The families of Naomi Susana Derksen-McClure (born May 14, 1976 in Medicine Hat, AB) and Alex John McClure (born September 21, 1976 in Canberra, Australia) are deeply saddened to announce their sudden passing in Victoria, BC, on July 9, 2013. Naomi and Alex leave behind their parents, John and Ikelina Derksen of Medicine Hat, AB, and Robert and Doreen McClure of Victoria, BC. Naomi also leaves behind her sisters and families: Julie and Martin Cook of Medicine Hat, AB, and Jolene and Jonathan Ens of Midland, ON, nieces Christina, Danielle, Sarah and Charlotte. Alex leaves behind his son, Daniel, as well as his brothers and families: Steve and Michelle McClure, Eric and Sarah McClure all of Victoria, BC, nieces and nephews Fiona, Andrew, Dominic, Caleb, Eli, Aaron. They are both also remembered by countless aunts, uncles and cousins. Both are lovingly remembered by their parents and family as believers in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Fond memories of Naomi include being known as a talented pianist and musician, for having a contagious laugh, and a gentle and generous heart. Alex is remembered as a gentle and caring man whose pastimes included fishing and mechanics, as well as supporting his wife in her performing arts.
Viewing on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 from 7- 8:30 pm at McCall’s Downtown, Johnson & Vancouver Streets. A joint funeral for both Naomi and Alex will be held at the Victoria First Church of the Nazarene, 4277 Quadra St, Victoria on Thursday, July 18, at 1:00 pm. Burial to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park. A reception at the Church will follow the burial. As music was a passion of Alex and Naomi, the families have asked that in lieu of flowers, we request that donations be made to the Canadian College of the Performing Arts where Naomi worked, at:
www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?charityID=s41754
When you click the donate button, then there is a choice to designate your donation to “In Memory of Naomi Derksen and Alex McClure”. Condolences for the family may be offered below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Lisa Lagah
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Wendy Albrecht This must be an exceptionally difficult time for Naomi’s and Alex’s families. Her passing sends ripples through British Columbia’s music community which will be felt for years to come. I’m sure everyone in the classes for which she played will carry memories of her music in their hearts. It is very rare that a musician has the talent, the sensitivity, and the generosity of spirit to be successful as an accompanist of dance and theatre. Naomi shared those gifts every time she sat down at a piano in a studio or rehearsal hall.
Sir Thomas Beecham said, “Good music is that which penetrates the ear with facility and quits the memory with difficulty. Magical music never leaves the memory.”
I’m sure everyone who worked with Naomi, danced with Naomi, or sang with Naomi, found magic in her music.
My condolences to all who cherished Naomi and Alex.
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Wendy (Schoolkate) Batchelder So sorry to hear about the passing of Naomi and her husband.
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Joy Broomfield My condolences to the families of Naomi & Alex. Naomi was a wonderful team member of our Gilbert & Sullivan shows as the rehearsal accompanist. We will miss her laughter, her good nature and her incredible talents on the piano.
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Nadja Steiner My deepest condolences go to Naomi’s and Alex’s families as well as all their friends. Naomi has been a most amazing accompanist to my daughter Anna-Lena for the last three years. As an accompanist she never ceased to encourage and compliment the young singers, she helped them out when they got stuck or messed up in a performance, often in a way that the audience wouldn’t even notice. She was incredibly supportive and to every thanks she responded with an “oh no, I love to do it “, in fact she seemed to thank the students for being able to accompany them. It was a pleasure to watch Naomi in every one of the many performances I have seen her accompany and I still can’t believe it will not happen again. She will be sorely missed and I hope that all the students she has been working with will raise their voices in beautiful song, in memory of Naomi and her passion for music and to console the ones she left behind.
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Jen Finck Naomi brough music into our family through accompanying my oldest daughter in her voice performances. She kept a calm head and a happy disposition at all times and my daughter always felt comfortable with the team they made. More recently, Naomi came to our house every week to teach both of my daughters piano and her love of music was infectious as my girls worked hard for her and looked forward to their lessons every week. I will miss her smile and her chuckles and her warm heart. This is such sad news for many people. I know that Naomi and Alex will both be missed tremedously.
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Janice Sacks My deepest sympathies to Naomi and Alex’s families. Naomi’s spirit is a light that still shines through all of the lives she touched with her music. Her wonderful smile and gift for making the piano dance were some of the reasons I so enjoyed our Odanata choir rehearsals. Naomi and I also share a birth date – May 14th. I will keep Naomi close in my heart and will celebrate her each year on our birthday, and be grateful that our lives touched though our love of music. May God grant you His peace that passeth all understanding.
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Lane Collins Very heavy heart to hear this news. I remember Naomi from High School and the band and jazz bands we played in. Loving and amazing……she will be missed. My condolences to family and friends.
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Mary Shiffer Naomi was our Gilbert and Sullivan accompanist for years. I remember how she knew (almost before George Corwin did) what part we needed to practice next. We all cheered when we knew she would be in the audience opening night. We could hear her laugh on stage. I can hardly bear to think of that joyful person never laughing again.
My heartfelt sympathies to her family and all who knew her; we will all miss her.
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Melissa (Campbell) Gushnowski So very saddened by this news. I remember Naomi from high school. Always a smile and a kind heart. My deepest condolences.
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Eden Forrest ( Collins) I went to Jr and Sr High Schoo with Naomi. We played in both the Jazz Band and High School Bands. We had many laughs and her smile and chuckle lightened the room…you will be sadly missed. RIP and For Bless your family during this sad time.
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Andrew Robert McClure We were saddened to hear of the passing of Alex and Naomi. Although we are miles apart, we will be thinking about the families and the pain they must be going through. Our thoughts and prayers are will you. Andrew, Patricia, Daniel, Jamie and Ben McClure.
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Mary Lue Emmerson Naomi accompanied many young singers in Victoria including my 12 year old daughter Aysha. Naomi had a real gift. She had the ability to bring out the best in every girl helping them to sing beautifully and for some, to win awards. Naomi played the piano with grace and talent, listening to her singers and matching them as they needed. We will never forget what she did for our daughter. She will be sorely missed by all those who’s lives she touched through her music. Our sympathies go out to her family and many friends.
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Kathryn Brown Naomi, you were a wonderful person and piano teacher. Whenever you came to my house to give me piano lessons, we would spend the majority of time laughing and talking about anything and everything. You inspired me to do my best and push myself to my musical limits. I looked forward to our time together every Tuesday so I could let loose and have fun. You told me so many good things about your husband, Alex, and I hope heaven treats you two well.
Naomi and Alex’s families; My deepest condolences to you. They were amazing. kind and gentle people. I know that they will always be watching down on you.
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Susan Canning Jolene, Jonathan, Charlotte & Sarah, I am sorry for your loss, I know you must be going through tremendous pain, just know we are praying for you and your family and are here for you when you get home. Safe journey.
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S. Brown Naomi was our daughter’s piano teacher and a wonderful inspiration to her. She was so looking forward to continuing her lessons with Naomi this fall but knows that Naomi will be shining down on her every time she plays. Naomi was always so cheerful and had such a positive outlook on life. Her kind heart, gentle nature and musical laugh will be missed. Our condolences to her family.
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Kevin and Kathy Russell Naomi touched so many lives through her music. She was a brilliant pianist, wonderful teacher, and a good friend. Our deepest sympathies on your tremendous loss.
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Tina Voak Naomi was a light that will be sorely miss in our Avalon family, her beautiful personality and spirit made every rehearsal and show a joy. We all miss you and are deeply saddened by your absence. Rehearsals will never be the same without you. You are dearly loved and remembered by all.
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Loraine Lee I wanted to express my deepest sympathy for your sudden and tragic loss of Naomi and Alex. I will always remember Naomi’s beautiful smile when she accompanied us at choir. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time of sadness.
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Norma Jee and Rudy Ewert We were so heart sick to hear of your sudden loss of Naomi and Alex. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We will especially miss Naomi’s smile and of course her talent on the piano. She lit up every room she entered and always made our Gilbert and Sullivan rehearsals such a joy. I will hear her laughing whenever I think of her, and whenever we are singing we will see her smile.
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Joanne Brown I knew her through choir. She was a bright and loving lady. Naomi, you will be sadly missed.
I’am so saddened to here of my two dear friends passing. They were the ultimate couple I think with all the good memories I had of them! The two of them were so close – best friends and lovers. I was lucky enough to meet Naomi on Alex’s second date he wanted me to meet the special girl he was head over heels for. I instantly loved Naomi as well – she was someone special and the two of them was magic. I will miss the many nights of us dancing away in their living room all hours of the night, just hanging out and being silly. I will miss you two and I’am happy you have each other in heaven xoxo. I love you