Allan R. Derby, 68

As the sun was rising on May 24, 2010, Allan R. Derby, 68, passed away at home with his family by his side after a brave and courageous 12-year battle with cancer.

He was born Jan. 15, 1942, in Elizabeth, N.J., to Allan C. and Virginia A. Derby. The oldest of three children, “Derby” became the pillar of strength for the whole family. At the age of 4, his family moved to Sylmar, Calif., where lifelong friendships began. As a young boy he enjoyed playing baseball and learned how to box. As a young man he played drums in a blues band, was the founding president of the Unknown’s car club, and enjoyed riding motorcycles. He went on to start his own janitorial business.

In 1964 Derby married Rita Schmidt and his only son Allan Paul was born in San Fernando, Calif., in 1965. Soon after they divorced but remained friends. In 1967 he met the love of his life and wife of 42 years Kathy Kewley.

In 1973 they moved to North Idaho and their first daughter Melissa was born in 1974. Four years later their second daughter Allison was born. Derby enjoyed being a dad and spent a lot of time with his family camping, watching their sporting events and teaching them how to ride horses.

As the kids got older Allan and Kathy enjoyed traveling to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, every spring, camping on the St. Joe and Coeur d’Alene rivers and fishing on Lake Pend Orielle. For the last 33 years Derby was a skilled tile setter who took pride in his work and worked on many custom homes. He loved his work and the creativity it brought with it. Derby was an avid fisherman and elk hunter. He looked forward each year to his yearly hunting trip up to Buzzards Roost. He would get excited in the spring for fly fishing season and would have his gear ready to go at any time. He truly felt at peace in nature and enjoyed the four seasons.

Those that knew Derby could see his spirit and drive. He had a laugh that was contagious and would light up everyone around him. He was not afraid of anything and faced everything in life head on. He was so many things to many people and will truly be missed.  

Survivors include his partner and wife, Kathy, and their children, Allan (Shannon) Derby, Melissa (Sean) Taylor and Allison (Mike) Willard; sisters Judie Whitaker and Sandi Derby (Karen); brothers Lee and Steven Michel; nieces and nephews Vonette Briscoe, Shannon Nearing, Lanny Neipert, Brenda Husman, Angie Hamann, Lynda Arky, Adam Kewley and Amanda Dunlap.

He loved his family and enjoyed his six grandchildren Kelsey, Jaret, Stormy, Zander, Zackary and Jace. They truly brought him joy watching them play and grow.   

Allan was preceded in death by his parents Allan Christian and Virginia Anne.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 4, 2010, at the New Life Community Church, 6068 W. Hayden Ave., Rathdrum. Family and friends are welcome at the service and the reception at the Rathdrum City Park Pavilion immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Hospice of North Idaho at 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

Please visit Allan’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.