1934 - 2017

Passed away in Gatineau, Quebec, on October 12th at age 83 after a lengthy illness. Born in Sault Ste Marie, son of John and Mabel Blackburn, he was raised in Stratford. After graduation from the University of Western Ontario, he taught high school in Paris, Ontario, before entering politics. Derek was the NDP MP for Brant, serving his constituents with dedication and compassion for 22 years. After leaving politics, he served as a judge on the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. Derek and his wife, Monique, who predeceased him in 2016, lived in Gatineau and often met with friends and former colleagues to discuss politics and current affairs. Derek was an avid reader, passionate conversationalist, talented painter, and animal lover. He is survived by his brother Richard (Barbara) and his sister Joan Bradshaw, his nieces Robin Blackburn McBride (Hugh), Carole Rowe (Todd), Lisa Bradshaw, his nephew Edward (Eunae) and their families. Special thanks must be given to Robin and Hugh and Monique’s cousins Johanne, Robert, and André Trépanier for their loving care of Derek since the death of his beloved wife. Cremation has taken place, and Derek’s ashes will be interred in the family plot in Avondale Cemetery, Stratford, at a later date.

For those who wish to do so, donations to the Outaouais SPCA via the internet site at http://www.spca-outaouais.org/ would be appreciated. 

Messages of sympathy to: info@lesjardinsdusouvenir.com