Derek Edward Mercer
April 16, 1953 to June 13, 2019
Obituary
Passed peacefully away at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital on Thursday, June 13th, 2019, surrounded by so much love and support from family and friends, Derek Mercer, avid outdoorsman, Toronto Maple Leafs fan and owner of Ropar Footwear.
Predeceased by parents Hubert and Myrtle Mercer and sister-in-law, Phyllis Sharpe.
Leaving to celebrate his life, wife Carol (Sharpe); son Matthew (Brittany); granddaughter Calla; sisters: Ruth Hiscock (Harve), Karen Puglisevich (Val); nieces: Julie Brace (Ross), Courtney Melindy (Darren), Alison Budgell (Andrew), Hayley Puglisevich, Holly Sharpe, Anna Sharpe, Sascha Sharpe; nephew Cameron Sharpe; great-niece Madi Melindy; great-nephews Cody and Charles; parents-in-law Fred and Anne Sharpe; sister-in-law, Sharon Sharpe (Elsa); brothers-in-law Tony (Sharon), Keith (Tammy); best friend Randy Chafe (Marie and Nicole) and Wendy Decker.
Special thanks to loyal staff and customers of Ropar Footwear and the shoe business he has enjoyed for the past 50 years. Also, special thanks to Paul Smith and the CBS Storm Softball team, which has brought him so much pleasure for more than a decade.
Resting at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road on Tuesday, June 18th from 7-9pm and on Wednesday, June 19th from 2-9pm. Funeral service to take place at St. Philip’s Anglican Church on Thursday, June 20th at 11:00am. Interment to follow at St. Philip’s Anglican Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Derek’s memory may be made to St. Philip’s Anglican Church. To send message of condolence please visit www.carnells.com.
Schedule
Visitations
7-9 p.m. on June 18, 2019
2-9 p.m. on June 19, 2019
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
11:00am, Thursday June 20th
The Anglican Parish of St. Philip
20 Coady's Road, Portugal Cove – St. Philip's, NL.
We were surprised & saddened to hear of Derek’s passing. We extend our condolences to all of Derek’s family.
Hi Ruth, your old friend from years ago Margaret Whittaker (Lawrence).So sorry to hear that Derek had passed away.Was speaking to my Sister Shirley. .I didn’t know it was him ,but two years ago when I was home,I dropped in at Derek ‘s store and bought a pair of sandals from him.He was so helpful.I have been wearing those sandals all week not knowing of course that Derek had passed..Hope all is well with you and your family.Will try to connect when I’m home again.So Sorry .He was a great kid I remember.
I was saddened to hear of Derek’s passing.
I have such good memories of him in our school days . Haven’t seen him in years but he is remembered often. My condolences to his family..
To Carol and family,
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Derek’s passing. So pleasant and smiling every time I saw him. May your many happy memories help you through this difficult time.. Thinking of you ….
Ruth, Harvey, and family members!!!!
So very sorry to read of Derek’s passing. I dealt with him at the Avalon Mall and downtown, and always found him to be such a pleasant and helpful person.I know his death will leave a big void in all your lives, and may the good memories be a source of comfort…Thinking if you at this sad time…..Joan Brown
Carol, Matthew, Ruth, Harvey, Julie, Courtney, Karen, Val, and Hayley,
I am so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. I am sure it is a very sad time for your family, and I want you to know that I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Do cherish the many memories you have and find strength in the comfort they bring. I am sorry I can’t be at the funeral today.
Your friend,
Richard Churchill
So sad to hear of Derek’s passing Carol. It’s incredibly sad. Thinking of you and your family.
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Carol, my condolences to you and Matthew on Derek’s passing. May you find solace with fond memories and the company of family and friends.
Carol and family,
We are so sorry for your loss .Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time .
Carol and family.
I was so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Laura Hammond and family
Carol and family.
So very sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. I went through school with Derek and while we have only run into each other occasionally since school, Derek was always the same…always had a welcoming smile and a quiet disposition. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this very difficult time.
Judi and Gord Howell
Carol,
So sorry to hear of Derek’s passing..
Our condolences to you, Matthew and family.
Derek was such a lovely person, we looked forward to seeing him at the store anytime we were downtown..
Michelle and John
Carol and the Family of the late Derek Mercer.
Our sincere condolences in the loss of your loved one, Derek. It is difficult to believe that Derek is no longer with us. He was such a good person well liked and well respected by everyone. He was one of our special people, and we shared life with him, growing up together in St. Philip’s, going to school together, sharing in many activities together, just wonderful times all around. I had the honour and privilege to unite in Holy Marriage, Derek and Carol back in July, 1978. What a wonderful couple they were, loving and devoted to each other. They shared a beautiful life together, with their wonderful son, Matthew. We will all miss Derek, and all that he has meant to each one of us. We must thank God for all the time that Derek was with us, and at the same time we must now allow Derek to take his rest, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting in the arms of his loving Saviour, whom he served and loved all the days of his life. God Bless Derek, and keep him in perpetual care now and forever. Amen +
God bless you all and keep you in peace and love with each other so that you will be strengthened and comforted today, tomorrow and all your days to come. “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
Our love and Blessing.
John and Cynthia
Carol and family,
It has been a long while but have a lot of great memories of Derek and you after we moved to Tolt Road. From starting the first softball league in St. Phillips to playing darts and to lots of socializing it was a great time and I still go by the area any time I get back to St. John’s.
He will be missed. Pls accept my condolences.
Bruce Reid
Kitchener, ON
Carol:
Our deepest condolences to you and all of your family and friends. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Hugs!! xoxo
Bonita and Karl
So sorry to hear about Derek’s passing. Every time I saw him he had a smile on. Please accept our Condolences.
Kevin, Anne and Nathan James
Matthew & family, please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Carol and family,
Our heartfelt sympathy to you all at this time.
It was always such a pleasure to bump into Derek along the trail, on the pond or at the Cabin . For us he will always be there, always enjoyed and always remembered.
Carol, Matthew, Ruth, Karen and all the families,
Where do we begin. To say we were shocked and deeply saddened is an understatement. Derek was such a special friend. He always had a warm and genuine smile and we have all shared some wonderful times together through the years. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Hold on to your memories for they will keep him close to your hearts and minds and you will be able to share them with Calla so that he will always be a part of her life as well. Please accept our deepest and heartfelt sympathy. We are only a call away. Jerry and Debbie Weir
Matthew and family. So sorry to hear of the passing of your Father, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time.
To Carol, Ruth and Karen and families. We are so sad to hear of Derek’s passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to you . God bless you all.
So sad to hear…I worked with Derek many years ago..always a gentleman…kind and considerate…..God speed Derek… RIP
I’m so sorry to read of Derek’s passing in the newspaper. My thoughts are with you… I don’t know if you remember me or not! Seems like a lifetime ago that we worked at Lewis, Day!! I was thinking of coming to the funeral home, but wondered if it was appropriate, since we haven’t seen each other in such a long time. I read that you have a son! I have a daughter and two sons, plus two grandchildren. Please take care and maybe in awhile we can email chat or catch up or talk about years ago… Nancy
Carol Anne &Family,
So sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. Remember that God will never lay a burden on your shoulders that you are unable to carry.
With Sympathy, Olive Sharpe
Sending our deepest condolences to all of Derek’s family and friends. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
So sorry for your families loss.
Dennis and Lori mercer
Carol, So sorry to hear the sad news of Derek’s passing. My sincere sympathy to you and your family’. May God give you strength to get through this sad time in your lives.. Love & peace.
Shirley Hibbs
So sorry to hear this news, great guy who was respectful to all, he will be missed!
Thinking of you, Carol and family during this difficult time. Shelley & Joselito (Sequerra’s Restaurant)
A fine man with a beautiful spirit…and example to us all how to live a better life. My condolences to you Carol and the entire Mercer family.
To the Mercer family:
Please accept our heart felt sympathies on the loss of your beloved husband, father, brother and friend.
Yours sincerely,
Carol Wood on behalf of the owners and staff of Cougar Shoes Inc., Burlington, Ontario
Carol and the entire Mercer family
We were shocked to hear the news of Derek’s passing.
Our thoughts are with all of you at the difficult time.
Rosalind & Dave Tucker
My deepest sympathy to the Mercer Family on the loss of Derek.. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lana Ryan (Tucker)
So sorry to hear of Derek’s passing . Derek was always a great guy to chat with about his trips to the cabin and such . Great retailer to do business with as well and such an awesome guy .all around . His charming smile and great character will always be missed .
My condolences
John Henderson
Carol, Matthew and family. My deepest sympathy in the passing of Derek. I worked in the office with Derek when he first opened Ropar. He was a wonderful boss always smiling and telling stories. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time RIP Derek. Donna Brown
To Carol and Matthew & Mercer family,
Carol so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing, my thoughts and prays are with you at this difficult time. Derek was so pleasant all the time always with a smile on his face and I can see why that was because Carol you are so awesome in so many ways, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Friend, Sister and you have so much love and support around you at this sad time. That is the kind of person you are beautiful.
God Bless
Barry
Ruth, Harve, Julie, Courtney and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on Derek’s passing. Ruth, you always spoke so highly of your brother and his family and I know this is devastating to you all. Please know that you have your family at NLCU thinking about you at this difficult time. Sincere thoughts and prayers are sent to you and let your great memories help you to get through the time ahead.
Glenn, Rhonda and Emily
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Matthew, please except my deepest condolences on the loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
To Carol and Matthew
So very very sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. He was such a gentleman and so easy to be around. We have so many great memories at BJ functions. We extend to you both, our most sincere condolences.
Matthew and the Mercer family:
My sincerest condolences on the passing of Mr. Mercer.
Love and memories to the family. I was a customer at his store and enjoyed our chats. He was such a lovely man. Blessings to Derek……..
Carol so very sorry to hear of Derek passing , my deepest condolences to you and your family. Derek was a lovely man ,always a smile , lots of fun in the softball years . RIP.
Sorry for your loss
Deepest condolences to all the families on the passing of Derek.
Deepest condolences to the family. So sorry to hear of his passing
So sorry to hear about Derek’s passing. Our
thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. He was a special person and always so friendly and easy going . He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Bob and Heather Byrnes
We send our deepest, deepest condolences to the Mercer and Sharp families. Derek was always are part of our lives growing, up, my mom Maureen Tucker was a long loyal employee of Ropar for many years. Derek was a friend and a man who always had a smile on his face. We shared many stories of hunting and fishing over the years. Rest In Peace Derek , you’ll always be remembered by me. Deepest condolences Randy Tucker & Family. Thunder Bay, Ontario
Such sad news. My condolences to Derek’s entire family at this saddest of times. He was a lovely man and will be missed by all who knew him. RIP.
Carol,
Jeanie and I were deeply saddened to hear of Derek’s passing. We have such wonderful memories of the time we lived in St. Philips. In everything from rabbit hunting to softball, Derek was a great friend. We are out of province for the next several days, but will try to reach you on our return. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Ruth,Harvey & Family,
Our deepest sympathy on Derek’s passing. You are in our thoughts at this sad time. Rex remembers having great chats with Derek at the Village Mall about hockey and hunting camps.
Our deepest condolences for your loss. May he Rest In Peace.
I have good memories of Derek from my years working at the Avalon Mall.
He was a very fine gentleman who always made the customer feel important. May his soul R.I.P..
Ruth, Harvey & Family,
We are very sorry to hear of Derek’s passing! We hope that all of your wonderful memories of him will help you through this difficult time! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Randy & Jean
So sorry to hear of Derek”s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Carol, Mathew, Ruth & Karen,
So sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. He always had a smile on his face and that is how I will remember him. Thinking of all the family at this very sad time. God Bless
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Derek. Our deepest sympathy on your very sad loss.
Carol and family
Remembering Derek with Ropar for many years. Also a great friend to my late husband Melvin Inkpen Who was also into the shoe business as a sales rep..
My Deepest Sympathy to you and your family.
CAROL & FAMILY,
A great guy and a super friend. Will miss him very much .The Shoe Business will never be the same. RIP my friend,
Brent Stone
To Carol and Matthew, I am saddened to learn of Derek’s passing.. I want to pass on my sincere condolences to the entire Mercer Family at this time.. RIP Derek.
Bob Kirby
Carol I was so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. Condolences to you and Matthew ????
Dear Carol, Matthew, Britney and sweet Calla, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our sincere condolences at this very sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family as you find strength and comfort in each other. Please know we care. God bless.
Our Deepest Sympathy to all of Derek’s beautiful family. Our Community has lost a very precious man. Our hearts are broken. I guess God needed another Angel. May He Rest In Peace!
Carol, Matthew and family, we were so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. So many great memories from softball. He will never be forgotten.
Karen, so sorry to read about your brother’s passing. Please accept my sincerest sympathies. I will be thinking of you all during this sad time. Fondly, Margie
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
God Bless,
Randy King ( SJRFD) & Shelley Neville
Carol, Matthew & Family
So very sorry to hear of Derek’s passing, a wonderful man always a smile whenever you met him.
God Bless You All as you go through this most difficult time, you are in my. thoughts and prayers.
RIP Derek
Ruth & family. My deepest condolences on Derek’s passing. May all your memories of him help you all through this most heartbreaking time in your lives.
sincere sympathy to Derek’s family. Derek was a very helpful gentleman it was a pleasure to visit his store, he will be missed.
We are so sad to hear of Derek’s passing. I lost an old friend who I thought would be in this world for many more years. God bless you all as we mourn such a wonderful person.
Carol, children and all of the family and friends too numerous to mention. My heart was broken to hear of Dereks passing. He was such a sweet man and loved by everyone he knew. He came from a beautiful family and I know they are devastated. His sister Ruth is my lifelong best friend and I have beautiful and thankful memories of their family. Derek will be missed by everyone he knew and especially his family. I pray that God will help them over the sad time ahead and may Derek Rest Easy
Saddened to learn off Derek’s passing. Such a nice man. My husband and I are long time customers off Derek’s. To Derck’s Family treasure the memories and keeping you all close in our thoughts and prayers.
Matthew, Brittany, Calla and Carol, my heart breaks for you with the passing of Derek. Saying goodbye to those we love is one of the hardest things we have to do. Please know we are thinking of you and sending you our love and support.
So sorry for your loss. Sending wishes to Keith, Tammy and Family , Carol and your whole family. . It was a pleasure to meet Derek when we came to Newfoundland. Will be missed. Thinking of you all and sending lots of hugs . Take care
Carol, Matthew and family
So sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. We passed by Ropar in December and stopped in. We had a great chat talking about old times. He told us about his beautiful granddaughter and proud he was to be a Poppy. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace. Our sincere condolences to you all.
Ed and Ag Howlett
So sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. Was shocked to hear. Prayers and thoughts with all the family at this time. Love from Donna, Janice and Ruby
Karen and family, I am so sorry to hear the news of the sudden passing of your brother, Derek, Thinking of you all Karen, at this very sad time.
Carol, Matthew and family:
My condolences to you all. Derek was a great man and a wonderful boss. He will be missed dearly everyday. Take the time to grieve and be there for one another. Hugs .
Thought s and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Sorry for your loss. R. I.P. Derek
Carol Ann and Family,
So sorry to hear the very sad news today.
My Thoughts and Prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Your treasured memories will bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Regards
Linda Baird
Karen, I am so sorry to hear about Derek’s sudden passing. Thinking about all of you this very sad time. Sending hugs to all of you.
Ruth, I was very shocked to hear the sad news of Derek’s passing. He was always so friendly and was usually around when I would drop by Ropar. I know you are such a close-knit family. I was at the Mad Rock Cafe in Bay Roberts just last summer and Derek was there with his wife and another couple. He recognized me right away and was his usual friendly self. Please accept my sincere condolences. Still miss you at the credit union and will always have fond memories of you. Sending hugs your way…Love, Gale
Carol, Matthew and family,
I honestly don’t know where to start. I am so heartbroken for you all. Derek was the best boss a person could ask for and I remember so many of his stories. Derek taught me how to be a great shoe sales person. I am still in shock and can not believe he is gone.
I am so thankful for everything you Carol and Derek have done for me while working with Ropar. I started working there in 2007 left for a little bit but I came back to work, and only for I was leaving the province I think I would have been still working there.
I am also so thankful that you both got to share in my special day. I have pictures of you guys hugging me and I will cherish them forever. I wish I could be there to give you all hugs. But I am sending all my love and prayers to you from Montreal, especial Matthew and Carol.
Derek was just a delightful person and he will be truly missed. Keep all you memories close to your hearts, he will always be with you.