Tribute

Richard (John) Derton, born April 24, 1928, passed suddenly on September 25, 2014.

John is survived by son Doug; daughters Laurie and Joanne (Doug); grandchildren Brent, Jennifer, Annette, Andrew, Marla and Richard; and great-grandchildren Nick, Josh, Travis and Aura.

He is also survived by his companion and best friend Betty Rolandi. He was predeceased by the love of his life Elaine Derton on November 4, 1996.

Dad lived a good life and will be dearly missed by those who loved and knew him. There will be a celebration of life for friends and family at Inland Lake on October 5 from 11 am – 7 pm.

The ways I love my Grandpa

I Miss

big tasselled pillows from the old house, they were large enough to hold me and a cousin; watching horseshoe games played in front of headlights; best-ever breakfast of eggs and bacon cooked on a camp stove; child activity books or games of “closest to the wall,” always keeping me entertained; bedtime stories that would keep me dreaming for weeks, especially jack rabbits on rafts, paddling for cabbage.

I Love

the never-ending bag of licorice in the truck or kitchen cupboard; the big silver truck that took me on many adventures involving trailers or mushrooms; the big silver truck and its strength, even if I had to get out and walk sometimes; still not knowing how to join in on poker, but knowing that you would float me a penny pot should I try and figure it out; the little boats that are full of cushy seats, tackle boxes and roaring motors; the same old Christmas tree that comes out year after year; the way you love our dogs as much as we do; songs sung with accordions, it’s always impossible to remember all the verses; hearing you shout “smile” or “look here” at any moment for a picture; Ping-Pong in the basement and searching the storage for little white balls; vanilla ice cream that is always in the freezer, even if there is no lemon meringue pie; always having a swimming buddy, a motor to pull me into shore; the straw hats that blow away with the wind yet always seem to find their way back home again; sweet peas, cherry tomatoes, cukes, beet tops and other amazing things sprouting in your garden; the socks, mats and other fuzzy things under the kitchen table; the loud snores in the house; being spoiled every Easter, Christmas and birthday.

I Really Love

making you proud, respecting you so much that behaving badly was never intended, hugs waiting for me every time I come home.

Most of all I love you grandpa,

Brent, Jennifer, Annette, Andrew, Marla and Richard