Derek Paget

While active until the end, Derek Paget of Port Coquiltam, B.C. passed away Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Port Moody at the age of 95. Derek will be remembered for his mischievous grin and the sparkle in his eye. Born and raised near Coventry, England, Derek worked as an aircraft mechanic during WWII. He met his wife May at a dance in London after the war and they were married in 1946. After emigrating to Canada with one child in 1949, they built a house in Richmond Hill, Ontario, where they occupied the basement for a winter before the upstairs was completed.

A move to the Vancouver area in 1957 was made with their three children. Derek had a lengthy career as a real estate agent in the Lower Mainland but his ability to work with his hands allowed him to also build and renovate houses. Derek’s British heritage led him to a lengthy career as a soccer referee. He had a lifetime love of ballroom dancing which he continued to practice until he was ninety. He was also active in the Royal Canadian Legion over a period of five decades. He loved a good party with food, friends and a glass in hand.

Derek was predeceased by his wife of 38 years, May, and his oldest daughter Rosemary (Peter Woodbridge). Derek enjoyed sharing family meals with his children: Greg (Ellen Austrom) and Joanne (Tom Nelson); grandchildren Caitlyn (Iris Elliot), Laura (JP Roberts), Kimberley (Kevin Roberts), Michael, Erika (Laurance Rose), Claire (Ryan Sivley), Lindsay, Robert and Alex; and great-grandchildren: Max, Tristan, Oliver, Nathan, Carter, Lucy, Dane and Devon. Derek outlived his brothers Geoff and Doug but is survived by his youngest brother Norman along with many nieces, one nephew, grand nieces and nephews, and great-grand nephews in both England and the United States.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 19, 2018, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. at the Mayfair Terrace Retirement Residence, 2267 Kelly Ave., in Port Coquitlam.