Derek Wilfred Elms
August 18, 2017
Obituary
On August 18, 2017 Derek said goodbye to this world. When you met Derek and saw his smile you wouldn’t know that at the age of 3 his baby sister died and at the same time he was struck with a fever that damaged his brain for life. You wouldn’t know that at the age of 6 he lost his father, Augustus Elms and 2 sisters in a fire. You wouldn’t know from that cheerful smile the many other sad experiences he had in life. Nor how much he missed his loving Mommy, Sarah Barnes (nee Tucker) when she passed away before his 59th birthday. It is that smile and many other pleasant things about Derek that we, Laura his sister and Bob his brother in law and many cousins will miss. Derek will also be missed by the staff of Agnes Pratt Home who have lovingly cared for him. Resting at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Sunday August 20 from 2-7:30 p.m. Funeral Service will be held from the Carnell Memorial Chapel on Monday August 21 at 10:30 a.m. Donations in Derek’s memory may be made to NL Association for Community Living.
Schedule
Visitations
2-7:30 p.m. on August 20, 2017
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
10:30am, Monday August 21st
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Hi Laura
We are sorry
Eduardo and Maria
Laura, Sorry I was unable to give my condolences in person. You had to be the best sister ever to Derrick and I know your life was enriched by his presence. He taught us many things, I believe, as he shed his warmth to whomever he met. He was always so pleased with little things that many would not notice. His smile was so sincere and it was always there. I am sure there is a huge gap now in your life. When things settle down I would like to take you to lunch if possible. Please call me- 6893666. With deepest sympathy and best wishes,
Donna Kavanagh
Laura and Bob,
I was away on Holidays when Mom called to telling me of Derek’s passing. There is no doubt that he brightened the lives of all who knew him..with his big smile and his laugh. Oh how excited he would get when he got prizes,…you could give Derek a prize of any size or thing and his joy from that would last with you all day. When ever I see a puzzle I always think of Derek and how he would work so hard on his. While the world will be a little dimmer without Derek in it there is no doubt it is brighter because he was in it.
Deepest condolences to Bob, Laura, family and his workers (former and new)
Bernice Keels
Many years ago I worked at Irving on Topsail Road and your mother used to come in with Derek quite regularly. Your mother and him were obviously very close and she was devoted to him as one would clearly see. I am saddened to hear of his passing but now he is reunited with your mother and they are together once again. I have not lived in Newfoundland for many years but I remember your brother and mother fondly. ….they shared a bond that represented to me unconditional love and acceptance….a bond we all want to share with our children. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Well derek my buddy and my good friend what can I say. When I started my job and Agnes Pratt only four and a half months ago you were the first face I seen and my first day my first resident.from that day on you were my buddy we took to each other just like we knew each other for years you would always follow me see where I was to. Then a short time after I left your side of pratt place but by Golly you found me on the other wing. You stayed by my side and didn’t let me go. And today you are still by my side I will never ever forget you. You are the reason I will stay at Agnes Pratt . Your made a huge difference in my life that you will never know ,but I do and I thank you for that Derek may you rest easy with your mommy and get all the prizes you so much deserve.
From your very loving friend and best buds KIM love you until we meet again GOD BLESS
Always thoughtful…. Together again…. A Joyous Day In Heaven! Until we meet again, cousin Derek! My heart is full to know you and Aunt Sally are once again reunited…… Our prayers of peace and comfort go to you and your family Laura.
We knew Derek very well when we lived at Robinsons Place. So sorry to hear of his passing.he visited very often and we will cherish his song The Wabash Cannon Ball.sincere condolences to the family
Our condolences on your loss. Hugs!
Dear Laura and Bob
Thinking of you in your loss of Derek. Sincerely sympathy
Murray and Lynn MacDonald
Dear Bob and Laura. Well I think of you these days. Laura you were so close to Derek, and you were so attentive to his needs. Of course, you will miss hi,m, and I think of the gap you will feel right now. Glad that you have the same earnest care for others that you had for Derek too. With sympathy, Angela
Many lovely memories of Derek and appreciated all the times he played with Sarah and Robert! They were very fond of him! Many caring thoughts with you Bob and Laura. With our love, John and Anne Flett, Sarah and Robert McDougall.
Dear Laura and Bob
I am so sorry to hear that Derek has left us. You will miss his sweet smile, his voice calling “Laura!”, all the games he loved to play with you. My very sincere condolences for your loss. I know it will take time but you will cherish every wonderful memory of him.
Dear Laura and Bob Wilma shared this news with me of your dear brother passing away. I just like to let you know I’m thinking of you in your loss.
Care and love
Jocelyne Harvey
Ottawa
Dear Laura and Bob,
You would understand why and how deeply I feel your loss. It is a privilege to have had such a brother in your life. Now you mourn his passing but with comfort and thankfulness.
Thinking of you with love,
Allie and Lynda
Laura and Bob
So deeply shocked and saddened to learn of Derek’s passing. He was a happy part of the street for as long as I can remember. I just can’t imagine Robinsons Place without him. Sending you love, friendship and good thoughts at this most difficult time.
Clara, Denise, and David MacLaren
Dear Laura and Bob
This is Sherrie, Aunt Olives daughter. Oh how I love Derek. I am sad to hear yet I am happy that he will be with Aunt Sally again.
Darren, myself and the children Dylan and Emily send our love and prayers to you. Derek is so loved and so cherished and so missed.
Love to all who are there tomorrow celebrating Derek !!!
Sherrie
Laura and Bob, so sorry and saddened to hear of Derek’s passing! Living on Robinson Place and seeing him get so excited, when he would show us his new toys, is something I will never forget. Your Mom was such a lovely lady and I know, she is holding him again now. Since I went to work at Agnes Pratt, I would always drop up to see him, just to see his smile! I am on holidays right now, but sending you hugs and my condolences. May your memories of him, help you get through this hard time. God Bless!
Laura and Bob, Sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. One thing I can say is just enjoy the beautiful memories you had with Derek and his smiles; and may this help to bring miles of smiles to you both in coming days.
Love Carol
Dear Laura and Bob
Thank you for letting me know that Derek passed away. You both have been a wonderful love and support to him over the years.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
All my love
Cynthia
Dear Bob and Laura,
We are thinking of you all gathered there and remembering dear Derek. Special memories that always bring a smile — probably because he was always smiling!! That is such a lovely photo of him. You will miss him but these memories will be a comfort to you. Thinking of you both with deepest sympathy and love, John & Elaine
Laura and Bob, very sorry to hear you have lost your brother. We never met him but know parting with our loved ones is never easy. Appreciated Laura your Mother’s friendship as she stood for the Truth in lifes experiences. You will have no regrets for the love and care you gave your brother. Our sincere sympathy to you both. Love, Aubrey and Carol Conrad
Dear Laura and Bob: so sorry to hear of Derek ‘s passing. You will miss him terribly. May your memories of him bring you comfort.
Tom and Lois McElrea
I had the honor to be one of Derek’s home care workers. The first day I walked in he had a big smile on his face and Laura introduced me to him, that smile made everything so welcoming. I brought him Tin’s coffee on my weekend shifts and he appreciated that every time. I loved taking him to the Village and he knew more people that all of us and so many people would stop to speak to him, he was a real social butterfly. When I arrived he would waved to me in the window and you could hear him say “Wanda’s here” to whom ever was with him. There is no doubt that no other person has ever had the care from a sister like Derek did. Laura and Bob you are in my thoughts and prayers and you Derek will always hold a special place in my heart.
Laura & Bob , so sorry to hear of Derrick’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time!
Bernadette & Pat Doyle
The memories of Derek are vivid in our minds. We have know him over the years. He faced many challenges in life so acceptable and never let them keep him back from being himself. He will always be remembered for his constant simle.
Derek had his share of challenges in life …but had the privilege of caring hands to help him meet those challenges. And now has been entrusted to the One who cares for us all
I met Derek, at Agnes Pratt, as Mom Rita was there when he arrived, lovely gentleman,,may he rest in peace and soar with the angles..
Thinking of you in a special way at this time of loss. You have so many memories of Derek that you can treasure. So nice you understood him so well and were able to give him the loving care he needed. He was special!
Ted, Heather & girls
Derek had been on my mind a few days before we heard of his death. I feel it has been a wonderful privilege to know Derek and his family. Sadie and Laura’s home was a really great place to visit. My memories of visits with you all are so happy! Thankful that after suffering such unimaginable sorrow the truth brought such great joy to each of you.
We will be thinking of you.
Derek added a very special something to Mike and my visits over the years, to St. John’s and your home, Bob and Laura.
In reading others comments, I know they all know what I mean. And we know how you both loved and cared for him, always. Your faithfulness to him has left its mark on us as well. You will miss him, but it is a matter of joy and sorrow being interwoven. He will be sure of a place in heaven; how wonderful
a thought………Mike and Dorothy
Laura and Bob,
My heart and thoughts are with you these days. I remember the first time i met Derek, i was a very young girl… and i remember he could make us young ones laugh and smile. It was so evident in his smile how pleasant and content he was. I thought of Derek just before i left home last week as i was looking at some horse pictures and knew Derek would have loved them too! You’ve both done your fair part in caring for him these last years. Heartfelt condolences to you both, love Priscilla
I met Derek, while his beautiful Mom ran the cafe at Ayre’s on Waterstreet in 1976. He was the most pleasant young man anyone could’ve every wanted to meet. Always with such an affectionate smile, a story to tell. My heart melts with so much pride, just thinking about him.
Our paths crossed once again, while shopping. He never forgot who I was and how we met.
May you Rest in Peace Derek
Our Deepest Condolences to you Laura & Bob
Karen Lynch (Glenn)
Laura and Bob. Sorry to hear about Dererk’ death. Thinking about you at this sad time. My thoughts go your way tonight. sincear sympathy to you both,
Thinking of you with sympathy.
Sincerely
Brenda Cobb
We send our condolences and have a special place in our heart for Derek. Heaven will be waiting for him with open arms. His smile tells the story. ????
I remember the first time I met Derek . I was sitting on a bench at the mall waiting for my wife to finish shopping. Although I was a complete stranger to him, he sat down by me and showed me his pocket knife. We admired it together until his mom let him know that it was time to go. I saw him a few times after that and he always had a pocket knife. I have one in my pocket now. I will remember him each time I use it.
Laura & Bob:
So very sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
There is a special place in heaven for Derek.
God bless.
Joanne Blyde
Sherri’s Aunt
Laura we are so sorry for your loss.I have fond memories of Derek and his gentle soul. God bless him
So sorry to hear about Derrick our thought and prayers are with you , Laura and Bob. God Bless.
Thinking of you both Laura and Bob. You will miss dear Derek. We loved him too. And we Know he loved the workers also. I am so happy I saw him this summer. I have such good memories of your dear mother and Derek and how they loved each other.. The home was a special place to stay and to visit. . Precious memories!
With sympathy and love .. Lucy
Our condolences to Derek’s family. Donna & Maurice & Augusta Morris. May he rest in peace.
“me and you
you and me
that’s the way
it will always be”……Derek was my precious first cousin.We shared this little memory every time we saw each other.I had given it to him on a little gift once and he always remembered it. Derek was very special to me and my children. and to everyone he was a ray of sunshine. God bless us all as we turn away to go forward without him in our lives. We have his memory. May he rest in peace.
A lovely photo of your dear brother, Laura. and thanks for sharing some of the experiences of his younger years. Those of us who knew him, knew without a doubt that he was truly loved by many and that he was very well cared for. You & Bob are appreciated for your part in this. Sincerely, Phyllis D
Laura and Bob, so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. Remembered today one of the birthday parties you had for him. Jennifer and a few more of us came to it. He was so happy with every card, every gift he opened. He had a great smile and readily shared it with all of us that night.
Laura & Family
Thinking of you all at this sad time