Obituary of Derek DeYoung

DeYoung, Derek Adrian - It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our brother, Derek, who passed away on August 16, 2024, at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital.

Derek was born on January 25, 1961, to the late James J. DeYoung and Elizabeth (Betty) DeYoung (nee Hughes).

With courage and strength our brother struggled with epileptic seizures for the past 30 years.  Derek enjoyed being independent and living a quiet life in his little apartment.  He loved a good joke and a good laugh.  Listening to music was his happy place, along with a slice of pizza, a cheeseburger and a Pepsi.  He loved having chats with family and friends.  The last nine months Derek’s final journey began with a massive seizure on November 17, 2023.  Derek was a fighter, and he fought with everything he had but lost the battle in the end.  Throughout the nine months he was always optimistic and always smiled or cracked a joke. 

Derek is survived by a son, Derek Mitchell DeYoung, British Columbia, and a daughter, Mickayla Joyce Dort, PEI.  He is also survived by sisters, Debi McNeill-Palm (Don King), Minnesota, Dawn Vincent (Leo), Sackville, NS, Vanda Chisholm (Fred), Dunmore, and Kelly DeYoung (Anthony Bennett), Havre Boucher, brothers, Jimmy (Jr.) DeYoung, New Glasgow, and Jeffrey DeYoung (Annette), Monastery.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, uncles and aunts and many cousins.

Besides his parents, Derek was predeceased by a sister, Mya Arnelle, in infancy, his maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents.

Cremation has taken place.  There will be no visitation.  A graveside service for our brother, Derek, will be held on August 22, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Auburn Cemetery, Westville, Pictou County where he will be laid to rest beside our mom and dad.

Family flowers only please. Donations can be made to the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are under the dignified care and compassion of Eagles Funeral Home, Westville, Pictou County, NS.