CHIASSON, Derek "Swish"

Age 50, made his final cast on Friday, July 16, 2021, at home surrounded by his family. Derek fought a hard, strong battle, one like most fish he would battle to reel in. Derek will be fondly remembered, and his memory celebrated by his beloved mother, Annie Mae (Poirier) Chiasson; his sister, Kim (Chiasson) Billard and her partner Steve Empringham of Lower Sackville; nephew, Blake Billard who often shared many laughs of their work together at the airport; and niece, Jace Billard who was always looking for those special fishing tips on how to catch the biggest fish; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and very special aunt, Jean Poirier who shared many conversations over this past year while he was at home with us. Derek was predeceased by his father, Brian "Swish" Chiasson; maternal grandparents, Margaret and Georgie Poirier; and paternal grandparents, Mary (Hennessey) and Joseph A. Chiasson. Derek was a very wise and intelligent young man with an exceptional memory and an extraordinary mind. Born in New Waterford, Derek was a graduate of Breton Education Centre in 1989 and from there went on to complete the Engineering Technology with Co-operative Option in May of 1994. Derek continued his education at Cape Breton University and obtained his Bachelor of Technology (Environmental Health) in 1998. He had a passion for the oil and gas industry working with many companies across the country and even spent a short time in the Gulf of Mexico. He could describe the mud patches like no other. But for those who knew him know his true passion was fishing. Derek lived his best life casting lines on the Margaree River in Cape Breton and the Crowsnest River in Southwestern Alberta where he enjoyed the great outdoors in the Livingston on the eastern slopes of the Southern Rockies. He loved solitude and nature and you could always count on a picture of his tail-gate BBQ. Derek also had a love for photography, mostly pictures of every salmon or trout he caught, but always had time to share his expertise with his sister on how to make the best of her photo shoot. He was an avid fly-tier and a skilled fisherman. Derek’s fly-fishing expertise were so technical he knew where the fish were hiding, and he would stalk them quietly carrying hundreds of flies that would imitate the exact insects in the water most of which he spent numerous hours tying himself. His attention to detail was perfection. His new mission will now reunite him with his father “Swish”, and they will walk along the Heaven’s shores and rivers. Arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Halifax, where a celebration of Derek’s life will be held on Saturday, July 24th at 2 p.m. from the funeral home chapel. Special thank you to Derek’s health care team and many friends and family for their support through this journey. To leave words of comfort and condolences for the family please visit: www.tjtracey.com