Derek Harold Sullivan
October 1, 1949 to February 22, 2025
Obituary
To view the funeral service for the late Derek Sullivan on Friday, February 28 at 1:00 p.m., please follow the link below:
Funeral Service for Derek Sullivan
It is with heavy hearts that, after a strong and courageous battle against a lengthy illness, we announce the peaceful passing of Derek Harold Sullivan. Derek is predeceased by his youngest son Andrew, mother Helen, father Harold, sisters Carol and Sheena, and nephew Brian Dewling.
Leaving to mourn are his loving wife of 52 years Betty (nee Reardon), daughter Dana (Jeff), son David, sisters Elaine and Nancy, and countless brother and sister in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Known for his honesty and integrity — Derek worked as a trusted Chartered Private Accountant for decades — along with partners Bill Lewis and Gerald White at their firm Sullivan, Lewis and White.
Derek was known as the “King of Christmas” in the Sullivan family. Each year for 25 years he insisted on hosting a larger than life boxing day event for over a hundred family members. An event which included multiple prime ribs, turkeys, 50 pounds of potatoes and all the fixings. Despite the tremendous effort that was involved each year, he understood the true value of family, and how important it was to come together during the holidays.
Though, perhaps what he’ll miss most in this world is twirling across the floor with the love of his life, Betty. It didn’t matter what kind of floor — be it dance, kitchen, or patio. For over fifty-two years they twirled whenever they could, wherever they could. Through life’s highs and lows, they somehow managed to stay light on their feet.They were simply inseparable.
The family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road on Wednesday February 26th and Thursday February 27th, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
Funeral service will be held on Friday February 28th, 2025, at 1:00pm at Carnell’s Memorial Chapel. Interment to occur at a later date in the Spring of 2025.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to The Vera Perlin Society or Special Olympics Newfoundland and Labrador.
“And when our year has ended
And I have gone away
You will often speak about me
And this is what you’ll say.
We sang in the sunshine
You know we sang every day
We sang in the sunshine
Then you went on your way.”
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on February 26, 2025
7-9 p.m. on February 26, 2025
2-4 p.m. on February 27, 2025
7-9 p.m. on February 27, 2025
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
1:00pm, Friday February 28th
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Dear Betty, David, Dana and Elaine
We are so saddened to hear of Derek’s passing. He truly was a prince of a man. His clear mindedness was equal only to his honesty and integrity. Both were beyond measure. We know that your wonderful memories will sustain you through these difficult times. Sincerest condolences.
Linda and Bill Rose
Betty, Elaine, and Nancy. I was deeply saddened to receive the heartbreaking news about my cousin Derek. May the love and support of family and friends strengthen you, during this most difficult time. God bless you all!
Karen Baird
Gatineau, QC
Betty and .family,
I was so sorry to hear of Derek’s recent passing……he was such a gentleman and it was a pleasure doing business with him back in the day……I always enjoyed his sense of humour…..he truly was one of the good guys….
Thinking of you at this sad time…..my condolences to you and the family.
TO Betty and FAMILY
I WAS VERY shocked to hear of DEREK ‘S
passing, he was such a good person.
I met DEREK at NCRA at N.W.F. GYM.IN
2004..HE was a kind and friendly person and a SPIRITED MAN . A PLEASURE TO KNOW. R.I.P. DEREK and GOD BLESS YOU ALL..❤MADELINE HEFFERNAN
To the Sullivan Family — So very sorry to learn of Derek’s passing. He was a fine individual who was trusted and respected by all who knew him. Thinking of you at this difficult time. May the many fond memories provide a sense of peace.
Betty and family
We are saddened to hear about Derek’s passing. We were long-time clients of his and always found him to be professional, kind, and a pleasure to work with. He stands out among others in his profession, and in life. What a blessing to have shared your life with him.
Betty, Dana and David:
We are so sorry to hear this news. Derek was a gentleman, and was respected by his clients and his peers. We hope the wonderful memories you all must have will help you through this difficult time.
Betty, Dana and David,
We are so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. He was truly was a fine man and wonderful neighbour. His ready laugh is something we will always fondly remember.
You all are in our warmest thoughts and prayers.
Greg and Mary Power
Betty
Just heard about the loss of Derek so so sorry to hear
Derek was definitely one of the good guys and will be sadly missed by family and friends
Everyone will cherish their memories of him may he rest in peace
Steve and Brenda Caul
Just learning the sad news of Derek’s passing. Sending my most sincere condolences to one and all I shall smile when I think of him as I do whenever I think of Carol. The world is indeed a sadder place for the loss Love to all.
Betty, Dana & David
Derek and I were classmates from 1960 to 1974 from MacPherson Academy, through Prince of Wales Collegiate and the MUN Commerce Class of 1971. We played basketball together at school, and I witnessed his legendary ping pong skills.. Whatever he did he excelled at in his own unassuming way, particularly including dating Betty
After education he was our personal accountant, until he retired and we shared many clients on a professional basis over the years so we stayed in touch. At this moment I am particularly glad that our Commerce Class had its Covid delayed 50th Anniversary Reunion in 2023, and that Derek, in his usual smiling manner, could attend.. It is a nice memory to have. for all of us.
All the best to you three and extended family. It was a wonderful service.
Please accept my condolences on Derek’s passing
Prayers for Betty and the family.
My deepest sympathy to you on Derek’s passing. He was a lovely person. May your memories bring some comfort.
Thinking of you all today with a heavy heart from the west coast and sending all my love to Betty ,Dave ,Dana and family . Derek you left behind so many beautiful memories for all the had the pleasure of knowing you..
So sorry for your loss, Derek seemed to truly live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment. My deepest condolences to Betty, David, and Dana. I wish you all the best.
Sincere condolences to the Sullivan family.
Derek was a lovely person – smart, kind and so pleasant. I am very sorry for your loss.
Dana and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you
Dave and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I only knew him through your stories, but he must have been a wonderful person to raise such a thoughtful, compassionate son. Thinking of you and your family as you move through this.
Condolences to Betty and family. While I only knew Derek and Betty for at short time it was apparent how much they loved one another. We miss them at NCRA and I was shocked when I heard Derek had a stroke. He looked so fit.
Our sincere condolences to the Sullivan family on your loss.
Derek was our accountant for many years, and he was always the true professional in his dealings with us,. You always knew you were in good hands when Derek was looking after you. He was also unfailingly kind and considerate. He was a friend as well as our accountant..
He will long be remembered.
Gus and Marilyn Bruce
To Dana and family: my thoughts are with you. I am so sorry for your enormous loss.
Good by my friend.. Thank you for all the good memories. Until we meet again..
To the entire Sullivan family……..my heartfelt condolences. I first met Derrick on the old softball pitch in Churchill Square in the mid 70’s. Got reacquainted again when Derrick was doing the accounting for the firm where I was employed for 35 years. We always enjoyed each others company. He was always pleasant, caring, funny and honest to a fault.. You could never know a finer man. May he rest in peace.
Betty, Dana and Jeff, David & extended family – We are sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. Derek & Betty were always so kind & gracious when we stayed at there home. He was a wonder Brother in law and uncle. We will miss him. We keep you all in our prayers. With much love Junior, Lorraine & Denise
Dana, Jeff and family,
So sad to hear of your dad’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. May your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
God Bless
Ros and Brian
My deepest condolences to Betty and family.
I got to know Derick and Betty when i joined the Newfoundland Cardiac Rehabilitation Association a couple of years back. Derick was a gentleman and very dedicated to his lovely wife Betty.
Very sorry to hear of his passing,
To the Sullivan Family – our thoughts and prayers are with you on the passing of a wonderful man! Hard working, honest and a man of integrity! He will be missed!
Tracey Shave and Peter Lewis
Dear Sullivan Family,
I just wanted to reach out and express my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Mr. Sullivan was such a lovely and kind man. I remember him well from when my Dad worked at SLW. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Betty and family, Elaine and Nancy,
I am so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences at this difficult time. I have very fond memories of visiting with Helen and Harold as a child. Love and prayers, Dianne
Sorry to hear of Derek’s passing, my condolences to Betty, Dave and Dana. Derek and I did the Commerce program at MUN (with Derek excelling in Commerce and the Ping Pong Program) – lots of hard work but lots of fun. At many Commerce Reunions, more recently I picked up Derek, we would share memories of MUN and other experiences. Derek did some accounting work for me throughout the years and he was always pleasant and will be deeply missed.
John Peddle
To Betty, Dana, David, Elaine, Nancy and extended family
There are no adequate words to convey the compassion we feel for you all today.
Derek was loved by so many people. This hard working, kind, considerate, welcoming and down to Earth gentleman loved life and his family and was always there to lend a helping hand. We hope you feel some comfort and solace in knowing that he is no longer suffering.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Love always
Walter and Ella Reardon
Elaine and Nancy. Sending my condolences on the loss of your brother. I remember Mom telling me how much your mother worried about Derek. He studied so much at university and would come home and fall asleep in the bath. Your mother found him a few times with the water up past his chin. He was a hard working beautiful soul who was well protected in his youth and is now back with family on the other side.God bless his whole family. Janice
Dana and family So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.. Thinking of you all at this time.
Aubrey and Glenys Squires
Dana, I’m sorry to hear of the passing of your much loved and cherished Dad.
Please accept my most heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in your precious memories of him.
Cynthia Thorne
Sincere condolences to the Sullivan family. I met Mr. Sullivan through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Newfoundland many years ago. He was always friendly, pleasant and professional. May he rest in peace.
Our condolence’s to Betty & Family on Derek’s passing. As a member of the Newfoundland Cardiac Group where I met Derek and Betty, I formed a really nice friendship with them both. A such wonderful bond between two individuals with such humble personalities. R. I. P.. my friend.
Betty, Nancy & Elaine & families. My sincerest condolences on the passing of Derek. Such a sad loss for you all. Many fond memories remain, I am sure. Y sympathies to all of you💕🔔🌹.y
I knew Mr. Sullivan for over 35 years as he always did the year end statements and taxes for a company I worked for. He was always pleasant, patient, professional, and kind. He always took time to explain things clearly and his advice was always trusted and respected. His love for Betty and his kids was evident in how he spoke of them. My sincere condolences to the family. Rest in well deserved peace Mr. S. You will be missed by many but never forgotten.
Betty,Dana and David we are so very sorry on the passing of your Darling Husband and Dad.He was such a wonderful friend and we enjoyed our get togethers going out to lunch once a week.He will be cherished in our hearts forever.God Bless and take care of all of you.
I met Derek many years ago while teaching PD courses for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Newfoundland. Derek was always so cheerful, friendly and a consummate professional. I also had the privilege over the years of working with him on some clients and he truly was one of the best. He cared for his clients, and ensured that he did the absolute best work for them. Our profession has lost a valued member but his mark on our profession will be felt for a long time to come. Rest easy.
Betty and family So sorry to hear about Derek,s passing.. We enjoyed your company at the cardiac rehab functions over the years. Max and June Crane
Derek and I went to school together and he subsequently looked after our companies financial year end for many, many years. I looked forward to seeing him every time and had confidence in his reports. I am sorry that you have lost him . Please accept my condolences.
Betty and family
Sincere condolences on the passing of Derek .
May all that was special about him give you comfort .
RIP Derek
Herb and Sheila (Pierce) Feaver
To Betty, David, Dana, Elaine and Nancy, we express our deepest sympathy for the passing of our beloved friend and brother-in-law, Derek. Over the years he and Betty have become central players in our social circle, winning game after game. But decades before Betty and Derek had become progenitors of our Boxing Day get togethers, uniting disparate family and friends. Derek’s passing also represents the passing those good times that we all remember fondly. We who remember have those precious gifts to reflect upon. So, thank you, Betty and Derek, for those wonderfully rich memories.
Rest now, in peace.
Marggie and Brian
Very sorry to read of Derek’s passing. Sully was the smartest guy in our 1971 Commerce class along with being one of the nicest. My condolences.
Keith Rose
Betty……so very sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. May he Rest in Peace.
Dear Betty, Dana and David and extended families,
Heartfelt condolences to you all on this sad news.
Darek was truly one of the nicest, kindest and thoughtful people I have ever known. Truly an unforgettable person who will be sorely missed. He was a guiding light to me and my family. I will eternally be grateful to have known him and Betty, of course.
Paris and Janette Georghiou
Betty: I’m so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. I’ve known him from the early seventies until his retirement. He was always a gentleman . My condolences to you and your family.. Keep the memories..
To Betty,
Sorry to hear of Derek’s passing.
Hope your precious memories close…
Sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. My condolences to all the family. Graduated from MUN with Derek and although I saw him infrequently over the years remember him being a kind person and a true gentleman.
To Betty, David, Dana so sorry to hear that Derek has passed. May he rest in peace. Francis & Elizabeth Keating.
Words seem inadequate to express the sorrow felt by Derek’s passing. May your memories give you strength in the days ahead.
Derek was a wonderful man, quiet, kind and loving.
I’m thinking of times filled with many memories and hope it helps a little to know that someone else is remembering and sending you special thoughts today.
May God bless and comfort you in this difficult time. Rest in peace my friend.
Shocked to hear this. I graduated from MUN with Derek. A group of us from our class maintained contact with each other over the years.
My condolences to his family on your loss. May he rest in peace.
Wayne Green
So sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. You are in our thoughts at the difficult time.
Deepest condolences to the Sullivan Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Derek was always a very kind and friendly man and he will be dearly missed.
My sincere condolences to the Sullivan family on the sad loss of a real gentle spirited man. He not only will be missed by his adoring family but also his many friends at the Cardiac Rehab group.. May he rest in peace.
Betty, David and Dana,
I am so saddened to hear of Derek’s passing.
I know his illness was a long time, with no quality of life.
Derek was a faithful participant in the Newfoundland Cardiac Rehabilitation Association at the Newfoundland Sports Centre, for many years, and a great contributor to the group.
We miss you Derek, rest in peace my friend.
My heartfelt sympathy is extended to the Sullivan family. I met Derek in university and we had a very memorable camping trip in 1967. He was a very kind and generous individual. Although I haven’t seen him for years I will always remember fondly our time together.