Derek Hoyle

It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of Derek Roland Hoyle announce his passing on November 13, 2022, after a short but intense battle with cancer.

Derek is survived by his wife of 54 years, Alice; his son Philip (Cathy) and their children Owen and Kennedy; and his daughter Victoria; his brother Randy; sisters-in-law Marie (Richard) Chambers, Lois Schols, Connie (Sid) McKinney and Linda Larson, and many numerous other extended family members and friends. 

Derek was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Mary (Rudy) Hoyle, his sister Bonnie Francis, his grandparents John and Katherine Rudy and Percy and Gertrude Hoyle.

Derek wore many hats during his lifetime: he was taught the value of hard work at an early age, and continued to work hard until his health issues forced him to slow down. Derek was an Honours graduate from NAIT in the Gas Technology field and worked for Shell Canada. Derek and Alice moved back to Wetaskiwin in 1971 and a new chapter in Derek's life began - business owner of Hoyle Ready Mix. In 2007 Derek sold the Hoyle Ready Mix premises and he became a full time farmer. Living and working on the farm that had belonged to his Rudy grandparents instilled a new aspect into his life and he thoroughly enjoyed being with his cattle, dogs, the birds and wildlife and just enjoying the calmness of the rural lifestyle. In recent years he became a beekeeper - family and friends benefitted from the honey. In the past he participated in Tai Chi as a student and instructor, but in the last few years he switched to Yoga: a calming activity he found beneficial. 

Derek had a scientific and mechanical mind: if space travel had been an option, he would have signed up. He created numerous items for his kids and grandkids (toy chests, coffee tables, end tables, footstools) as well as for extended family members. Derek was able to eliminate two items from his "bucket list" - he went to Antarctica in 2011 where he slept overnight on the Antarctic ice, swam in the Antarctic Ocean and viewed penguins up close. In 2013 he went the opposite direction: after flying to Cambridge Bay, he joined an expedition ship and sailed the Northwest passage - ending up in Greenland. He was able to view polar bears and icebergs up close - a thrill for him. 

Derek was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren; always interested in what they were doing and proud of their achievements. He took great pleasure in spending time with his grandchildren: perhaps teaching them some of the many things he had learned in his lifetime and of course, spoiling them whenever possible. 

** Please join Derek's family from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on July 8, 2023 at the Wetaskiwin Seniors Centre (5216 54 Street, Wetaskiwin) as we gather to celebrate his life. We look forward to sharing with you our memories of Derek and hope that you will share your "Derek memories" with us. **

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Derek Hoyle, please visit our floral store.