Peter DERKSEN

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DERKSEN: Peter passed away peacefully at Riverheights Terrace in Brandon, Manitoba on Monday, November 4, 2019. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 43 years, Verna Derksen, his parents, Henry and Anna Derksen; brothers Cornelius (Margaret), Abe (Olga) and Henry (Elizabeth); sisters Agnes, Olga and Helen (John). Peter is survived by his children Stephen Derksen (Rhonda) and Lori Derksen; grandchildren Dawson and fiancée Alexandra Laurence, and Samantha Derksen; brother George Derksen (Dorothy) and sister-in-law Ida Derksen. Peter was born on November 23, 1936 in Khedive, Saskatchewan and later moved to Alexander, Manitoba. Peter’s early schooling was in Khedive. When the family moved in 1945 Peter continued junior and senior high to grade 11 at Alexander and grade 12 at the University of Winnipeg Collegiate. As was the family tradition and his mother’s promise to God he attended Winkler Bible School. Peter took over the family farm from his father and continued farming with Verna until 1996 when after many difficult years financially, they made the heart-breaking decision to sell and move to Brandon. It was the right move for both of them as Peter started, in his own words, “mini farming” doing yard care and snow cleanup for many years. Peter was sometimes full of surprises. On the day of his parents Golden Wedding Anniversary, July 18, 1968, he had the pastor announce his engagement to Verna Balzer. The family had been at the photographer in the morning for the family portrait. Verna had been invited to the event, but Peter had given no indication of his intent. Apparently after the photo shoot, Peter took Verna to the jewelers in Brandon. They rushed back to Alexander, knocked on the pastor’s door to ask him to make the announcement before the celebrations were to begin. On another event, seven years ago when the clan was gathered to celebrate the birthdays of the four remaining brothers, Peter surprised them all by coming up with a favourite song which had been difficult to find. But Peter had found it and sang it. He was not known to be the singer in the family. That was a surprise in itself. Peter was a quiet person, never one to lead the conversation in the family setting, however, he was contemplative and often surprised us with his insights. Maybe the many years of spending a lot of time alone first as a young child, later riding the tractor, combine, etc. contributed to him being content with his own thoughts. Peter’s personal faith in God was the firm foundation on which he lived his life, passionately reading and memorizing scriptures, and his “Daily Bread”. He amazed many with his vast scripture knowledge and confidence in Christ. Peter was passionate about the gospel. He made sure he always had a supply of THE WHY book, published by his brother George. He distributed many books over the years to individuals he met. His passion for farming, reading and collecting (of which all of us know was his true pursuit) gave his life purpose. In most recent years, he developed a true connection to some of the residents and staff at Riverheights Terrace. We as a family have enjoyed hearing the many heartwarming and quirky stories shared. We give special thanks to family and friends and the staff at Riverheights Terrace, his Richmond Park Church Family and many doctors who have displayed so much care and compassion to Dad over the years. The funeral will be held at Richmond Park MB Church, 1525-26th Street, Brandon on Sunday, November 10, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Viewing will take place prior to the service. The reception will be at the church following the service and Peter will then be laid to rest beside his wife at Alexander Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s memory can be made to Why Encounter Inc., (his brother George’s ministry), PO Box 190 Station L, Winnipeg, MB R3H OZ5, http://whyencounter.com/donate2/Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 09, 2019