On February 2, 2023, Derick George Harrison passed away at the age of 96, peacefully at Sunnybrook Veterans Centre.
Predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years Doris (nee Davies) he will be sadly missed by his children Wendy and husband Victor Sinclair, Brian and wife Madgie James, and Elaine and husband Scott Allen. Proud Grandad of Craig Sinclair, Andrew Sinclair, Andrea (Sean Hercun), Daniel Harrison (Liz Munroe), Stephanie (Mark Kellyman), and Jessica (Darryl Gangaram). Very proud great grandad of Sophie Sinclair, Adam and William Hercun, Oliver Harrison Munroe, Jacob,Tayah and Patrick Kellyman, Annilia, Narayan, Venya and Neysa Gangaram.
Derick was born in Wales and at a young age moved to England where he spent his childhood and his young adult life. He joined the Navy and served in Malta. He married and while bringing up his family in Lancashire he enjoyed repairing engines and actually taught motor mechanics at the local night school. He enjoyed camping and scuba diving on weekends with his growing family. In 1963 he immigrated to Toronto Canada where he worked for Litton Systems and enjoyed volunteering for the scouting organization. The boy scouts he mentored are still close friends today and fondly remember him. He moved to Ottawa before retiring and took up boating. He and Doris enjoyed cruising the Ottawa river and when he retired they moved to Port Elgin where he enjoyed cruising on Lake Huron and the North Channel. He continued to travel worldwide but his favourite destinations were the Sandals resorts in the Carribean and Bahamas. He continued his volunteering by collecting used text books and computers and working with the Sandals organization sent many shipments to the schools in Jamaica and the Bahamas. He volunteered at Southampton Long Term Nursing home and played music for the residents on a regular basis. He move to Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in 2021 were he received exemplary care until his death.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorial Donations may be made in the name of Derick G. Harrison to: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Foundation, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5 on line donations: https://sunnybrook.ca/foundation/