Derk Grantham

“Derk” Derwin Elmer Grantham

It is with sad hearts we announce the passing of a great man, Derk Grantham.  He died peacefully on August 1, 2015, with his family at his side at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 79 years.

He was a loving and devoted husband, partner, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, neighbour and friend.

He was predeceased by his parents and first love and wife Marion in 1998.  He will be sadly missed and always remembered by his daughters Maureen (Randy) Michaelis of Spokane, Wa., Carol Boehm of Portage la Prairie, Lori (Ross) Mollberg of Stonewall, and son David (Paula) Grantham also of Portage la Prairie.  Along with his grandchildren, Jaime (Jeff), Tania; Andrea (Carey), Derek, Alana; Ryan, Blair, Darin; Luk, Tyler, Bailey and great grandchildren Cali, Miles and Mason. Also mourning are his brother-in-laws and their wives; Dick and Beryl Watson, Bill and Dianna Watson, Gordon and Shivan Anderson and their families.

He will also be missed by his devoted partner and companion of 18 years Dorothy Denoon (Mustard) and her children, Darrell (Heather) Mustard, Dwayne Mustard, Catherine (Rob) Bourelle and Karen Mustard, along with Dorothy’s grandchildren, Chloe, Clark, Ian; Tristan, Camryn; Marty, Andrew.

Dad was born in Plumas, Mb. on June 5, 1936 the only child of Roy and Esther Grantham.  He was raised in rural Manitoba until the family moved to Portage when he was a teenager.  He met and married our mom Marion in Portage in 1956 where they made their home, raised their family and celebrated 42 years of marriage before her passing at the early age of 59.

Derk was a hardworking man.  In his early years he worked as a Salesman-Delivery man for the Portage Creamery.  He left that position to upgrade his education earning a certificate of Social Work and was employed for several years at the Residential School in Portage la Prairie.  When the school closed he returned to the milk business and bought his own franchise where he worked with his son David until his retirement.  He had the gift of “the gab” and was loved by his customers.  Derk always had time to listen to peoples stories.  He loved to tell jokes and make people laugh or sometimes groan at the worst ones.

Music was a huge part of Dad’s life. He learned to play the guitar at an early age and was a gifted Musician.  Grandma always made sure there was money for her beloved “Sonny’s” guitar lessons even in hard times.  He played in several bands over the years; Brookers Bombshells, The New Imperials, Over the Hill Gang, and Two plus Two to name a few.  Our home was always filled with guitars and many musicians enjoyed playing with and learning from Dad.  He had a way of making people feel and sound good and made many strong friendships through music.  His son and grandchildren have learned to play the guitar from the best.  His music and talent will be missed by many people.

Derk led an active life and loved to ride his bike down the Crescent Lake path or go for walks with “Dee".  Lately he could be found walking the track at the PCU Centre.  He loved to watch his Grandchildren’s sports activities as often as he could and would yell out their names in a big loud voice and embarrass them at the rink.  He also loved teaching them to play music and jamming with them brought him great pleasure.  There were many family gatherings with lots of fun, lots of love, and lots of music.

During his retirement years Derk and Dorothy got the travel bug and headed south each winter.  They travelled to different locations and settled in Brownsville, Texas where they played in a band called Senior Moments.  They really enjoyed playing together and every winter they looked forward to getting away from the cold.  They shared many great adventures together and the family loved to hear the details upon their return in the spring.

Dad had a very good sense of humour, a contagious smile and a heart of gold.  He could be a bit mischievous at times.  He was a committed and dedicated family man.  He loved to spend time with his family and extended family and was immensely proud of all their accomplishments.  Always charismatic he had a way of brightening up a room with just his smile.

The family wishes to thank all the doctors, nurses and health care aides that went above and beyond in making Dad comfortable, as well as all the kindness and support they offered to his family during this difficult time.

Thanks Dad for all the treasured memories you have given us you will be in our hearts forever.  We were fortunate to have such a genuine, unique, caring, loving gentleman in our lives.

A celebration of Derk’s life will be held on Monday, August 17, 2015 at 3:00p.m. at Trinity United Church in Portage la Prairie.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Derk’s memory to Central Plains Cancer Care Services,  318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8 or to Sunset Palliative Care Inc, Box 92, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3B2.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for

by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021

www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com