Jessie DERKSEN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DR. CORNELIUS DERKSENNov. 26, 1930 - Oct. 3, 2013Peacefully on October 3, 2013, Cornelius Derksen passed away at Concordia Hospital. Cornelius was born in Forward, Saskatchewan, grew up in Khedive, Saskatchewan, and later moved to Alexander, Manitoba. He is predeceased by his parents, Henry and Anna Derksen; baby brother Cornelius and eldest brother Henry; sisters Agnes, Olga and Helen. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Margaret (Neufeld) Derksen; his four daughters Susan Wiebe (Henry), Ruth Dyck (David), Carol Enns (Harvey), Sandra Froese (Warren) and son Donald Derksen (Michelle Hildebrand); his grandchildren David Wiebe (Chantal), Heather Boersma (Alex), Nathan (Melissa), Heidi and Charlotte Dyck, Lauren and Kristie Enns, Matthew, Daniel, Sarah and James Froese, Susanna, Kathryn, and Julius Derksen; great grandchildren Yuri and Lev Wiebe, Cohen and Claire Boersma; and brothers Abe, George (Dorothy) and Peter. Our Dad survived life on the farm during the dirty thirties. The struggle was a motivating factor in determining his pursuit of a different career. He was educated at Winkler Bible Institute, United College, and graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1957 as a medical doctor. Two years prior, he married Margaret Neufeld. Creative thinking motivated him to trap five mink to help pay for the engagement ring. Their five children were born between 1956 and 1966 – a busy family amidst a large medical practice. Dad loved his profession, and cared for many people over the years. He served on the board at Concordia Hospital, and also offered his services as a medical director at Bethania Personal Care Home. After his retirement in 1999, he continued to assist with surgeries for another twelve years, which brought him much satisfaction. Dad’s personal faith in Jesus was the firm foundation on which he lived his life, building it in a way that enabled his family to flourish. He enjoyed singing in the choir, and attending worship and Bible study at Portage Avenue Church. Most mornings he and Mom would have devotions and pray for family, church and missions. In his off-hours, Dad was content to putter around in the garage, doing projects and coming up with inventive ways to make things better, but he also had an adventuring side. For about 40 years, he anticipated the annual 10-day hunting trip in the bush with a close group of friends. He also enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, and being outdoors. Dad loved nothing more than to have his family gathered around him. He purchased the cabin on Brereton Lake in 1967, and many family memories have been made there. As the family grew, the cabin needed to be expanded (3 times!), which he happily did with the help of his children. The cottage was his haven and has become a wonderful legacy for his family to continue to enjoy. Mom has always been by Dad’s side through his profession, as he pursued his passions, and endured the difficult times. In the last years, Dad has been by Mom's side, offering her care and companionship and looking after many of the domestic details. The family gives special thanks to Dr. Carl Duerksen, Dr. Pat Harris and Val and the staff in oncology at Concordia Hospital, for their care and compassion over the past several years. Viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 from 7:00-8:30 pm at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street, Winnipeg. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Portage Avenue Church, 1420 Portage Ave., Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cornelius' memory can be made to Inner City Youth Alive.

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 08, 2013