We regret to advise of the death of Major Alan Stanley Derrick, CD (Ret'd) peacefully at Providence Care in Kingston on 24 January 2009, in his 79th year.
Alan was born in Eston, SK and attended high school in Kingston, ON. He graduated from The Royal Military College of Canada in 1954 and from University of McGill in 1955 with a degree in Civil Engineering. In his first posting to Chilliwack he became a rifle marksman. He was the winner of the Queen's Medal for Champion Rifle Shots of the Armed Forces and was the high aggregate rifle marksman for 1956 and 1957 including the Bisley Team. Following a posting to Ottawa and instructing on Militia staff courses in Kingston, AI served as a military observer in Damascus and Jerusalem with UNTSO and later with the Operations Staff at Palestine Headquarters following the Six Day Arab/Israeli War. There followed a series of postings to Toronto, Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering, and with Militia Staff in Hamilton involving Special Projects, Construction Engineering, Cadet Liaison and Recruiting.
AI retired in 1985, living first in Trenton and later in Kingston. Known for his dedication to family, friends and community. He was a strong supporter of the Canadian Military Engineer Family.
In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Family will receive friends on Tuesday 27 January from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at James Reid Funeral Home (1900 John Counter Blvd.). A celebration of Alan's life will take place on Wednesday 28 January at 11:00 am at St. Luke's Anglican Church, 236 Nelson Street, Kingston. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Parkinson Society Canada or your charity of choice.