Sept/06/1953 – May/15/2020
It is with great sadness that the Harrison and Lahoda families announce the passing of their loved one Derrik Roy Harrison ( Deke ) after a long courageous battle with cancer.
Deke was born in Dryden, Ontario, the first of six children for Frank and Doreen Harrison. He grew up playing sports, hockey, baseball, both hardball and softball at the time. He worked at KFC and then the local paper mill until he decided it was time to move on. He left Dryden in his early twenties to reside in the cities of Calgary,Edmonton,Winnipeg and then finally Vancouver where he met the love of his life Brenda Lahoda. He spent his entire career working for one company that went through many ownership and name changes climbing his way to Export Manager until his recent retirement in June 2019. He sold their product all over the world including Domtar in Dryden.
He will be forever missed by his hiking team and co-workers that took him into the high mountain country around Canmore, Alberta for their Annual Fall Hike, meetings and trade shows.His Paddlewheeler Pub family in New Westminster B.C. will miss his presence at their many celebrations and golf tournaments. These friendships were a bond that will never be forgotten.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of many years Brenda Lahoda, step-daughters Amy and Nicole his Mother-in-law Olive (Mom) and four grandchildren. The Harrison family are forever grateful to the Lahoda’s for their loving care of Deke during his illness amid the Covid 19 pandemic. He passed away with them at his side holding his hands.
He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Doreen Harrison. Survived by his son, Christopher Cartman of Winnipeg; his five siblings, David (Pixie) Harrison, Jo-Anne Harrison, Frank Harrison Jr., Karen Hewitson (John) and Darcy( Donna ) Harrison, and his Aunt and Uncle, Roy and Barb Van Haesendonck, several cousins, nieces and one nephew also survive along with several grand nephews and nieces.
Cremation has taken place and future plans for a funeral ceremony are on hold until Canada has a handle on the pandemic. If family and friends so desire donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in his name would be greatly appreciated.
