It is with heavy hearts that we share with you the passing of Royal Canadian Mounted Police Constable Derek Todd Janes age 58, at the LHSC – Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario, on Monday, August 19, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Husband of Sherri (Reynolds) and adoring father of Katie, and Thomas. Formerly of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Derek was predeceased by his parents Ruth (Fowler) and Chesley Janes.
Youngest of a family of three, Derek is survived by sister Gladys Coish (Arnot) of Nova Scotia and brother Greg Janes (Rosa) of Ontario. Their children including nieces Andrea, Susan, and Jennifer Coish of Nova Scotia and Kristen, Shannon, and nephew William Janes of Ontario and their families. Numerous other family members including cousins, great nieces and nephews, and in-laws.
Derek will be remembered for his love for his children and his love of hockey, whether it was playing himself or coaching Thomas and his teams. Always having words of encouragement and being the biggest fan at the rink. Derek would light up when Katie entered a room, being so proud of his brilliant daughter. Caring for his children was what he did best.
In his adult years, Derek found pleasure in playing the guitar. His passion for the outdoors was evident in his love for hunting, fishing, and boating in Bobcaygeon, where his trailer became a cherished retreat. Campfires, swimming, and simply being surrounded by family were among his greatest joys.
A memorable highlight was the last time he gathered with his entire family, he danced the night away, never leaving the dance floor. During the pandemic, Derek made sure to stay connected with his extended family through video chats, group chats, sharing recipes and jokes that brightened everyone’s day. Derek will be remembered for amazing fun family vacations from PEI to Florida, always leading the family into many activities and counting us all, making sure we were all there. He loved to entertain and cook, making sure we were having a good time.
As a young boy and young adult, Derek was known for his kindness and helpful spirit in his St. John’s neighborhood. He was always there for his grandparents, offering a hand with a smile. His intelligence shone brightly in school, where he was a smart student and a natural leader, serving as captain of his high school hockey team. Derek was also a dedicated athlete, excelling in sports. He enjoyed fishing trips with his father and had a special bond with his nieces and nephews. Trips camping and travelling as a young boy and teenager with his sister and brother-in-law were filled with joy creating lasting memories.
Derek was a member of the RCMP previously stationed in Alberta and then Ontario. He loved his chosen career and was a proud member of the RCMP.
Rest in peace my love, you fought a long and fearless battle! Our memories of you will be happy ones.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, LUCAN on Wednesday, August 28th from 6 – 9 PM. Cremation has taken place.
Donations may be made in Derek’s memory to V-Eh Veterans and Everyday Heroes or the Canadian Cancer Society.
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).
Sandy (Janes) Edwards St. John's NL
Gladys and Glen. Sincere sympathy on the passing of your brother Derek. Thinking of you all at this sad time. HUGS
Sis
Sharon Dillon
Glady’s, Greg and Families. We were so sadden to hear of Derek’s passing. Our deepest condolences go out to you all at this difficult time. You have all of your happy memories of Derek to cherish and may they give you some comfort moving forward💔
Dave and Jennifer-Wells O’Brien
It is with deepest sadness that we learned of the passing of Derek. A great friend in our time at Bell Aliant in Gander where we spent many weekends at his cabin, skidooing, fishing, and hunting, Derek playing guitar and the gang singing along. A special visit with us in Ottawa to see Eric Clapton in concert was our last time we spent together. Soon after he entered the RCMP and we lost touch with our busy lives.
Sincere condolences to all his family and friends. He will be missed. RIP Derek.
Anna Peddle
Sherri I was so saddened and shocked to hear of Derek’s passing. My heart goes out to you and your family. I remember when you both met while we were all working at the phone company and I remember when you left NL to take on life’s adventures. I believe you are surrounded by a loving family and I hope you find some solace in their love right now. Take care of each other during this very sad time.
Anna
❤️
Eileen Hannon
Gladys , my heart breaks for you at the news of Derek’s passing, I know how much you loved him and will miss him. I remember all the stories of your family vacations and how much you enjoyed them.
Those good memories will always stay with you to help you get through this very tough time.
My condolences also to Arnot and the girls, Greg and his family and Derek’s wife Sherri and his children. It just seems like yesterday that we were working at Newfoundland Telephone and Derek was a small boy teasing you !!! Love you my friend and will be thinking of you .
Annette White
Sherri, I haven’t stopped thinking about you. Having worked with Derek at NewTel and close friends with you at MUN, it’s all quite a shock to hear. Derek’s wide smile was so welcoming and is what I remember most about him. The tribute to him truly sums up his warm spirit. My condolences to you and all his family and friends. Rest in peace Derek.
Stephen Cleary
So sorry to learn of Derek’s passing. I worked with Derek at Newtel/Aliant and was a crew mate in our Regatta rowing crew. Please accept my sincere condolences and find comfort in the many wonderful memories you shared with Derek. God Bless.
Sean Culligan
My sincere condolences to Derek’s family in this difficult time.
I spend six months with Derek at Depot (as part of Troop 22) and remember him for his sense of humour and true leadership.
Sean
Katie Judd
I had the privilege of being Derek’s troopmate at depot. He brought so much fun and laughter to our troop. He will be missed. My sincerest condolences to your family.
Steve McCullagh
Derek will be missed. He was lighthearted and helpful to others and his love for his family was evident. He was tremendously proud of both Thomas and Katie.
Praying for you all. May Derek’s memory be a blessing.
Steve
Shirley Mulvihill (nee Stacey)
I was shocked and very sad to learn today of Derek’s passing. We we just about the same age and played together as youngsters on Mt Royal Ave – very happy memories of a long time ago. My sincere condolences to Greg, Gladys, and all Derek’s family and friends.
Theresa Greene
I want to extend my condolences to Derek’s family & friends. I worked with Derek at the “ telephone company”. Derek was a fun person to work with. I knew Derek had gone on to join the RCMP, a career I am sure he was proud of.
May you find comfort in your memories.
Sincerely, Theresa
Eileen Loucka
Sherri and family, my sincerest condolences on the loss of Derek. I have fond memories of Derek and the time he worked with me at Aliant. He was fun and kind and a pleasure to be around. So sad for you all.
Linda and John Green
So sad to hear of Derek’s passing. I worked side by side with him at Bell Aliant in Gander. We had many laughs on our road trips together. I thought of him often and wondered how he was doing. So sorry for your loss.
Wayne Courage
I am so sorry to learn of Derek’s passing. I worked with Derek at the Telephone Company and we shared some fun times together. We lost touch when he joined the RCMP, a career he was extremely proud of. Thank you for your service, RIP.
May all your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
Erma Luffman
To Sherry & Family. So saddened to hear about Derek’s passing. I worked very closely with Derek when he worked with the Telephone Company. He was a great friend & often wondered where you guys were stationed. My sincere condolences to your family.
Don & Bernice Mullaly, St. John's, NL.
Sincere Condolences to all the Family and Friends. May He Rest in Peace.
Margie/Ed Hanlon
Sherri and family please accept our condolences at this difficult time. RIP
Max and Debbie Harris
So sad to hear of Derek’s passing. Derek grew up next door to my family, and he stood to our wedding later in life. We had lost touch, but recently reconnected with him through phone calls and via Facebook. Rest easy, Derek. I know your mom and dad greeted you warmly in heaven. We will all meet again some day.
Geoff Letch
I will always remember Derek’s sense of humour and his kindness.
Prayers for Derek and his family.
Olive Webb
Gladys and family
Gladys I only remember Derek as your younger brother, and then I knew how much you adored, and loved him.
My heart is broke for all of you.
My deepest condolences .
Marilyn Best
It was with great sadness that we learned of Derek’s sickness just a few days ago and then his passing. I remember Derek as a little kid growing up on Mount Royal Avenue in St. John’s, always wanting to follow his big brother, Greg, around. I know his parents were so proud of him. He was one of the “gang”, friends with many.
Our condolences to Greg, Gladys, and their families, as well as Derek’s family. I know he will be greatly missed.
Take comfort from the memories of the good times.
Marilyn (Taylor) and Hubert Best
Deb & Rob Andrews
Sherri, Katie, Thomas and extended Families.
Sending our sincere condolences to all of you. It sounds like Derek shone here on earth and I’m sure he’ll continue to shine down upon all of you.
God bless.
Susan Sopha
Sherri, Katie, Thomas and family,
So sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. We have fond memories of him
behind the bench and in the rink.
May the memories of him that you share and the love of family and friends sustain you at this sad time.
The Sopha’s (Kevin, Sue, Gord and Leanne)
Newmarket, ON
Jolene Heer
I am so sad to hear of Derek’s passing. I worked with him when he was stationed at Three Hills, Alberta. Derek was a kind, fun guy & I always enjoyed our time spent at the office. Al & I had many backyard get togethers with Derek and his family. He will surely be missed. Hugs to Sherri, Katie & Thomas
Barry Meadus
Derek and I were buddies all the way through school. We played hockey together on many teams and basketball at United Junior High. We reconnected again on Facebook about a year ago and spent many hours on the phone reminiscing about the old times with many laughs. We had a chance to spend some time together on his visits to Newfoundland recently. I wish that we would have had more time to continue reminiscing but sometimes God has a different plan. I will miss you my brother. Rest easy with the angels until we meet again.
Steven Han
I worked with Derek at the Newmarket Detachment in Federal Enforcement. Derek was an excellent RCMP officer who served his country with pride, honesty and courage. I am deeply saddened by his passing. The world is a lesser place without him. He was a kind and generous person who helped many people. Rest in peace Derek. You will be missed.
Bruce Matthews
It is with great sadness that Diane and I learn of our long time friend Derek’s passing. Our sincere condolences to his family.
We first met Derek in 1993 when he came to Gander with Bell Aliant and rented my apartment at 18 Corrigan Gander , Nl.
Due to his adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors we hit it off immediately and it became more then a tenant landlord relationship.
We had many fishing and moose hunting trips to my cabin in lower Jonathon’s Pond.
When he applied to the RCMP he used me as a reference.
During the interview the officer asked me if I would trust him with a gun?
I told the officer , “for sure but he would not hit the broad side of a barn door if he was sitting on the latch.” When I told Derek. He said, “you didn’t say that”
Rest in Peace Constable Dickster.
Arlene Scott
Hi folks,
My husband, Derek, and I went to high school with Derek at Bishop’s College. We have so many fun and amazing memories of our time there together. While we haven’t seen each other in many years, we’ve kept in touch through Facebook….we loved seeing his pics of time spent with family and friends. Derek was an awesome guy who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We’re thinking of you all during the days and weeks ahead and send our deepest condolences.
Arlene and Derek Scott
Seal Cove, NL
Paula and Mark Robson
Thinking of you all. Our sincere condolences to Thomas, Katie and Sherri
Mark, Paula Mary and Luke Robson
philil Feltmate
it is with the deepest sadness that I learned of the passing of Derek. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends. Derek loved life to The fullest. He was a good friend to my family. My two boys loved being around Derek when they were little and our family endured his learning how to play the guitar, but he persevered and became a good guitarist. We often talked about him, joining the RCMP would often question me as to what it was. I was actually doing he thought I worked at a bank lol
I have many fond memories with Derek out on the Skidoo with the boys and getting a real good deal on Buying his dad Chess’‘s car
Though he has passed to a better place after his battle, he will never be forgotten. Cherish the memories, cherish His spirit.. We will meet again Derek and I still cut the biggest trout when we were at Jonathan’s pond I will cherish your friendship.
Phil Feltmate, Inspector)retired)
Cadomin AB
Kim Lynch
Sherri and family, please accept my sincerest condolences. I am thinking of you. Kim ❤️
Tina Renaud
Thinking of you, Katie, & Thomas.
Sending prayers and wishes for warm memories during this difficult time.
Adele Mclaughlin
Sherri, Katie,Thomas and family, I am so sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time Derek has left a beautiful impression on all he has met. Thinking of you , sending hugs to Sherri, Katie and Thomas.
Adele,Kevin and family McLaughlin (Mason)
Shaun Gauthier
I had the pleasure of working with Derek. Always the guy to make me laugh, or sit down and chat over a beverage, some times a joke at my expense. No matter how much time had passed he would always stop and talk to catch up. Im very sorry for your loss.
Rest Peacefully Brother, the next goal is for you!