I got to tell you how much you meant to me, even though we hadn't seen eachother in so long. Every time anyone mentioned you we always talked about how much we loved you and how sweet you were. You are the PERFECT example of a beautiful, genuine personality. You could have had any girl you wanted, but you were so extremely humble. I wish I knew you better, and I wish I would have had even more good times with you. I really think you were an angel before you even left us, because you showed everyone that is is possible to be such a good, caring person nomatter what.
I will never ever forget your beautiful smile, and all those times you randomly got me with your infamous "Look there's something on your shirt.." thing.
Fly on up to the skies Derek, we'll all be kickin' it again soon enough. Thank you so much for touching all of our lives.
WE LOVE YOU FOREVER & EVER!
William Griggs
January 15, 2008
I'll never forget the fun times you're a good kid with a great heart always making someone laugh and now you're gone but not forgotten you will always be loved and you'll always have a place in everyone's heart i love you man I'll miss you
Amber Wise
January 15, 2008
We Will Miss You!!
The face of an angel
January 15, 2008
Theresa Kofron
January 15, 2008
God Bless your family during your time of grief.
Amanda Clary
January 15, 2008
I am so sorry for the loss of Derek! Byron and him were like family to mine. He will be truely missed. If you need anything please do not hestiate to contact me!
Ashley Butler
January 15, 2008
Such a tragedy! Derek was an awesome and great guy! One of the sweetest guys I knew! We just added another angel to watch over us. I bet Derek and Daniel are hanging out right now! With a pair like that in heaven watching over us we are truly blessed!
Much love to Byron and his family! May you find peace in your time of need.
Love Stern's older sis.
William Polk
January 15, 2008
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Michelle Soukup
January 15, 2008
To the Best family - we are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The Soukup family - (Pat Grey's son, Greg and his wife, Michelle and their family)
The Weatherford & Dowdy Family
January 15, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Derek will forever be an angel.
christine corda
January 15, 2008
My deepest and heartfelt sympathies to all of you.
Many prayers and love as well.
Christine Corda
Waterbury,CT
Bruce & Karen Funai
January 15, 2008
There are no words that can express or take away the depth of the pain that you are going through. Our deepest sympathy for you and your family in your time of grief. May God be with you
along with thoughts and memories of Derek in your hearts forever...
January 15, 2008
I miss you, alot, and at this point feel so guilty about not keeping in better touch. We were such good friends in high school, and once we graduated our visits became few and short in between. Theres a million stories I can think of with you, and when i talk to other people they remind me of millions more. If it weren't for you making me laugh or helping me create mischeif in school i probably would have slept through it all. We had so many fun nights and weekends, out skating, or playing guitar, or just sitting at your house watching tv and playing games. I miss it all.. I miss you.
Pat Grey
January 15, 2008
Robert, Deb, and Byron
I wish it were in my power to take away the pain you are feeling, but unfortunately it is not. It is hard for all of us who knew what a sweet, loving "old Soul" Derek was to understand why this happened, nothing anyone can say will ever make his family feel at peace, except Byron did everything he possibly could to save his brother, holding onto him til the end. I pray that you find the strength to get through this, and have Derek remembered with the dignity he deserves. Right now he is probably skateboarding with Daniel, and they are laughing and having a great time, being together again.
You can remember him only that he is gone or you can cherish his memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back or you can do what he would have wanted. SMILE, OPEN YOUR EYES, LOVE AND GO ON.
January 15, 2008
Derek! I cannot even begin to believe that you are gone from us. I guess tonight will be a huge reality check.
The world has been forever changed by your humor and wonderful personality and will never ever be the same with out you.
Lost but NEVER forgotten.
Well all love you Derek and we will all see you again one day soon.
Don and Darla Worley
January 15, 2008
Deborah and Robert,
Words can not express our deepest sympathy on your loss. Our prayers and thoughts our with you at this time and may God keep you in the plam of his hand comforting you.
Danielle Dreibelbeis
January 15, 2008
Heyy, Derek. I miss you. I remember all the fun times in guitar class and even the trip to chicago. All of those cute little notes you wrote me. Me lieing to my parents where I was, when Byron drove us to alley cats to see bands play. And even to Kings Dominion. When i got out of school at 10 and id come over and chill with you. My regaurds to the Best family, you raised a wonderful person. He was always there to make people laugh and cheer them up. We all love and miss you Derek! <3
Joyce Vaughan
January 15, 2008
To the Best Family,
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) May it be a source of inner strength to know that there’s a loving God watching over you, and that, throughout this time of need, He’ll stay close by your side.
Joyce Vaughan, RN
Angela Clary-Motley
January 15, 2008
A very special young man has been taken from us so unjustly. Know you will always be loved and never will your memory fade. Thoughts and prayers to everyone whos life you have touched.
Tom & Lara (Texas)
January 15, 2008
Derek~ you were such a sweet and kind hearted kid- we are all going to miss you greatly. i know you and daniel are rocking out hard up there. we love and miss you man.
Robert, Deborah, & Byron~ we are so sorry for your loss and can not even begin to imagine what ya'll are going through, but if there is anything we can do for ya'll please don't hesitate to give us a call.
Love Always~ Tom & Lara (Texas)
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