Derek Charles Gillett
August 13, 1938- April 22, 2023
Derek passed away comfortably and well cared for at the Dufferin Oaks Long Term Care on April 22, 2023. He was predeceased by his wife Suzanne Fischer.
Derek was born in London, England to Charles Gillett and Lucy Gillett (nee Proby.) After the discharge from the Royal Pioneer Corp, he immigrated to Canada in 1960 and soon began a 40 year career with CFIA as a Meat Inspector. He was a dedicated member of his community, helping at the Adjala Central Public School, with Scouts Canada at the First Tottenham Group as ‘Scouter D’, and a long serving member of the Royal Canadian Legion at Branch 329, Tottenham.
Derek is survived by: his sister Doris and her son Malcolm, his ex-wife Gloria Murphy, his ex- partner Barbara Worden, his daughters, Clare Bruce and her children Dylan and Keegan, and his wife Ashley and their daughter Brooklyn, Jennifer Corbett (Doug) and their children Ciara, Caileen and Kiela, and Amanda Gillett and her son Keven, his stepchildren, Richard Mellenger, his children Zachary and Zoe; and Faith Mellenger (Andrew Brown) and their children Aidan, Greer and Rowen.
Derek was a character with a great sense of humour and a love of good music. He loved Canada, spending time camping and SCUBA throughout Ontario. He will be greatly missed and remembered fondly by his many friends and family.
A celebration of life will be Saturday May 27, 2023 at 1:00pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 329, 25 Richmond St. East, Tottenham Ontario.
Donations to the RCL Branch 329 in lieu of flowers are appreciated.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home
Service
Celebration of Life
Tottenham Legion
25 Richmond St. E. Tottenham, ON
Saturday May 27, 2023
1pm
Sadie Ballinger says
Condolences to Derek’s family, he was one of a kind. rest in peace Derek. Sadie Ballinger.
Ann Emmett says
Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss . Derek was a wonder !! X
Monica To says
My condolences to your family.
Derek was my first supervisor when I joined the CFIA Meat Inspection program almost 20 years ago. He generously shared his wealth of skills, humour, and wisdom. Once I bought a poorly-made sandwich, he told me, “being tricked the first time is a lesson to learn, but we are also responsible for going back again and again.” As a proud public servant, his passion inspired us to contribute with self-displine. When regulated parties complained about us being by-the-book, we could deliver our enforcemrnt services with courage, rigor and had no question on his support.
I will miss him, a true leader and a great teacher.
Jim and Jeannette Ferrie says
Such a gentleman and always a pleasure to talk to. Will miss his sense of humor and his personality. Sincerest condolences to all the family.
Bob Beck says
To Derek’s family , our deepest sympathy’s .
Bob and Sue Beck
Tom, Becky, Liam and Duncan. says
Our condollences to all his Family and Friends! He was a wonderful Man! We have many great memories of him!❤️❤️❤️
Graham Harwood says
We are greatly saddened by this news and offer our sincere condolences to Derek’s family. He will surely be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Graham and Trudy Harwood
Chris Poulsen says
I am so sorry to hear about Derek, we had many, many good times diving,,and pig roast at the house ,, he was also able to lend a ear in difficult times,, Derek will never be forgotten,,
Amanda says
Thank you Chris and Anna.
John McKendrick says
I met Derek at the Legion and spent many hours working for him as as the Poppy and Public Relations Chair when he was the President. He was a good leader and very supportive when you needed him but also placed his trust in you when doing things on your own. He cared deeply about his work at the Legion and seemed to have limitless energy dealing with all the things that needed to be done to keep the Legion running, not to mention all his other activities outside of the Legion.
When sometimes having a beer with him (when he was not too busy with everything else), we would talk about politics, history, meat inspections, England, the Legion or his many other activities he had on the go. My favourite times were watching him perform as Legion President at major functions such as the Remembrance Dinner and Remembrance Day events. He took his responsibilities seriously while also allowing himself and those around him to enjoy the camaraderie of the moment. He placed service above self.
Thank you Derek!