Derek passed away in the early hours of Nov. 27, 2024, at Victoria Hospice, from pancreatic cancer. He was in his 75th year.
Derek was born in West Ham, England and came to Canada with his family at age 7. Raised in Haney, BC, he joined the Army of the Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, where he served his whole career as a medic and physician assistant, achieving the rank of Warrant Officer. Derek served in many postings across Canada, as well as in Germany and Cyprus. Following his retirement, he joined the Corps of Commissionaires where he continued to work at CFB Esquimalt.
Derek is survived by his wife, Joan Locker, daughter Daniel Norman, in Petawawa, ON, son Kelsy Norman, in Calgary AB, 5 grandchildren, and sister Linda Norman in Kelowna BC. Predeceased by parents James and Iris Norman, and step-father Ross Heath.
A Memorial Service for Derek will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in Sequoia Gardens at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
29 Responses
My condolences to the family. Derek instructed me on my Paylevel 3 course, Always friendly helpful and a barrel of laughs. May he R.I.P
My condolences to the family and friends of Derek Norman.
I knew Derek through his sister Linda. We shared many fun times together with Derek and Joan at family events and special occasions.Derek and I were both Medics and loved motorcycles.
The four of us used to enjoy adventures around British Columbia. Derek was a great guy and will truly be missed.
Our deepest condolences to Joan and the family. Derrick was an amazing human his laugh in adversity had a calming affect. I will never forget our day in the Airborne Regt and I am happy that when I was a young trooper getting in trouble on my course in Borden I felt comfort in knowing the guy getting in trouble with me was Derrick. His kindness , humour and laugh will be missed. Rest well Jumper.
My deepest sympathy to Joan, family and friends. I had the honour to work with Derek at the Medical School in Borden. We had some great laughs together and he was such a talented instructor and Physicians Assistant. RIP Derek, you will be missed by many. Gone but never forgotten.
My deepest condolences. It was a privilege to have served with Derek and to be his friend. Derek, you will be missed and remembered.
To Joan, Daniel, and Kelcey,
I am sending you my deepest condolences from the bottom of my heart. Derek will truly be missed. I already miss him so much and hope he knew how much he meant to me.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With love and sympathy,
My sincerest condolences to Joan and all family and friends affected by this loss. I cannot adequately express my feelings of loss at Derek’s passing. I’ve known Derek since 83’ when he instructed my first medical course in Borden, we developed a friendship that has remained since then. I’ve had the pleasure of bumping into Derek a few times during our careers. We shared common interests, canoeing, camping, a shared fellowship, plus a little range work when time allowed.
He often spoke of his son and grandson, he told me how he really enjoyed his trip to San Francisco with his son to catch a “Grateful Dead” concert.
Speaking for myself, I now have a big hole in my heart. Derek my friend, fair winds, and soft landings….
My Condolence to his family. I served with Derek, he was a great guy and a good medic.
Kind regards to family and friends.
Derek will be missed. One of my early mentors and we served together in the Canadian Airborne Regiment. May he rest in peace. Condolences to his family. Fair winds and soft landings brother.
My deepest sympathy at this time of loss. Blue skies, fair winds and soft landings jumper.