September 2, 1951 - August 30, 2022
On Tuesday August 30, 2022 Derek passed away peacefully at the Kamloops Hospice Home at the age of 70, born September 2, 1951 in Terrace Bay, ON.
Derek is lovingly remembered by his wife of 40 years, Joanne, daughter Lee-Ann (Robert McMillan).
Sadly missed by his brother Brian (Kath) Burnell of Duncan, his sister Gail (John Normandin) Burnell of Grande Prairie, brother-in-law Ron Lascelle of Surrey; mother-in-law Susan Bryant, sister-in-law Mary (Jill) Bryant and brother-in-law Ken (Laurie) Bryant all of Mission and numerous nieces, nephews. Predeceased by his son Cory Burnell in 1998 and his sister Lynn in 2010.
Derek grew up in Duncan obtaining his Heavy Duty Mechanic designation, starting his employment with MacMillan Bloedel Logging, Shawnigan Division, and then a transfer to the Queen Charlotte Islands. Once the logging industry slowed down, he moved his family to Dawson Creek to work for the Quintette Coal Mine in 1982, eventually settling in Tumbler Ridge, BC. Then to Kamloops in January 1991 where he worked for Kemess Mine in Northern BC, once that closed he spent his final years as a HD Mechanic working at CNRL in Fort McMurray,
Derek and Joanne had many trips together fishing, hunting and exploring. They loved riding their HD Motorcycles throughout the winding roads around Kamloops and into the US.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.firstmemorialkamloops.com