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Official Obituary of

Derek Charles MacPhee

January 4, 1965 ~ February 14, 2019 (age 54) 54 Years Old

Derek MacPhee Obituary

Upper Leitches Creek

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Derek Charles MacPhee, 54, on Thursday, February 14th, 2019, at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Derek was born in New Waterford on January 4th, 1965. He boarded a flight to Toronto at age 15 and later met and married his high school sweetheart. Derek was the best husband, father, and “Pop Pop” a family could ask for.

Derek was employed with Weststeel Roscow as an overhead crane operator, and later at Northern Telecom where he retired due to his illness. Derek had a passion for music, especially The Hip, Neil Young and John Prine. Derek loved sports and watched anything that kept score. He grew up playing basketball and hockey at Breton Education Center and later was actively involved in coaching in the community including special years with the Balls Creek Orioles Baseball Team and the Cape Breton County Rebels.

Derek is survived by his devoted wife of 32 years Lori (Cormier) MacPhee; his son Tyler, daughter-in-law Ann Terese, and the love that brightened his life, grand-daughter Scarlett Jade MacPhee (Sydney); his daughter Brittny, son-in-law Christian Sabourin (Calgary); and mother-in-law Christine (Tootsie Cormier) and father-in-law Edward Gilmore (Sydney) who loved and cared for Derek since he was 15 arriving in Toronto.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Peter Poulos for traveling our family’s journey of Multiple Sclerosis; Susan MacKenzie - Palliative Care Nurse, Jill Ramsay and Alyssa Rockwell - Music Therapists; Dan MacKinnion, Homecare and special friend; and Tommy MacKenzie - Derek’s best friend who always made time and could never say “No I’m too busy.” Thank you all for making it possible for Derek to stay at home.

In accordance with Derek’s wishes, cremation has taken place, as well as a private service and burial. Memorial donations can be made to St. Mary’s Church, Frenchvale.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com

“No dress rehearsal, this is our life” – Gord Downie

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