Derek Hamlet Memorial Fund
Held by Megan and Nicole Hamlet
$100
$500
$1000
Derek Hamlet, 78, passed away peacefully in Nanaimo, B.C., on March 29, 2024, with daughters Nicole and Megan by his side. He is survived by his grandchildren Oliver (16), Mila (12), and Willem (9).
Derek was a true Vancouver Islander, born and raised in Oak Bay and educated at Willows Elementary and Oak Bay High School. He went to UBC, and pursued a teaching career that took him from Vancouver to Malaysia, and later into adult education and Human Resources with the Ministry of Forests.
He was an avid motorcyclist, forging lifelong friendships at BMW rallies, and spending time with the Jo Boys. He was a regular at the Oak Bay Rec, where he swam and engaged with friends. Later in life, Derek reestablished a friendship with Elizabeth Harris, the love of his life and mother of his children. They remained close until her passing in 2022, living in adjoining sides of his duplex.
Derek will be remembered for his quick wit and infectious humour, bringing joy to all who knew him. He pursued a multitude of hobbies with passion and dedication. He had a keen eye for photography and cultivated his own wines. Derek was a familiar face at Kilshaws and Lunds auction houses and adorned his home with midcentury treasures. He enjoyed smoking his pipes while immersed in a spy novel or action movie while in the company of one of his beloved cats.
He loved to cook and his Indonesian beef was beloved by all who tasted it. Derek relished hosting Christmas Eve dinners, creating cherished memories with those he held dear. His zest for life and diverse interests touched the lives of many, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of Derek's life will be held from 4:30-8 p.m. on Friday, April 12th, his birthday, at his home on Foul Bay Rd. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. We are spending our energy remembering and celebrating our father and if you wish to bring a dish or bottle to celebrate Derek, please consider doing so. Email [email protected] if you need additional information.