AUBRECHT, Derrick
Sydney Mines/Big Bras d’Or
Ivan Derrick Aubrecht was the eldest son of Rudy and Shirley (Moore) Aubrecht (both deceased). Born on September 9, 1956. His siblings, Mellodee (Earle (deceased)), Cordell (deceased) and Yolanda (Shane) had a special place in his heart.
Derrick was born and raised in Sydney Mines. He was an avid participant in many sports throughout his youth and remained active during his life. Derrick met his wife, Donna MacKinnon in 1977 and they created an inseparable, life-long journey from that point forward. With that relationship he gained additional family and life-long friendships with Dena, Ian, Gary and Colleen. Derrick and Donna resided between Nova Scotia and Alberta through the years, eventually settling “on the hill” in Big Bras d’Or in 2014 when Derrick retired from his teaching career at SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology), of which he was a graduate of Instrumentation.
A happy man, Derrick found joy in the simple things; an evening at the Pub with friends or a Sunday afternoon watching football on the sofa. He had many close personal relationships; once you befriended Derrick, you had a friend for life. He cherished the outdoors and brought magic to his many gardens over the years. He and Donna enjoyed numerous road trips across Canada, and embarked on many memorable camping trips with their family to British Columbia. Derrick enjoyed private walks through the woods on his property and took pride in restoring his old farmhouse. Always a knowledgeable man and life-long learner, Derrick enjoyed sharing his wisdom with others through stories. He took meticulous care of all of his possessions and everything Derrick did was done thoroughly, correctly and with care.
Derrick’s two daughters and three granddaughters, Marianne (Adam), Maia and Violet, and Bretony (James) and Adelynn were his pride and joy. They enhanced his life greatly and it is immeasurable how outstanding of a Dad he truly was. Derrick always joked that he was to be forever surrounded by women (even his cat, Kiki).
Derrick’s nieces and nephews, Troy, Rudy, Patrice, LaTasha, Chatham and Tyler each had their own unique, endeared relationship with him. Derrick treated them each as his own, offering a hand up, comradery and advice no matter what.
On February 5, 2019, Derrick’s journey through life came to its end, surrounded by “all his girls” and in the hearts of all who knew him.
For those wishing to pay their respects, visitation will take place on Friday, February 8, 2019, in J.M. Jobes Funeral Home in Sydney Mines from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
A Celebration of Derrick’s Life will take place on Saturday, at 2 p.m. in Carman United Church in Sydney Mines, followed immediately by a reception at the Sydney Mines Firehall until 5 p.m.
Donations greatly appreciated and can be made to The Cape Breton Cancer Patient Care Fund, c/o Tom MacNeil, a non-profit near and dear to Derrick’s heart.
Out of respect for allergies, the family asks that all friends please attempt to refrain from the use of any scented products.
Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www. jmjobesfuneralhome.com.