Obituaries

May 16, 1974 – April 28, 2023

With very heavy hearts, we say goodbye to Derrick Furlong. He was taken from us April 28, 2023 unexpectedly and way too young. Derrick was a best friend, lover, father, brother, uncle, nephew, step-father and friend to so many. He left an imprint on the lives of everyone who crossed his path and those who knew him were so lucky to have had him in their lives. He had the ability to turn anyone's day into a good one. A quick flash of that infectious little grin and you couldn't help but smile right back at him.

Derrick's genuine love for life and his carefree attitude allowed him to enjoy so many aspects of life.

Originally from Plate Cove Nfld, Derrick grew up in a smalltown atmosphere. The youngest of 9, he was always surrounded by family. He spent his days squid-jigging, fishing and gathering wood, spending time with friends and helping out in his community.

He made the decision to move his family out west and eventually made his home in Whitecourt, Alberta. He spent his time working in multiple facets of the oilfield, always ready and willing to help anyone out with anything. He specifically took the time to help the green hands who were just getting started in the industry. Derrick would always make the time to explain how things work and why.

He spent his downtime touring around Alberta and BC with his fiance, going to yard sales with Lisa and Maxine, and spontaneous road trips to absolutely nowhere. Windows down, music up and an epic karaoke party made up the perfect day! He enjoyed tinkering with basically anything that had a motor and built a number of motorcycles that he enjoyed riding just as much as he enjoyed building them.

Family was extremely important to Derrick as well. Frequent trips to Whitecourt to see all the kids and his brother and sister gave him great happiness.

Derrick leaves behind his loving fiance Lisa, his two beautiful daughters Sabrina and Dana (Kobie), two stepsons Dominic (Mykayla) and Cameron, his brothers Wally (Marcie), Johnny, and Randy, his sisters Maxine (Randy), Pauline (Eugene), Shirley (Randy), Madonna (Howard), Cindy (Roland), best friends Steve and Roger, numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Predeceased by his mother and father, Monica and John, we know that he is reunited with his parents, looking down on us and is truly humbled by the outpouring of love that has been shown for him.

His camper was his castle. He spent countless hours on the end of a saw handle or a drill constructing the perfect getaway. Many gatherings and BBQs with friends and family members were held there so everyone could enjoy his creation.

In honor of the pride Derrick took in the oasis that he had created, we will have his Celebration of Life out at the Ranch RV Park Sunday June 25 @ 2 pm. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out and share a story or memory or Derrick and celebrate the truly amazing person that he was.

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780 830 7742 bearcreekfuneral.com