Suddenly, after a short battle with cancer, Derek passed away at the Seaforth Hospital on April 22, 2021 at the age of 45. Beloved son of Linda Gridzak-Watson and stepson of the late David Watson. Beloved stepbrother of Jeff Watson (Connie) of Seaforth, Steve Watson of Seaforth, Andy Watson (Robin) of St. Mary’s, and Angeline Kers (Henry) of Granton. Cherished nephew of Ron Cann of Campbell River, BC, Robert Gridzak of Bayfield, Barbara Watson (Robert) of Seaforth, Paul Gridzak (Nancy) of Brucefield, Donna Oosterbosch (Rick) of Egmondville, Debbie Ehmann (Bruce) of Merville, BC, David Gridzak (Roseanne) of Edmonton, AB, and Diane Vandewater (Grant) of Trenton. Fondly remembered by his cousins and extended family. Predeceased by his grandparents Idabell Earle, George Earle, and Peter Gridzak, his aunt Judy Cann, and his uncles Michael Gridzak, Randy Gridzak, and Steve Oosterbosch.
Derek was born and grew up in Seaforth. He played Hockey for the Seaforth Minor Hockey league and Clinton Radars. Derek started his concrete working career in Huron County. He stayed in the area until his early 20’s, when he decided to move to Windsor. He worked in the Windsor area until his early 30’s and then decided to move to Alberta.
Derek worked there until 2015 when he moved back to Ontario and settled down in his hometown of Seaforth. He then started his own business Custom Concrete where he worked around the county. Derek was known for his sports enthusiasm and his love for the Edmonton Oilers.
Cremation has taken place. Due to COVID-19 restrictions a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Interment Maitland Bank Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Haskett Funeral Home, SEAFORTH. (519-527-1390)
In lieu of flowers donations to a local minor sports team would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
The Windsor Girls
Dear Linda,
We are so very sorry to hear of Dereks passing. There was a large group of us that used to hang around together when Derek moved to Windsor in the early 2000’s. He was always the life of the party and a sweet, kind and gentle friend. He was supportive and always had an ear open ready to listen. We each have wonderful memories that make us smile as we think of “Griddy” during our shared time in Windsor. We are so saddened by his life being cut way too short and we send our condolences as you grieve the loss of your son.
A memorial donation has been made to the Doug Perkes Memorial Fund in memory of Derek on behalf of “The Windsor Girls”. We know that he was an avid lover of sports and a community man, and would appreciate being able to help someone have the resources to participate when maybe they couldn’t financially otherwise.
Sincerely,
Andrea Anions, Andrea Hogan (Flanagan), Tiffany Caufield (Baxter), Amy Perry, Lindsay Simmons (Riffel), Melissa Stephens (Robertson), Kathleen Heinbuck (Moylan)
Jasen Muir
Linda im so sorry to hear about your loss. Not only did you lose your son but Seaforth lost a son as well . Griddy always brought laughter my to life whenever he was around . From him hanging out at the shell gas station playing plunger against the wooded door or around the rink . I had the opportunity to have Griddy work for me in Edmonton about ten years ago . He made friends and on Facebook still has them . That shows you how much people liked him ! Rest In Peace Grid!
Maureen Wildfong
Linda
I was so sadden to hear of Derek’s passing He was a great guy and I am thinking of you, not just not but the days to come.
John and Wanda King
Linda, we were sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. He was a wonderful neighbour, always there if we needed a hand with anything. He will be missed. My wife always said if anything happened to me, she wouldn’t have to go far to find a better man.
Our condolences to all of the families.
John and Wanda
Ron & Shelly Pryce
Linda,
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Betty Glew
Linda please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. It is so hard to lose some one you love I know we never really lose them because we carry them forever in our hearts The Glew Family
John & Sarah Moylan
Hi Linda, Our condolences for Derek’s passing. I was so saddened to hear of this. Lots of great memories of Seaforth Minor Hockey days. Derek was always a kind, friendly guy. Its been a while since I have seen him but I always remember him as being nice to chat with and catch up. Always the kind, friendly kid I remembered. He seemed to have a kind soul and you can be very proud of him.
John & Sarah Moylan
Tim
Linda and all of the Gridzak family. Our deepest sympathy from the Kruse family.
Joanne Aubin
My BFF Goose keeps me up to date on news, both happy and sad…I’m so sorry you are suffering through the loss of your son…I never met Derek but reading the many condolences it is obvious that he was a great man…you did a good job raising him! There are no words to lighten your heavy heart but please know I’m offering sincere condolences.
Chance Coombs
Condolences to all! Way too young!!
Always enjoyed a good chat with Griddy!
Linda wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart!
Brian Barry
Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow
Our condolences.
from Brian Barry and Brenda Wilkinson
Jamie and Barb (Doig) Caldwell
Dear Linda and the Gridzak family. So sorry to hear of Dereks passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Cameron Doig
Sending our sincerest condolences to Linda and family. Fond memories of Derek at the golf course hunting for golf balls with Mike Watt. Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
Cam and Linda Doig & Family
Andrea Hogan (nee Flanagan)
Linda and the Gridzak family,
I want to express my deepest condolences to you. Although I grew up in Seaforth I didn’t get to really know Griddy until we ended up in Windsor at the same time. We spent a lot of time together. He was a great friend, and always looked out for me. Our paths took us in different directions, but I was lucky to run into him a few years ago when we were home from the West. We just picked up where we left off. He was just like that. I hope you find comfort in reading these messages and knowing that you raised a great man, that was loved by many.
John Wilson
Thoughts and prayers to you Linda and the Gridzak Watson families. Condolences from the Wilson’s.
Leo and Sharon Medd
Linda, I know there are no words at this time to convey how sorry we are for your loss. Derek and Barry go back a long ways and a ton of great memories, you must be so proud of Derek and the person he became, always so polite and had time to speak, and make you feel like a friend, and everyone was important to him. Hold onto and remember how special he was, and how lucky we all were for Derek to be any part of our lives. Our hearts are broken. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Michael Weber
I am very sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. My deepest condolences go to the Gridzak family . I always enjoyed seeing Derek’s passion for hockey. He will be missed.
Maureen andMerv Agar
Our thoughts are with you Linda and your family at this sad time. Remembering the many years at the arena and cheering on our hockey team and what fun we had. . Time goes so fast but memories are to be cherished.
Jon Corbett
On behalf of the Exeter Legion 167, we want to extend our deepest sympathies to you Linda and your family on the passing of David. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time.
Tanya Merner
I ran into Griddy in Seaforth in 2017. And after about a decade of not seeing him we were able to pick up right where we left off. Chatted about all the great high school years. He was the confident guy doing well with whatever life through at him. And the same thing happened again after hearing he was sick. I will never forget our lunch a couple weeks ago. I feel blessed I got to spend that time with him. He will be missed. Big hugs Linda ♥️. Tanya Merner and family
Roy Dalton
My sympathy to Linda and Gridzak family my son and Derek where good friends and have many stories of them growing up together Rest In Peace. from Roy Dalton.
Tina Hoelscher
Linda,
Sorry to hear about Derek. My deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tina (Bosman) Hoelscher
Joe Steffler
Linda Sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. Derek was a way too young to die, may he Rest I Peace.
Joe Steffler
Michelle Anderson
Linda,
My heart is saddened to hear the news about Derek. We shared very special times together and I have many great memories. He will always hold a piece of my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Michelle
Gale Kalichuk-Ringer
Thinking of you Linda n your family
Doug Procter
My sincere condolences to Linda and the Gridzak families. Losing a family member and friend is always hard. Remember the good times.
Mary Longstaff
Dear Linda and family.
Our condolences from the Longstaff’s. I know Derek was so good to our Chris while he was in Windsor area. I am sure he will be missed.
Mary and Family.
jeannine
So sorry for loss Linda
Bill and Grace Campbell
Linda
Please accept our sincere condolences as you grieve the loss of Derek.
Bill and Grace Campbell
Derek McCourt
My deepest condolences to the family. I knew Griddy during my days in Windsor. He was always good for a few laughs!
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the Family.
Derek McCourt
Kevin and Jenn McLean
We are so sorry for your loss. My husband had the pleasure of having many laughs with Griddy in Windsor. He recalled so many in the last few days. He could certainly bring a smile to anyone he met. We are thinking of you at this very difficult time.
Ron & Kathy Ward
Sorry to hear about the loss of Derek. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Hold on to all the great memories.
Mark 'Billard' Beuerman
A common love of sports brought Derek and I together. He was always eager to chat about sports with me, or anyone. I enjoyed his company very much. No matter the distance between us, we always stayed in touch. I’m so saddened to hear of his sudden passing and my sincere condolences go out to Linda and his family. He will be sorely missed. Rest easy, my friend.
Pat Tunney
Our deepest condolences to Linda and the Gridzak family. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Don, Pat Tunney and family
Robert Dinsmore
Sending our deepest sympathy in your loss of your son Derek. May he rest in peace and all your memories be a blessing for you and your family. He will be missed by all who knew him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob & Shirley Dinsmore
Craig McCallan
Derek was a part of everyday life for me while we were in Windsor together. Loyal to a fault with a heart big enough for two, and someone I am proud to say was my pal. Grid had an impact on my life and I know many more just like me. I’ll miss his insights and unique character most. My thoughts are with Linda and family – he was a special guy. RIP sidz – I’m going to miss you.
Mary Moffatt
Thinking of you Linda at this very sad time. My sympathy to all the Gridzak family.
Carolanne Doig
Linda and all – my sincere condolences to you and all Derek’s family and friends.
Ann Preszcator
Dear Linda and Families:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Angel and Henry Kers
This is so sad . Way to young to leave this world. Our heart felt Condolences Linda.
Paul &Joanne Matthews
So sorry for your loss Linda.
Our prayers are with you.
Jeff and Connie Watson
Our heartfelt condolences to you Linda. We are so sorry for the loss of your son
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Remember to take care of yourself and just take one day at a time
Love Jeff , Connie and family
John Munro
Dear Linda , Our deepest thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Griddy did a cement pad for me and sure took pride in his work. Like a lot of his personality he had a great passion for things and sports.Just a great people person. John Munro and Rose Burgess
Kevin,DebbieBennewies & Rene Dupuis
Our Sincere Condolences to you Linda. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at such a difficult time.
T.J. Rooth
So sorry for your loss Linda. I haven’t seen Derek in over 25 years and hearing this sad news brought back so many fond memories of our youth. He was the epitome of cool.
Terry Johnston
Linda, so sorry to hear about Derek. I have so many memories of Derek as a student of mine at SDHS. He was always full of vinegar and never did anything half way. Hopefully we will be able to chat more personally about Derek and his life at the Legion in the near future. Terry.
Rea Van Dongen
So sorry to hear of Derek’s passing.
Sandra and Bob Fisher
Bob and I want to extend our deepest sympathy to you, Linda and the Gridzak Family. Cherish the good memories that you have of Derek and he will always be with you in your heart. One day at a time.
Kathy Smith
Linda
We are sorry for your loss you. R.I.P. Derek …With sympathy from ..Mark &Kathy Smith.
Darlene W
Written words seem to fall short… My heart breaks for you, Linda. Sincere condolences to you and the entire family.
Bill & Sibyl Henderson
Our deepest sympathies.
Dennis & Shirley
Linda we are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Gary and Dianne Bennett
So sorry for your loss Linda, our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Joe and Willi Laurie
So sorry to hear of Derek’s passing at such a young age. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Debbie Hudson
We are so sorry to hear about Derek’s passing! You’re in our thoughts and prayers! Deepest sympathy and love from your friends in Kentucky.
Mark and Debbie Hudson
Jack and Trudy Groothuis
Our deepest sympathies Linda and the entire Gridzak families. Share your happy memories with each other.
John & Michelle Wilson
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Te-Anna VanDyke
So sorry to hear of Derek’s passing! Thinking of all his family and friends at this time!
Shirley Erb
To Linda and all of Dereks family My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sharon carnochan
I am so sorry for the loss of your son, Derek. No parent should ever have to deal with this. My sympathies to you and your family.
Jayne Walsh
I remember Derek as a fun and friendly student in the halls of SDHS. Sincerest condolences to the Gridzak family on the loss of a dear son.
Dan Primeau
Linda and family,
So incredibly sorry to hear of Dereks passing. His smile and conversation will be truly missed in the neighbour hood. Know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers.
You have our deepest condolences,
Dan, Wendy, Tyler & Danielle Primeau
Peter & Frances Kling
Dear Linda, We are truly sorry to hear of Dereks passing. Thinking of you and all your family..
Will always remember the blue van tour our lads went on back in the early ‘90’s .
‘One day at a time Linda’
Bill Ryan
Derek… he could steal your frown with a joke.. steal your girl with his smile ….give you his last beer if you were dry … and we were friends .. he has left us.. but he will always be near..
Debra (Chappel) Stanlake
My deepest condolences Linda and family.
Sylvia Wood and Eugene Mountenay
Sorry to hear yout liss of Derek Linda. He was truly a blessed son and a great guy hr will be missed by many. My sincere sympathy to you and all the Gridzak and Watson family. Hugs ❤️😪❤️
Kevin and Mary Bennett And Family
Our deepest condolences to you Linda and Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Betty Little
Thinking of you Linda. Derek was a fixture at my (Zeke’s) house growing up . Always kind, polite and a hard worker. I’m so sorry for your loss. Know that you raised a stand-up man.
Jane Groves
Linda: We are thinking of you at this difficult time and sending our sympathy. Sincerely Clayton and Jane Groves.
Alison Connolly
So very sorry for your loss Linda. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Joyce Ribey
I was saddened to hear of your loss Linda. Please know how very sorry I am.
Timothy Smith
My childhood memories of growing up in Seaforth with Derek will always shine with positivity. He was a great friend… I’m so sorry for your loss, Linda.
My heartfelt condolences to the Gridzak family.
Jeff Bedard
So sorry for your loss to the whole Gridzak family.
Iain Mailloux
A great friend through my youth, always there when I needed him. My heart goes out to Linda and family.
Barb Flanagan LeSouder
So sorry for your loss thinking of all your family
at this difficult time.
Barb and Bob watson
Linda my heart is aching over the loss of Derek he will always be in my heart I loved him and love you I am here for you
Helen Southgate & family
Dear Linda, I’m so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. Sending thoughts and prayers as you cope with this tragic loss of your son.
Pat and Deb Moylan &Sons
Oh boy, far to young for a young guy like this. Linda, I’m so sorry, and to say I’m shocked to hear of this is an understatement. It was only October last year that he cemented our driveway. He was determined to make a perfect job of it, and did he ever. We have had many comments on this driveway and many said it is the nicest driveway they have seen in long time. When I told Derek about these comments, I could tell he was very proud of the job he had done. We are very happy with it, couldn’t have asked for a better job. I’m just sorry he will never see how we finished the landscaping along the edges of the driveway now this spring. We are thinking of you during these most difficult and unfortunate times. God bless Derek and the entire Gridzak family.
Vivian Leblanc
I remember Derek and he was so handsome inside and out. My heart breaks at your great loss, thoughts and prayers with you all and especially you Linda.
Sue Riley
On behalf of the Hensall Legion, Branch 468, we extend our deepest sympathy on the passing of Derek. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Linda during this difficult time.
Joanne Holland
Linda I am so very sorry for your loss. May your happy memories of Derek help you through this most difficult time. 🌹
Butch & Cindy Fleet
Sending our Deepest Condolences, We got to know Derek when he played for the Clinton Radars, such a great young man. He was so well liked. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Butch & Cindy Fleet
Cathy and Kevan Broome
Our deepest sympathies to you Linda and family. He was always so friendly and loved to chat whenever we saw him.
John
You are missed Mr.RIP.
Pat & Murray Taylor
Murray and I are sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. Hugs to Linda. Far too young.
Doug, Nancy , Shaun and Jason and family
Our deepest sympathy. To know “Griddy” was to love Griddy May he Rest In Peace
Joanne Hickey
Linda
Offering our sincere sympathy with the loss of Derek. Thinking of you.
Cub and Joanne
Colin Young
Linda and all the Gridzak family l am so sorry for your loss
Cindy Engel
Deepest sympathy Linda and the whole Gridzak family
Jenn Thomas
He will be greatly missed. My condolences.
John and Karen Taylor
We were very sorry to hear this news. Derek worked on our new home. Our sincere condolences.
Doug and Angie Hunt
So sorry to hear your life was cut short Gritty. You were always a stand up guy and Angie and I always enjoyed our time with you. It’s been 20 years since we had that time but it’s something we’ll never forget. RIP friend.
Cheryl Ann & Troy St. Onge
Linda,
We are incredibly sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and the challenging days to come.
Our deepest sympathy,
Cheryl Ann, Troy
Mary Paige, Irelyn & Griffin St. Onge
Tom and Bonnie Johnston
So sorry for your loss, far to young
Bob& Wendy Patrick
Our deepest sympathies go out to Linda and the Gridzak families. Derek was a great guy and will truly be missed…Bob& Wendy
Bernice ,Dave Dale
Deepest sympathy Linda,No mother should ever have to go through this.Prayers and thinking of you always.If you need to just get away and vent,you are welcome here always,we can sit on the patio and just talk.
Ellen Murphy
So sorry linda. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Judi and Bill Weber
Our condolences to the Gridzak family. I enjoyed Derek’s commitment and involvement with the various Seaforth minor hockey teams. He was always a determined competitor.
Mike Smale
Hi Linda. I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss Griddy. Will always be my buddy. I will be around for some hugs.
Frank and Laurie Roselli
Linda, Laurie and I send our heartfelt condolences during this very difficult time. There truly are no words that can ease the depth of the grief you must be enduring. Please take care.
Gayle Hoffman
So sorry for your loss Linda.He will be missed by many
Anne and Lyle
So sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers to you Linda and family.
Rhonda
Michael and I with great sadness express our deepest condolences to you.
Love you,
Rhonda and Michael