Date of Birth: December 10, 1928
Date of Death: May 9, 2023
It is with very sad hearts that the family announces the passing of Joe Derkach, who passed away peacefully in his sleep.
He was predeceased by his parents, Anton and Lillian Derkach; siblings, Alice, Rose, Walter, Edward and presumably Anthony (Mike); and his granddaughter-in-law, Melissa Howes.
Joe leaves to cherish his memory: his sister, Elizabeth “Betty” (Mike) Andrusiak; daughter, Diane (Ed) Howes; grandchildren and great- grandchildren: Ben (Keri) Howes with Dahlia and Leeland, Elisa (Jameson) Frank with Anabelle and Evelyn, Joshua (Katelyn) Howes with Rebecca and James; as well as nieces.
Joe was born at Muscow Siding, SK. He was a nature lover, rescuing many orphaned or injured animals. He was always a hard worker and began with stooking and other farm chores at age 11. By age 17 he had saved enough to purchase a farm. He and his brother, Ed, farmed together for three years, until Joe decided to work full time for the Railroad (CNR) doing maintenance work, time keeping, running snow plows, extra gangs and eventually was promoted to Roadmaster. Joe was a perfectionist, walking every mile of track in the areas he oversaw.
He loved dancing, which is essentially how he met Isabelle (nee Ricketts), whom he married in 1952. They had one daughter, Diane, who enjoyed Joe’s love, devotion and pranks. He was active at Westminster United Church and the AOTS, a member of the Natural History Society, the Horticultural Society and Queen City Odd Fellows Lodge.
Joe and Isabelle retired to Fort Qu’Appelle in 1984. He helped his brother on the farm and together they did many building projects, including stonework. He and Isabelle curled, bowled, golfed, bicycled and were active in their senior’s group, as well as the Odd Fellows Lodge in Indian Head. They volunteered with Meals on Wheels, etc. They were snowbirds (Yuma, Arizona) for five years. They travelled all over Canada and the US and a bit of Mexico.
Joe was Isabelle’s caregiver when her health failed. He was truly kind, always looking for ways to help others. He was creative and artistic. He loved making his yard beautiful and was still doing this until he sold his home at the age of 90. His last four years were spent living with his daughter and her husband in Calgary, AB. He enjoyed time with his grandkids and great-grandkids. With his mobility waning, his main pastime was doing puzzles.
A Memorial Service will be held at Regina Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4001 East Victoria Avenue, Regina, SK on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 10 a.m. Those wishing to view a live stream of the service, please log onto: https://fweb.tv/101543. Flowers are most gratefully declined. Friends so wishing may make a donation to a charity of your choice. Family and friends are invited to leave tributes at www.reginafuneralhome.ca
Arrangements entrusted to Regina Funeral Home and Cemetery 306-789-8850.
