Derek Alan Truss

Derek Alan Truss

It is with a heavy heart that the family announces the passing of Derek Alan Truss, on July 24, 2022, peacefully at his home in Millet, Alberta.

Derek was born to Lawrence and Mazie Truss (nee Boyd) of Sedgewick, Alberta on December 30, 1958. He attended Sedgewick School until his high school graduation.

It was at St. Mary’s Hospital in Camrose as a patient where he met his nurse and future wife, Brenda Lee Graff. They were married in Banff on April 25, 1987, and had two children, Ami and Nathan. He supported the family with various jobs in the oil and gas industry in places as far as Australia and Russia prior to and after marriage, and later on in the Nisku area before creating his own business and working with his brother Scott and son Nathan in the industry.

Derek was a man of many skills. He was an avid photographer, and the vast majority of wonderful memories were captured with him behind the camera. He was a regular golfer, taking yearly group trips every summer for the C’Nupper all across Canada. Derek was also a motorcycle enthusiast, and had more than one Harley throughout his life- his most recent pride being a chromed-out 2013 Electra Ultra Glide Limited, as well as a Ducati Monster- just for going fast. He took regular summer bike trips with his brothers, and got himself into many an adventure. As a young man, he also took a solo cross Canada trip from coast to coast. Derek had a great love for music of any genre, and was known to bring back a CD or two from everywhere he and Brenda went, throughout their many travels, from local artists of all kinds. It was woe for Brenda if he entered the home of another vinyl collector as he could spend hours talking about - and listening to - records.

Derek was the embodiment of patience and calm. He was a steadfast supporter of any family member in any situation, with zero judgement and only love and support. He took great pride in his family and the accomplishments of his children and his wife. He, along with Brenda, would often become the life of the party. Derek loved to travel and camp, and visited many countries and created many memories with Brenda and his children, as well as numerous friends and family.

Derek will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his children, Ami and Nathan; his brothers, Scott, Rick (Marg), Brad and Kevin; brother-in-law Brian (Kate) and sister-in-law Irene (Bob); along with very many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews who all loved him dearly and cherished his ability to make them laugh. Derek was predeceased by his parents Larry and Mazie, and his wife of 34 years, Brenda.

As per his wishes, there will be no formal service held. Instead, there will be a public Celebration of Life and potluck for both him and Brenda at the Centennial of Confederation Park (5115 52 Ave, Millet, Alberta) on August 28th, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Donations in Derek’s memory may be directed to the Millet Food Bank (Box 265 Millet, Alberta T0C 1Z0), or the Canadian Cancer Society (200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 2P5).

~An additional thank you is extended from the family towards everyone that has shown their love and support during this difficult year.~

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