A loving father and grandfather, Del, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 26, 2025, in Victoria, British Columbia.

Born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, on March 27, 1946, Del is survived by his sister, Barbara Cichon; his two children, Catheryn and James; and his four grandchildren, Keara, Collen, Elsie and Viera; and his partner, Annette Romuld.

Del was a genuine friend to everyone lucky to be in his orbit. He was a person of the highest integrity, loyal, sharp, witty and charming. His stories were legendary and will be missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 2:00 pm.

In place of flowers, donations may be made to STARS Air Ambulance.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • McCall Gardens

    I only had the honour of knowing Derald (Del) for a relatively short time. But meeting and having the opportunity to know him was a rising star and a boost to my living and life. Unfortunately due to the circumstances, I did not have the opportunity to meet other Family members.

    Del was a pleasure to know even on a casual basis. He changed a “bad” day to “Good”. He was a jovial happy and positive person, and enjoyed conversation at all levels, and had time for everyone and anyone he was in contact with. I should explain that I met Del through being a member of the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s exercise class at the Juan de Fuca Centre, where Del and I joined other individuals with Heart and other medical problems to enjoy controlled exercise classes twice a week. Del made everyone feel good with his smile, jokes and enthusiasm, and could brighten the day for those Class attendees who were perhaps having an “Off” day. He and I would attempt to have adjoining Treadmills for our aerobic part of our workout enabling us to to tell jokes, discuss our exercise progress, and solve our and life’s problems! Over time I even Learned of Del’s dental issues and gave my sympathies and advice to help cheer him up! On his last day at Class he took me into his confidence and he explained the details of his upcoming operation, and being Del he was very upbeat about the outcome and he requested that I did not discuss the matter with the rest of our Class, which I did not.

    Knowing Del has been a High Spot in my Life and our sympathies go out to all the Family members. Fortunately, I trust that “time” will help to heal the sadness that occurs when someone so much loved passes.

    Our Deepest Sympathy to all the Family.

    Gordon Simpson

  • Gisele Relitz

    It is with deep sadness I learned today of this beautiful man passing. For anyone at West Bay Marina here in the hood, Del was a staple, and unforgettable in the BEST way. I initially met him 17 years ago as I worked Saturdays at The Princess Mary and then later at Gabys. He bought a float home and patronized both establishments regularly (along with his lovely lady Annette). He then became a regular client at my office and I always looked forward to his annual visit. I have the absolute BEST story ever when he first came to my office to transfer his vehicle in from Alberta. Still makes me smile and laugh aloud to this day…thanks for that memory Del. ❤️I know I will see some familiar faces at his celebration April 1 @ 2 pm. RIP sweet man, you were “one of a kind” and will be missed.

  • Trevor W Axworthy

    I am greatly saddened to have lost a dear friend Del from our NOVA days. Del work for me in the HR Dept and handled the Training and Development responsibilities He was a lively and infectious person and often gave friendly kidding about my political leanings. He was extremely well respected by all the NOVA gas employees particularly in the field who enjoyed his training sessions. Del and I remained friends after his move to Victoria and we always got together on the island. I remember a great time Mary and I had had “high tea” at the Empress with he and Annette. I also remember being his guest at his Military Ball. Condolences to Catheryn and James you can be proud of your Dad.
    Rest well my friend and we will raise a glass to you in Calgary.
    Trevor and Mary Axworthy

  • Ken & Beth Harrison

    Annette. We just returned to West Bay and heard of Del’s passing. We are so saddened at the loss of such a delightful presence. We are close by if we can help in any way. Hope to see you soon.
    Ken and Beth Harrison

  • Ilyne Zacharias

    Dear Staveley family & Annette – this morning when I opened the newspaper I was totally shocked to learn of Del’s passing! My deepest condolences to all the family.
    Del will always have a special place in my heart as he hired me at Mobil Oil. Two kids from Saskatchewan! He always had such a wit and will miss his sense of humour.
    Rest in peace, dear friend.

  • Kathy McFadden

    Kathy McFadden – I remember Derry from Our church. Rev. Carroll held a teenage group called Presbyteens at lunch time in Knox Hall. Many farm kids attended and Derry was one of the city kids who came. Fond memories of that time. Thinking of Barb and her family. Cherish your memories.

  • David Hjalmarson

    I met Del a few years ago through the 78th Fraser Highlanders. Always friendly and upbeat, he has been a great friend and mentor in my capacity as Officer Commanding of Fort Victoria Garrison.
    My heart felt condolences to Annette and his children, grandchildren and extended family.

  • Hugh Nicholson

    I first met Del when I joined the 78th Fraser Highlanders Victoria Garrison. He was a kind and gentle man who was all ways ready to help a new recruit. He will be missed. Condolences to his family.
    Capt. Hugh Nicholson
    78th Fraser Highlanders

  • Bruce Douglas

    My recollection of Derry is from our high school days. To me he was a kind, intelligent, thoughtful and gregarious young man. Rest in Peace Derald – Derry – Del.

  • John Porter

    To me he’s always been Derry, I will miss him very much. To his family my heartfelt condolences. Rest in peace, kindred spirit.

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