Derek Ryan Kehler

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DEREK RYAN KEHLER
Dec. 7, 1982-June 8, 2015

Our son, Derek Ryan, was born to us, Del and Sharon Kehler, on Dec. 7, 1982 in Steinbach, MB. He is also survived by his younger sister Mandy and her husband Shane Funk.

Derek was an incredible uncle to Jaleel and Mia. They referred to him as “Uncle Baby”. He will also be missed by his two grandpas, many special aunts and uncles, lots of cousins and his many friends from all over the world.

Derek had his school years in Grunthal, MB where he built his life around many activities and friends. He always made sure that everything he chose to do would be in the name of fun. This included playing hockey, hunting, football, horseback riding, quading, motocross racing, and playing guitar. Teasing his sister Mandy was on the top of his list of “fun” things to do. He knew just how to bring a reaction from her.

Derek was baptized upon confession of his faith in Jesus Christ at the age of 16.

Derek moved to Vancouver when he was 22 years old, which was his home for nine years. Sadly during this time, his marriage failed. Due to a car accident years earlier when he fractured his neck, he was forced into a career change. He graduated from Capilano College in Vancouver with website design. His experience in this field of work continued to grow. His slogan “fake it till you make it” was always his drive or challenge to take on something he knew was way above his expertise. He loved his work and was always willing to walk us through any “techy” problems we might have. We could always hear in his tone of voice when he thought we should already know this…but still always helpful.

He was currently working for Vivant in Sydney, Australia as a Senior User Experience Consultant. It was our pleasure to be able to visit his office and meet his bosses and co-workers. Mark, his team leader, said that Derek had trained everybody to regularly meet at the coffee machine first thing in the morning. He loved his coffee. Black and strong. We thought our country boy had become quite the city slicker, but at his workplace his nickname was Cowboy and he had the reputation of being quite the redneck.

Derek still had time to focus on his music despite the busyness of work. From a young age he has formed many bands with a wide range of music styles. His skill at writing his own music flourished resulting in several government grants to produce his music. He went by the name Steel Audrey in his last two albums. His last album From Which I Came is available on iTunes and was to be released in Canada this fall.

We first met Helena at Christmas in 2013, when Derek brought her home to cold Manitoba. Our hearts were warmed immediately with her sweet spirit. We will cherish that time we had together.

Derek and Helena left for Australia in February 2014. We could soon see that Sydney, Australia was becoming his home.

We were able to travel out there this last February and March. Those six weeks we had with them will forever be in our hearts.

Our last phone conversation consisted of both of them sharing their excitement in having just purchased a home and in the last part of the chat he spoke to us alone telling us that he was so very happy and that he was shopping for a ring.

Derek lived his life to the fullest. His songs speak what was deep inside his heart.

‘I pray my days be long and yielding
And that peace walk e’er beside me
May I learn to love completely
May forgiveness be my guide’
Rest in Peace, our dear son, Derek.

The memorial service was held on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at 3 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Derek may be made to the online release of Derek's latest album: www.gofundme.com/steelaudrey.

Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel 1-204-346-1030 or 1-888-454-1030.

As published in The Carillon on Jun 29, 2015