EDWARD WILLIAM DERKACH

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EDWARD WILLIAM DERKACH

After a brief battle with cancer, Ed passed away at Grace Hospital on December 29, 2024

Ed is survived by his wife Carolynn of 54 years, daughter Christine (husband Mike), son Mark, his brother Brian, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Paul on November 30, 2024, and his brother Walter.

Ed was born in Fisher Branch, MB on October 12, 1940, and moved into Winnipeg with his family in 1953. He received his Private Pilot's License at the age of 17, his Commercial License in 1962 as well as his Aircraft Maintenance Engineers License. In 1966 he became a Commercial Helicopter Pilot and was employed at Midwest Aviation as Chief Pilot then Operations Manager. In 1977 he co-founded Custom Helicopters Ltd. with his partners Dan McDougall and Jim Hawes. During this time he was also appointed to the Board of the Air Transport Association of Canada (Helicopter Division). He was on the Board of Directors of Charleswood Historical Society and Grant's Old Mill. Ed was also a long time member of the Charleswood Legion and Manitoba Antique Association.

Ed was an avid golfer and enjoyed flying his home-built model aircraft. He loved spending time at the lake and taking holidays in the U. S. with his family.

If you were lucky enough to know him, you knew how kind and generous he was. Ed's priority was to always provide a comfortable life for his family. We have so many fond memories together with him that we will cherish.

If friends wish, donations may be made in Ed's memory to Darcy's ARC or charity of their choice.

A Memorial service for Ed and Paul will be held at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 04, 2025