Well, I do. Derick has been like a brother to me and my friends for the past 25 years or so that I have known him. Unfortunately, he was taken from all of us this past Sunday, October 28, 2007.
I wanted to create this blog in memory of our good friend Derick. I can't speak for everyone, but I (and I'm sure you would too) would love to read all of the wonderful memories we have to share. I've never set one of these up for someone else before, so I think the way this will work is that you can leave your comments, without signing up, to this post, and they should appear for everyone to read.
To me, Derick was the quintessential friend, hands down. Growing up, Derick was full of energy, a star athelete, a brilliant, and dedicated student, and an all around nice, gentle person. In this day and age, there really aren't too many renaissance men like that - an all-star package. Derick was someone that I respected greatly, not only for his humility, but for his candor, and his ability to relate to others, especially me. With his disarming smile, Derick's presence alone could light up a room.
Passionate about music as well as sports, Derick was never short on words. And that golf swing...what a golf swing. When we said he actually looked like Tiger Woods, we weren't kidding.
Guys will be guys, and most don't put their emotions out there for others to see. Derick, on the other hand, was so open, and had such a huge heart. He was a wonderful listener, and didn't pretend to know all the answers. Sometimes just being, without saying was best, and he always knew what was most appropriate for a situation.
I could write for days, and I think that as more memories come to me over the next few days, I will write again. Also, as I receive pictures, I would be happy to put those up as well.
Derick, I love you as you ARE a member of my own family. A void has settled upon me, a vacuum that tugs at my past and present memories. I only hope that you are as wonderful now as you were when we had the chance to share you greatness. As Henry has said, we are all better people for knowing you.
Brian Raff
2 comments:
My deepest sympathy to Derick's family and friends.
Even though I haven't seen Derick in over 15 years, I was devastated to learn of his passing. Upon hearing the news, I took out my junior high yearbook and searched for the note he had written me in its back pages. It read: "S.S. [Social Studies] was great! Have an awesome summer!"
Short and sweet. Just how I remember Derick.
Derick was a fabulous friend, and I'm really glad that he came into my life.
Volleyball was what brought us together, and the friendship grew from there. From peppering together, to winning almost every game we played, to hanging out at the beach, to celebrating each other's birthdays, to running around like 4th graders in the Big Kids annual kickball tournament...
...I have so many amazing memories of Derick that I'll hold close to my heart forever.
To Mr. and Mrs. Sy, Harold, friends and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
~Carrie Randel
Post a Comment