DEREK WILLIAM PAULSON

Derek passed on January 16, 2021. Derek was born in Winnipeg on April 14, 1982 and will be forever remembered and forever missed by his parents Cheryl and Bill, sons Colby William Paulson, and Rylan Blaine Webster, Michelle Webster, his sisters Crisha and Carlie, brothers Sean, Aaron and sister in law Lindsey, nephews Kadyn, Rowan and Leif, nieces Hanna and Freya, his beloved dog Blue, and Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and many many friends.

As a baby, Derek was known for his white blonde hair, constant smile and good nature.  He would sit in his chair on the table in the cabin and smile at everyone going by. Growing up, Derek loved playing sports, especially Baseball in the summer and hockey in the winter.  Derek was a strong pitcher and carried the nickname “South Paw” given to him by his team mates and both grandpas.  Derek started hockey a couple of years later than most kids but quickly caught on and became a excellent skater with excellent hockey skills.

When he was fifteen, he met and became friends with Michelle.  Sometime after the age of twenty and after dating briefly, they grew apart. Derek moved to Calgary with his brother Aaron where they spent a year working together. During that time Derek reconnected with Michelle and both Derek and Aaron moved back to Winnipeg where Derek, at the age of twenty-four, started a life with Michelle and started their family.

Derek was a very proud father whether watching Colby and Rylan play soccer, watching and coaching baseball or teaching the boys to skate, fish or ride a bike.  Derek and Michelle took Colby out to Narcisse snake pits and even though Derek was afraid of snakes he was the first one to catch the snakes to show Colby and Michelle, as well as other kids that were there.  Derek was like a big brother to his nephew Kadyn.  As Kadyn was growing  up, Derek made sure he spent quality time with him, taking him to a friends cabin for the weekend, Monster Truck show, dirt biking in Birds Hill.  Derek was always there for Kadyn to give advice or anything else if needed.

Derek would love to go to the cabin at Silver Bay where he enjoyed  fishing and swimming, and evening fires on the beach roasting marshmallows and talking with his family. He loved getting up early to help Don the neighbour or anyone who needed help with a project.  He and Michelle loved to walk the beach to the end and back and sit in the crooked tree.

Derek became very skilled in working with his hands and was very quick to learn.  Whether he was working on a car or building a deck, he knew how to get the job done.  He had very good organizational skills and could solve almost any problem.  Derek had an amazing sense of direction and could get his dad anywhere around the city.

Derek kept close watch over his brothers and sisters, family and friends.  He had a kind heart and a protective nature and was always there for them when they were in need. 

Believing very much in his family, strong, honest and hard working, he had an undeniable connection to his Icelandic Viking ancestors.  Derek was fierce, fearless and protective over his sisters and brothers, with a kind heart and fiery temper just like Eric the Red.  While working with his brother Aaron repairing roofs, he took on the nickname Derek the Red.  They all knew to try to stay on Derek’s good side, by embracing his unique sense of humour.

So very early but right on time, all of Derek's ancestors from his mothers side and his fathers side call him to join them.  No one else would do this time.  They needed Derek William Paulson.

He left an imprint on the hearts of those who knew him well.

We know Derek’s hand has been taken by his grandfather Al Neal whom he had a close relationship with and was given the nickname Deke.

Thanks to family and friends for your love and support and to the wonderful and caring staff at St. Boniface Hospital who worked so hard to help Derek and to help us through.

Interment and a celebration of Derek’s life will take place at a future date.

“The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved, loved for ourselves, or rather in spite of ourselves” Victor Hugo

We love you. Always.

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