Derek was like a second son to me.  I met him when he was a teanager as he was my son's best friend.  Raised by his Mother who passed away while Derek was in his late teens.  My son and Derek became room mates after Derek's Mother passed on.  He was a very friendly, considerate person and anyone who met him, instantly liked him.

Friends he had plenty of and during the last 6 years of his life he met and married the love of his life.  She was his soul mate......and he adored her as she did him.

Derek and I shared a lot of time on the computer messaging back and forth on ICQ.  He brought me my first computer and taught me me things about computers.  He built his own computer and worked on other people's computers in his spare time.  He knew more about computers than anyone I have yet to meet.  We both enjoyed and had everything that "Prince" recorded.  The midi playing is Purple Rain which he gave to me for my music site.

Derek was diabetic since age 12.  In the last five years of his life his health got worse and his kidneys failed.  He was on the list waiting for a transplant for years and when one finally came available they could not give it to him as he was too weak for the surgery.  A week later he died at home.

So young, so much to live for, made it very hard to take the news of his passing.  I live in the apartment buildong next door to him and his wife.  I had him floating at the top of my desktop on ICQ and it was very hard to remove my friend/son and stare at the empty spot where he had been for over 10 years.

Derek, we all love and miss you.  However we know you are no longer suffering, hon.   We will never forget you, hon.  Rest in peace.
 
 
 

Loved and missed forever