Elmer Derricott — 1931-2002
Elmer Joseph Derricott, 71, of Springville, Utah died Sept. 26, 2002, at the Provo, Utah Hospital.
Dad was born February 18, 1931 at Fort Macleod to Orson Derricott and Lillie Thelin Derricott the eighth of 10 children. His early life was a blessing of family and work on the farm during very tough times.
Dad met his lifetime sweetheart Rena Dorthy Fyfe and they were married January 17, 1951. Their marriage was one of strong commitment lasting to the day of his death with Rena at his side. They were blessed with three children.
Elmer’s work ethic from the farm never waned and he always gave a good day’s work. He took great pride in his work and it did not make any difference if he was farming, ranching, trucking, building homes, or contracting. You could always depend on his word, which was his bond.
Wherever he worked he gained genuine respect from everyone around him. This was never more evident as in his later years when he and Rena worked in Springville at the Young Living Oils Research Clinic. He was universally loved and respected even as he struggled with many painful afflictions. His dedication to his patients was astonishing. He went to work every day and was working right to his last day. He will be sorely missed at the clinic. His example of courage and determination in the face of great pain was an inspiration to many patients and staff.
Dad loved sports and played hockey in his youth. He and Mom were fixtures at basketball tournaments and baseball games. They would travel many miles to watch a good game, especially when a son, daughter, or grandchild was playing. Dad loved to fish and hunt. Many great memories are of fishing and hunting trips with his friends and family. You could not help but have a good time when you were fishing with Dad. Grandchildren enjoyed a weekend spent with Grandpa and Grandma camping or spending evenings laughing playing cards, dominoes, or board games.
As a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he served faithfully in many callings including Bishop at Fort Macleod for 12 years, High Council and other Stake callings. During his time as Bishop he was able to use his building talents to assist in building the new church building in Fort Macleod that was done with volunteer labor from the Ward and work missionaries. That beautiful building and the later addition stand as a testament to his willingness to serve and talent as a master builder.
His unique touch is evident in almost every church building in southern Alberta as he spent many years working with the church maintenance program.
Elmer is survived by his wife Rena Dorthy Fyfe Derricott; three children, Brent (Joee) Derricott, Debra (Rick) Pike, and Richard (Carolyn) Derricott; foster child Brian Buffalo; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother and sisters Earl (Leona) Derricott, Lei (Gene) Orr, Mae (Ray) Van Steinberg, John (Betty) Derricott, Kaye (Vern) Seely, Faye (Melvin, deceased) Shaw, Reva (Larry) Cole; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A brother Robert, a brother Roy, and a brother-in-law Melvin preceded him in death.
The family wishes to thank the Young Living Oils Research Clinic for all their kind help for Dad in the last two years.
Funeral services were held in Springville, Utah on Monday, Sept. 30, 2002, at 11 a.m. in the Springcreek 7th Ward Chapel, 355 North 400 East.
A memorial service will also be held on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2002, in Fort Macleod at the LDS Stake Center at 2:00 p.m.
Interment was in the Sandy City Cemetery in Sandy, Utah on Sept. 30 under the direction of Berg Mortuary of Provo.