Obituary of Derek Osborne Lees

April 28, 1955 – Portage La Prairie, Manitoba

December 7, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Derek Lees, who died peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the age of 69. Comfortably surrounded by his beloved family, Derek’s warmth, humour, and dedication to those he loved will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Born in Portage La Prairie, MB, Derek’s early years were filled with adventure and change. His family moved to Calgary, AB, when he was a toddler, but they returned to Winnipeg, MB, when he was ten. Winnipeg remained his home until 1988, when Derek’s employer transferred him along with his family to Calgary to work remotely from a home office. After ten years living in the busy city, the family moved to Cochrane, AB, where he resided for the remainder of his life.

Derek attended Red River College, earning his certification in air conditioning and refrigeration. However, it was in sales where he found his true calling, beginning his career at the RCA order desk in August 1979 in Winnipeg, MB.  He quickly advanced to an RCA sales representative, with a territory within Winnipeg and cities in Manitoba.  By 1988, Derek was transferred to Calgary, with his territory covering Alberta and the interior of British Columbia, for a role in which he excelled. Through his remarkable accomplishments and innate ability to build trust and respect with his clients, he was promoted to regional sales manager of national accounts.

Derek’s dedication and talent earned him recognition and awards, including numerous trips to destinations such as Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Rome, Italy, and Seoul, Korea, as well as many cities in the United States.  He especially enjoyed visiting Indianapolis, IN, and experiencing the Indianapolis Speedway.  In 2005, Derek joined LG Electronics as a regional sales manager, continuing his success until 2013.

Even in semi-retirement, Derek’s love for cars and connecting with people led him to a fulfilling position, first as a service advisor, and then in the parts department at Cochrane Dodge. For six years, he enjoyed advising customers and delivering parts in Cochrane, Calgary, and surrounding areas.  He officially retired in 2020 at the age of 65.

Derek cherished his downtime and daily walks with his dog, Rocky, along the Bow River at the Cochrane off-leash park. Above all, he found immense joy in his family. Camping through the mountains and holidaying in the Shuswap were annual excursions. Derek was an avid season ticket holder for many years of the Calgary Stampeders football team. It was a favourite pastime of his as well. 

Derek is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Toni, their three sons, Garrett, Jeff (Larissa), and Jordan; and grandsons, Levi and Brody. He will also be remembered by his brother, Robert Lees (Laurie), sister, Diane Czastkiewicz (Joe), and brother-in-law, John Billy. Derek leaves behind many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Margaret Lees, Bill Lees; his in-laws, Tom and Jean Billy; sister-in-law, Kelli-Anne Billy, half-brother, Patrick Lees, and memorable cousins.

In keeping with Derek’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. Instead, the family will honour his life with a celebration of life in late Spring or Summer of 2025. 

We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis team members at Calgary South Campus and the ALS Society family group.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Cochrane Humane Society, 62 Griffin Industrial Pointe, Cochrane, AB, T4C 0A3, Telephone: (403) 932-2072, www.cochranehumane.ca, or to the A.L.S. Society of Alberta (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), 7874 - 10th Street N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8W1, www.alsab.ca.

Derek’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and resilience. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Derek’s family here.

In living memory of Derek Lees, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.