Derek Lawrence Groves

March 20, 2019

Home Obituaries Derek Lawrence Groves

Peacefully surrounded by family, at University Hospital, on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at the age of 70. Loving husband of Laura (Dockstader) for 23 years. Loving father of Julie Bondy (Matt), Ken Groves (Jennifer), Krystal Jones (Stephen), and Grandpa of Tiffany, Ariel (Kam), Judah, Nathan and Christopher. He is survived by his sister Rhonda Blanchette (Dan), and his brothers Stuart (Heidi), Paul (Vicky), and Denis (Elaina). Predeceased by his mother, Carol Groves; father, Ronald Groves; and brother, Christopher Groves. Loved by father-in-law and mother-in-law Cam and Jacquie Dockstader, and his sister-in-law Cathryn Dockstader (Michael Crowley). Also loved by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. A visitation will be held on Friday, March 29, 2019, from 7:00 ~ 9:00 p.m., at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where a celebration of Derek’s life will be conducted on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. A reception and time for fellowship will follow the service. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Derek are asked to consider ALS Canada. 

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(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Carl and Mirja Keesee

Sad to learn of Derek's passing. We shared some good times and music together. He often provided some humour and an independent point of view. Goodbye old friend. - Affectionately, Larry Yates, Belleville, Ontario

~ Larry Yates

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Anne Kay

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Cathy Driscoll

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ IABC London Board of Directors

(Donated to ALS Canada)

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(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Brenda Slater

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Darcy McCombs

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Laura Goncalves

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Jayne & Todd Graham

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Gisele Proulx

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Lloyd and Sandra Skinner

Laura & you're family, We're saddened by the news of Derek's passing, but we realise and sympathise with you at this most difficult time. Derek's joie de vivre was always a joy to be around. Our most favourite memories were of our evenings at the Corner Cafe in Mt.Brydges. The Hosannas table was the most spirited gang there!! Especially Derek! His bantering with Milestone, made our nights even more fun. Laura, You're loss is great but your memories will last a lifetime. Grieving your loss is normal and you need to do that now, but then the joy and love you have will return and be in your heart forever.

~ Jim &Joyce Walter

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Stacey Larizza

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Jacquie Dockstader

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Anna and Ed Hall

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Colleen Dockstader

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Nathan and Pam Gray

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Maureen & Brendan Crowley

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Terri Driscoll & Robert Cressatti

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Lawson Health Research Institute

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Jim and Joyce Walter

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Dave and Donna Kampman

(Donated to ALS Canada)

~ Bryan Cordick

Laura & you're family, We're saddened by the news of Derek's passing, but we realise and sympathise with you at this most difficult time. Derek's joie de vivre was always a joy to be around. Our most favourite memories were of our evenings at the Corner Cafe in Mt.Brydges. The Hosannas table was the most spirited gang there!! Especially Derek! His bantering with Milestone, made our nights even more fun. Laura, You're loss is great but your memories will last a lifetime. Grieving your loss is normal and you need to do that now, but then the joy and love you have will return and be in your heart forever.

~ Jim &Joyce Walter

Laura, our heartfelt sympathy to you and all the family. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.

~ Trudy & David Drinkwalter

Dear Laura, Krystal and Christopher, Derek will be forever in our hearts as we remember his kindness and genuine friendship. Derek was always such an amazing role model for the boys, displaying this through his patience and desire to spend time with them. We are forever grateful for the time we had with Derek and we will miss his smile and zest for life. Thinking of all of you, and the rest of your family at this time. Love from Barb & Spence

~ Barb & Spence Jackson

Dear Laura and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you. You have our deepest, sincerest sympathy.

~ Lloyd Skinner and Sandra Holowka

Laura, I'm so sorry to hear about Derek's passing, please know my thoughts are with you during this very sad and difficult time.

~ Jennifer Parraga

To Laura, Ken, Julie and Family, Please accept my sincere condolences. We all have great memories of Derek. He was one of a kind with a great sense of humour who loved his family. My prayers are with you at this most difficult time

~ Gisele Proulx

Dear Laura and family. We were sad to hear of the passing of Derek. I'm sure there are no words that can ease you pain at this time but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest condolences.

~ Darcy McCombs & Tannis Shick

all of Dereks family in England was very sad to here of Dereks passing and we send are love and best wishes to you all.we remember derek has a very loving and fun loving person when we were youngsters.we will miss you very much.love to Laura and family from carol,Richard and Shirley and all our family in England xxx

~ carol thompson

Heidi and I were shocked and heartbroken to hear of Derek's untimely passing. We had hoped to spend time with him this summer. Derek was a gentle, loving and caring person who liked everyone and everyone liked him, he leaves a gaping space in our family. Our deepest condolences go out to his loving wife Laura of more than 23 years and his children and grandchildren. Love to Laura and all of Derek's family and friends Stuart and Heidi Groves Gabrielle, Benjamin, Chevan and Darany Groves-Bakhdi Thomas, Mai and Theo Groves From Thailand

~ Stuart Groves

On behalf of my mother and family members I would like to express my sincere sympathies on Derek's passing. I grew up across the street from Derek's childhood home on Field Street here in Sudbury.

~ Patti Dzilums

My deepest condolences to Laura and all of Derek's family. I have many fond memories of Derek including the year that Santa came to see my sons on Christmas morning :). Derek never hesitated to share his thoughts and opinions and he always brought informed and insightful comments to any conversation. Derek was a kind and thoughtful man who will be missed by many.

~ Elaine Ellis

I am sorry to hear about Dereks passing. Condolences to Laura and all Dereks family.

~ Martina Marunchak

We send our condolences and prayers to Laura and Derek's families. Derek had a "joie de vivre" that was the envy of many. I always enjoyed bantering with Derek. He had a wicked sense of humour and could take it just as well as give it. Please know that each and every one of you will be lifted in prayers and embraced in love as you face the coming days. I regret that I will be unable to attend services because I will be out of the country over next weekend. I wish it was otherwise because I would like to represent my sister Dorothy Chapman, and her late husband, Rev. Ed Chapman. They have been friends with Cam and Jacquie and their families for decades. Both would be deeply saddened by Derek's passing. We send our love. Joan and Herb

~ Joan Richardson-Horsey and Rev. Herb Horsey

We were saddened to hear of Derek's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Groves family at this time.

~ Dee and Paul Huffels

Dear Laura and family, sending heart felt condolence for Derek's passing...so quickly. Laura, you are in all our thoughts and prayers. Warmly, Deb

~ Deb Miller

I remember Derek fondly as a vibrant and creative and caring man, who make a point of remembering and connecting with everyone in his life. I know of the great joy and love he shared with Laura. He is deeply missed and fondly remembered. All my love and condolences.

~ Andrew Kaszowski

Dear Laura , Krystal and families...we want to pass along our deepest sympathy . Derek was a special guy and we have many happy memories of him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Lori & Sky

~ Lori & Skyler Nemeth

My deepest condolences to the family. I had met the Groves family in my kindergarden years and was a close friend to Derek's youngest brother Chris. I had always admired Derek's musical talents, humour and wittiness. Too young and too soon. John Maki

~ John Maki

We were sad to hear of the passing of Derek. Al spent several years with Derek in the Ingersoll Kinsman club and we became very good friends. He helped our son Wayne with his band and I (Norma) worked next door to him when he was at the Annexation office. He was a great friend and will be a long time remembered.

~ AL & NORMA ROSELLE

Laura, you and your family have our deepest sympathies. You're all in our thoughts and prayers at this time, and we hope the loving memories and support from your family and friends will help you during this very difficult time.

~ Otte Rosenkrantz & Jackie Westelaken

Laura, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you my deepest condolences.

~ Bonnilee Mosher

Laura, I just heard the sad news about Derek. I am so sorry. My heartfelt sympathy. Elinor

~ Elinor Schwob

Dear Laura and family, I worked alongside Derek at the Assessment office for many years and always enjoyed the friendly banter we shared. His presence at our monthly Palasad lunches are missed by all of us. Thinking of you and your family at this time and remembering Derek. With deepest sympathies.

~ WAYNE YANTKE

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