ARTHUR JOHN DERKSEN

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

• I last saw Art at the reunion in Morris a couple of years ago. We were inseparable in high school, and I really wanted to reconnect, but we just missed. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to Zelma, Esther, Lydia and all. I still visit my folks at the lodge from time to time, and I would like to re connect with you. Get back to me if you would like to visit sometime ..love to you all...Garth - Posted by: Garth Krastel ( Buddy since school) on: Oct 24, 2013

• I was sad to hear about Art's passing only today. I worked for Art at the Natural Resources Office many years ago. Art was a kind boss, good humoured and very knowledgeable. My prayers tonight will be for Art and you Mrs. Derksen. Former Co-worker Mirna Wishart - Posted by: Mirna Jungbauer-Wishart (Former co-worker) on: May 14, 2013

• I just learned about Art's passing today in mid-November. Art worked long & hard with me during the International Joint Commission's review of the Garrison Diversion Project in 1976. He was a key person in developing the impact assessment our Biology Committee did on potential impacts of introductions of foreign biota on the commercial fisheries in Manitoba. Art was a real civil servant, a biologist with integrity who cared for his job, his agency and especially his clients. I am very sorry to learn about this. Art was one of the good ones. - Posted by: John Loch (colleague in the 1970's) on: Nov 20, 2012

• In Loving Memory of my Brother Art One who always showed his love and concern for our family. Through persecutions in our youth, he was the one who stood his ground to ward off the persecutors. He was always there to give a helping hand in times of need. Most of all he had a kind and loving way of making me feel like a "Special" sister whether I was with him or talking to him on the phone. Many more memories I will cherish that will make me happy and proud to have had Art as my "Special Brother." I miss you! - Posted by: Lydia Martens (Sister) on: Nov 04, 2012

• Unlike the lucky biologists and colleagues that were mentored and guided by Art Derksen, I had the distinction of working as a summer student for Art Derksen for only 1 day. I had landed the one summer student job with Dept. of Lands and Forest at their Wheatley, Ontario research lab in the Summer of 1969. I looked forward to working with the research biologist in charge. To my dismay I discovered that the biologist, Art Derksen, was packing his bags and moving to Manitoba. The day I reported for work was essentially his last day at the Wheatley facility. We had a very brief conversation, literally as he was walking out of the building just as I was walking into the building on my day 1. Sensing my disappointment, Art Derksen wished me luck anyway. That was a prelude to a crappy summer because it took all summer before the vacant professional positions were filled. Three years later I headed out to Manitoba to work for the Fisheries and Oceans in Winnipeg. It took a few years later before I finally crossed paths with Art Derksen in Winnipeg. He'd forgotten about our brief meeting in Wheatley and that event seemed to underscore our subsequent friendship. I miss our many casual conversations over the years, especilly when running into each other at our neighbourhood mall (Fort Richmond Mall). His understated intelligence and sense of humour were highlights of the day for me and I missed his presence after leaving Winnipeg and returning to Ontario in 2000. I am so glad that our special friendship still came about despite the lost early opportunity back on that one day in Wheatley in 1969. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Ken Chang-Kue (Summer student for 1 day...........Friend and admirer.) on: Oct 31, 2012

• I stumbled upon Art (or him on I) back in the early 80's and was fortunate to be part of his small Fisheries Research crew at the time. And even though I spent only a short part of my career working with him, he was the consummate mentor, co-worker, and friend and continued to be my sounding board throughout my whole career. We shared stories of the Great Lakes, of Manitoba politics, and many, many jokes about our home province. He was my connection to Winnipeg when we left and never let me forget the friends we left behind. We will never forget you dear friend. Until we meet again. - Posted by: Lloyd Mohr (Former co-worker, friend, and fellow Saskatchewanite) on: Oct 25, 2012

• I got to know Art at the start of my career in environmental biology when I was hired as a summer student to do a creel census. I had the very good fortune to know Art over quite a number of years - too many to believe. It did not matter whether I was a summer student, graduate student, contract employee, consultant or co-worker – Art was the same. He was a wealth of information and never too busy to share; usually his knowledge came with a most enjoyable story. The phrase “Did I ever tell you about …” always reminds me of some bit of biological/philosophical wisdom that Art was about to bestow to anyone willing to listen. Thank you Art, I learned a lot, you will not be forgotten. - Posted by: Dave D. (Colleague and Long-Time-Admirer) on: Oct 25, 2012

• I had the pleasure of working with Art on a fish habitat study on Kisseynew Lake several years ago. He taught me how to properly fillet a fish. He was a fine biologist and a good man. My sincere condolences to the family. - Posted by: Maureen Forster (colleague) on: Oct 25, 2012

• It is a sad time for those of us that knew Art. He was an intelligent, kind, gentle soul, and he will always have a special place in my life. Many years ago Art said he would take a chance on a skinny, young man and he hired me to complete a Fisheries Research Project. He gave me the opportunity to prove myself that led to a 30+ year career that I loved in Fisheries and then Water Quality. Art was my boss and mentor, but also quickly became a good friend. Art was a professional that always strived for him and for others to be as good as one could be. He had a profound passion for his work that created extended unpaid hours for many of his work days. He loved to hear and tell or e-mail a good joke. I will miss your jokes Art. Although we never got together much lately, I will also miss our visits to talk about current events and reminisce over the good old days. My condolences to Sandi and the rest of Art's family - Art will be missed, but not forgotten. - Posted by: Dave Green (Former co-worker and friend) on: Oct 25, 2012

• Uncle Art was truly a very wonderful person and will be missed dearly by so many of us. Growing up to see the bond that Uncle Art had with my dad (Robert) showed me that an uncle plays a very important part in this life, and I am so thankful for all the love that we were all able to share during his time here on this earth. May you rest in Peace Uncle Art. - Posted by: Matthew R. Martens (Great-Nephew ) on: Oct 24, 2012

• Rest in pease my friend. - Posted by: Myrna Trinder (Highschool Friend) on: Oct 24, 2012