Derek Michael BRAKE
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Derek Brake, who fought a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Derek was a devoted father, son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, colleague, and friend. Born on March 9th, 1966 in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, he is survived by his mother, Linda; father, Derek Sr (Valerie); and sisters, Karen (Ron) and Heather (Paul). Derek was a proud father to his children, Kayla (Dylan), Johnathon, Nicole (Zack), and Rebecca (Josh); as well as beloved “Poppy” to grandchildren, Satori, Kashton, Samaya, Seth, and Suliya.
A significant part of Derek’s identity was his military service. He began his journey with Army Cadets as a teenager and then joined the Militia serving in The Royal Newfoundland Regiment. He attained the rank of Master Corporal and went on to enlist in the Canadian Armed Forces. After completing his basic training in 1987, he was awarded the Commandant’s Shield for being the top recruit of his cohort. Throughout the years, his deployments, including time aboard the HMCS Calgary, took him to the Golan Heights, Kosovo, Japan, Hawaii, and many other locations across North America. Derek achieved an incredible 34-year career in the military and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He continued his public service for another 7 years at The Department of National Defence. From his high school graduation to the summer before his passing, Derek’s work exemplified dedication and perseverance.
Outside of his family and professional life, Derek was a man of many interests. He was passionate about home renovations, DIY projects, physical fitness, singing, cooking and baking, building models, the shooting range, and survivalist activities. He always found joy in the beauty of nature, especially astronomy, winter, and the Northern Lights. In his younger years, he took photography courses and even won a few awards; his main muses being the sky and family members. His loyalty as an Ottawa Senators fan was also very well-known (Go Sens Go).
Above all, Derek was known for his genuine kindness and generosity. He had a remarkable ability to make others smile with his humour, quick wit, and infectious laugh. His warmth and compassion touched everyone he met, whether friend or stranger.
Though Derek faced his illness with strength and resilience, we take comfort knowing his suffering on earth has ended and he is finally at peace. His life was centred around God and his faith never wavered, even in the final years. He remained steadfast in his belief in a greater life after death, and has been reunited with our Creator.
Details regarding a service at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, Ontario, will be shared in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice. Derek frequently supported local food banks and shelters. He leaves behind a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten. Derek will be deeply missed until we are reunited again one day.
Will never forget the laughs . RIP Derek and sincere condolences to all the family
So very sorry to hear this news. I met Derek way back when we both joined up with 2RNFLDR. He was always a delightful fellow to have around.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. May he rest in peace
Our deepest condolences to the family. Love Uncle Austin Brake (Myrtle)
Sad to hear of Derek’s passing today. As an Army Cadet from Corner Brook, reservist from A Coy, 2nd Battalion, RNFLDR and Reg Force Verern, I remember Derek as an inspirational soldier. He was our neighbor on East Valley Rd for a while and Derek was my clerk when I went through recruiting. He gave me lots of advice that I lived by. I’m saddened for everyone today that morns his loss.
Until we meet again my friend.
Mark Bennett
My heart is heavy today, and I know yours is too. Words can’t describe how sorry I am at this loss. I’m honored to remember one of the best people I ever met. You’re in our thoughts and prayers. God bless your family.
Sincerest condolences to all of Derek’s Family. I first met him in the late 80’s when we were neighbours in Corner Brook and he was assigned to the Recruiting Detachment there and he went on to “recruit me” to be one of the staff of the then 2590 Herdman Collegiate Army Cadet Corps where he started his long relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces.
Through the years we would go long periods of no contact but when we did it was like no time had passed. The pure definition of an Officer and a Gentleman.
He will be missed by all that knew him
Rest in Peace Brother you e earned it.
I was saddened to hear of Derek’s passing. I had known him since Jr High School. He had convinced me to join the Militia in Corner Brook while we were attending Herdman Collegiate (HS) He always made a bad situation seem so minor. I would like to acknowledge his obituary as it describes him exactly how I remembered him. My condolences to his family. I will remember him always.
I’m so saddened to hear that Derek has passed. He has been such a good friend to me and always make me laugh. I will truly miss him. His strength and positivity in the past 2 years just amazes me. Sending my condolences to Linda, Karen, his dad Derek Sr., to all his wonderful children and grandchildren, his extended family and friends. You will never be forgotten Derek. In
Sending you every healing sound, colour taste we can think of to invoke happy memories of your dad. Your heart is full of tears, but he is also there, never to leave.
Dear Derek
I just wanted to start by saying thank you for being you, because without you Nicole isn’t Nicole and if there is no Nicole then I am not complete. Although you scared the crap out of me the first time we met, we have grown to have a pretty great relationship that I will always cherish. You have so many amazing qualities about you that I admire and can only dream to one day have. You have shown me what it is truely like to be a great dad and I’m forever grateful for that.I’ll miss your goofy little laugh and the just the pure calm aura you had. You have a way of making people feel
Comfortable that not many have. I will always remind sethy of how great of a person you were. I love you Derek and I’ve always looked up to you. I’m going to make you proud and take care of your daughter because that’s what you both deserve. Rest easy poppy we will miss you. Until we meet again.
Miss you my friend. The laughs and good times we had together working side by side, BBQs, and all the parties we shared will never be forgotten. Still in shock and my heart is heavy now. We, down-easters, spoke the same language, and it’s difficult news to digest at present. Condolences from my family and to all the friends that embraced Derek as their own. You definitely won’t be forgotten and all those great fun memories we shared. A toast to our friendship…Slainte.
My deepest condolences to the family. Met Derek while doing shooting competitions, he was such a great guy and an even better friend. Rest easy bud!
Deepest condolences to everyone that Derek has touched in his short time. We hope that your memories of him and his courage give you strength and comfort now and always. Thinking of you all.
The Lee Cousins (Dennis, Kathy-Lynn, and Maggie and families)
I am shocked to hear of my dear friend Dereks passing. I will miss his smiling face & sense of humour. We have truly lost a great man way too soon. Till we meet again Derek. ❤️❤️
Linda … Bert and I send our deepest condolences to you and your whole family. We weren’t fortunate enough to meet Derek in person, but we know what a warm, caring, and joyful person he was based on the stories you have shared and the condolences written by his friends and family. He will surely be missed by all who knew him. RIP Derek.❤️ Love Elaine and Bert Clarke
Sending our condolences to the family , R.I. P.
Sending many hugs Nicole/Zach and Seth .
If you need anything please ask .
Love your Daycare Family
Sandy and Freddy
xoxo
Derek and I served together in the Golan Heights in 1998. He was one of the nicest and kindest individuals that I’ve ever met. My deepest condolences to his family and friends on their loss. His memory will live on in the hearts of those he crossed paths with during his lifetime. Fair winds and following seas my friend.
My deepest condolences on Derek’s passing. I knew Derek from our days together in the 2590 Herdman Army Cadet Corps as it was known then. He was a a great guy and always fun to be around. After moving away from Corner Brook we lost touch but reading of his history he was a remarkable human being. Rest in peace Derek.
A strong and courageous man I had the pleasure of a work colleague and a great friend for a number of years in Ottawa. And the bantering of Senators vs Ottawa , Derek hosting games, complete with great snacks. A man of faith that was very much in peace with what life had dealt him. He will be greatly missed. My most sincere sympathy to all his family and friends
I’m so sorry to hear of your passing Derek, my condolences to your family and friends. Although I only knew you briefly through the shooting sports..one of your many passions. I was blessed to have known you even for a short time. Rest in peace and godspeed.
I am so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting Derek through Herdman Army Cadets. I will always remember how nice of a guy he was with a great sense of humour. You knew you were gonna have a time if you were in his company.
Sincerest condolences to his family.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of this great man. So many things to I could say about this man and we had some time to reminisce those times in the last 3+ years, along with meeting his kids. Your time with us all was short but you left a lifetime of memories. RIP my friend.
Our deepest condolences to family and friends for the loss of a great human being and friend! You truly will be missed brother and please continue watch over us from up there as you always looked out for us down here! RIP Derek.. 🙁
I’m so saddened to hear that Derek has passed. He has always been such a good friend to me and always made me laugh. I will truly miss him. His strength and positivity in the past 2 years amazes me. My sincere condolences to Linda, Karen, his dad Derek Sr., his wonderful children and grandchildren, his extended family and friends. You will never be forgotten Derek.
I have always been so proud to be your sister. Even though we didn’t grow up together, you’ve always been a constant comfort and light in my life. Thank you for cheering me on through so many happy moments in my life, and supporting me through my hardest. Thank you for being a wonderful Uncle to my babies.
Regardless of distance, our family has always shared this special closeness and love. Our hearts will remain connected even though the distance between us is even greater now. Until I meet you there…I love you big brother.
To your Family, please accept my condolences. Rest easy now Brother. You will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. See you at the Final RV.
Sending our condolences to you and family from John and I we are family and Linda you are a trooper and we love you dearly sending prayers and much love to Derek’s family .Rest in peace my sweet cousin a wonderful soul who left us much too early .
Anyone who knew or worked with your Dad had positive things to say about him, I for one. He was everything anyone could want in a friend and more. RIP my friend and thank you for your service.
Dan & Angela Wiseman
Sorry to hear of Derek’s passing and sending heartfelt condolences to all his family during this hard time. Met Derek during our time in the military and remember his smile and laughter. Fair winds and following seas.
Derek was a dear shipmate and friend, we served together on HMCS Calgary and worked together in Ottawa in 2018 when we both became public servants. Derek was an outstanding shipmate and a great guy who had time for everyone. He will be missed. I wish his family the very best and pray for the strenght to get them through this difficult time. Rest In Peace brother and God bless.
I’m so very sad to hear that Derek has been taken too soon. I met him through the military and will never forget his ready smile and sense of humour. You will be sorely missed, My Friend!
RIP Derek. I first met Derek when he enrolled with the CAF in the Royal Newfoundland Regiment in Corner Brook NL. He was an eager and at times a mischievous young soldier. But all in good fun and decidedly serious when the time called for it. I lost track of Derek when he transfered to the Regular Force. He was a good soldier and I’m sure became an excellent Officer and leader of soldiers. My condolences to his family.
BETTER THAN THE BEST
Bert Fitzgerald
CWO (Ret’d)
May your soul rest in peace, dear friend, shipmate, colleague Derek Brake. Your kindness left an indelible mark, and you will be deeply missed by those fortunate enough to have connected with you. I was honored to sail alongside you in HMCS CALGARY, where you and Gary Guymer convinced me to pursue UTPNCM as a Naval Logistics Officer. We reconnected in Ottawa and worked together from 2014-2018, during which I sought your guidance and support. Your presence was a blessing, filled with laughter and warmth. Your love for your children shone brightly, and I cherish those memories. May your family find solace in the peace and comfort of your faith, blessings. Melanie
We shared a hometown, a high school, a Cadet corps and were colleagues in the profession of Sea Logistics. I remember his grin and valued his advice. He was a great friend and so very proud of his daughters. My deepest condolences to his family.
Years ago, Derek and I sailed on HMCS Calgary together.
I recall seeing Derek and his beautiful family at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Victoria, BC every Sunday Mass.
I was very fortunate our paths crossed again as we both worked at PMO JSS (new Navy Supply Ship Build Project) here in Ottawa.
Words cannot express the highest level of respect his friends and colleagues had for him.
He was exceptionally smart, hard working, prioritized others before himself and always had success bringing positive into any situation with the help of his awesome sense of humour!
Derek will be missed very much.
My heart and prayers go out to Derek and family.
Sincerely, Pat Liscum
My heart is very heavy hearing of Derek passing. Spent a year on a French course with Derek in Ottawa spent many hours chatting. He was an amazing man, friend & a very proud father & grandpa
RIP Derek you will never be forgotten 🙏
Derek and I met in 2013, strangely enough at the gym, we both were still in uniform at that time. We instantly connected and chatted about work that led to life conversations that extended over many years beyond the gym. I would often maneuver across town just to meet with him as I discovered he became a life example and mentor for me. I am greatly appreciative for his guidance and friendship.
I am truly saddened by his passing and would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family.
Chris
I am so saddened to hear of Derek’s illness and passing. I had the great honour to serve with him. He was a gentle man with a genuine smile and lovely sense of humour who was so well respected by all who had the fortune to cross paths with him. My sincere condolences to his family.
Derek, well out friendship was brief and cut far too soon, I will miss you. I will always remember our work banters and chat over a good scotch. Your laugh and smile was infectious. I only wish we had more time together.
Condolences to your family, may you rest in peace Derek, until we meet again. Toast to you my friend.
Andrew M.
Derek was an exceptional man, as evidenced by the many heartfelt tributes from those who, like me, had the privilege of serving alongside him and knowing him. Derek and I often shared friendly banter about hockey teams and poker, always good-natured and full of laughs. On a more serious note, his unwavering support and kindness shone through during the difficult times when we lost two fellow shipmates to cancer while at D Mar P. Derek, rest in peace, my friend—you deserve nothing less.
I am truly saddened to hear of Derek’s passing, my sincerest condolences to his family and friends. I worked with Derek for many years, he was a genuinely caring, nice person; who always had time to lend a helping hand or a good laugh. May he rest in peace.
Deepest condolences to the family, so sorry for your loss. Such a great person always smiling and friendly manner. May he rest in peace.
I am sending condolences. There is nothing worse than losing a child.
My sincere condolences to the family. I was fortunate to work with Derek for many years during his time with D Mar P. He was always encouraging, helpful and good natured. I hope that the memories made will bring some comfort to his family and friends. A generous soul taken too soon. May you rest in peace.
I had the great pleasure of working with Derek in Halifax. He was always positive and had a great outlook and smile that would make any situation better. I valued our chats and time together. His love of his family is undeniable, my sincere condolences.
A profound loss. My deepest sympathies to all of Derek’s family. I have wonderful memories and great stories of my time working with Derek in Japan, Korea and China. He was a perfect representative of Canada. His beaming smile, tact and diplomacy opened doors and resolved many difficult challenges. One of the most sincere and genuine people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. May he rest in peace.
My condolences to all members of Derek’s family. I had the pleasure and privilege to work alongside him for a few years at DND (JSS project). He made coming into and being at work enjoyable with his wit and charm and Maritime laughs. He was a great man with a love of people and helping out his common colleagues. He will be missed. Fair winds and following seas Derek.
Sorry this is so late, just seeing this now. My condolences to all his family who he loved beyond all else. I worked with him at CFB Shearwater in the mid 80s, Wonderful colleague and above all friend. Hope to meet again in heaven.