Derk Pleiter
Died: June 14, 2011 | Place: LHSC-University Hospital
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Obituary
PLEITER, Derk……
Peacefully at University Hospital, London, on Tuesday, June 14, 2011, Derk Pleiter in his 89th year.
Beloved husband of Thelma (Andison) Pleiter. Dear father of Michael Pleiter of Calgary, Shelley Pleiter and her husband Carl Kovach of Kingston and Philip Pleiter of Carlton Place. Dear brother-in-law of Barbara Peper of St. Louis, Missouri. Also loved by his grandchildren Raeanne, Jessica, and daughter-in-law Lori of Ottawa. Predeceased by his brothers John and Simon and his sister-in-law Viola. Derk was a graduate of the University of Western Ontario with a PhD in physics, who served overseas in WWII as an RCAF pilot. He had a 30-year career with the Department of National Defence in Quebec City and Ottawa. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family on Friday, June 17, 2011 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 10am at First-St. Andrew’s United Church, 350 Queens Avenue, London. Interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to First-St. Andrew’s United Church, 350 Queens Avenue, London, ON N6B 1X6 or to the charity of your choice. Online condolences accepted at www.amgfh.com
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I remember Derk and Thelma entertaining the neighbourhood children in Whitehills in the 80’s. Thelma would make tea and Derk would set up a tiny table and tiny chairs in the garage. The kids would feel so important. Derk would measure their height on the garage wall and my children (Christopher and Sasha) would run home to report on the latest development. I recall Derk giving me sage advice on raising young children and to not wish those wonderful early years away just because I was tired. Thelma – you also had words of wisdom for me but I fondly remember this bit of advice you gave me as a young bride … spray lemon pledge in the entrance and your husband will think you slaved all day cleaning the house. Bob and I still smile when we think about our wonderful neighbours on Aldersbrook Road.
Although, not tall in stature, Derk was a real man among men … compassionate, honourable and forever the consumate gentleman.
Our most sincere condolences to Thelma.
Trish Zapf-Reid and Bob Reid
The family of the late Denzil & June Paterson send their sincere sympathy to Thelma & family. Thelma & June were nurse classmates. They always spoke fondly of Thelma & Derk.
I came to know Derk as we were both trumpet players. When I was in a stage of my life when I couldn’t afford much Derk would give me a drive home or pick me up to go to concerts and rehearsals of the London Concert Band. Derk was a pilot of Lancaster Bombers during WW II. When I was working there as a classroom assistant I arranged for Derk to speak at a Remembrance Day program at the Robarts School for the Deaf. This was just around the time of the First Gulf War. I remember one of the students at the time asking him a very challenging question. Derk answered respectfully, but with a rhetorical question which served to inform the student of the situation of his role as a pilot. As a witness to this moment I became very respectful of Derk and the warriors of WW II.
Derk loved jazz, and could be seen at concerts of the London Jazz orchestra.
To Thelma and family
Thinking of you at this very difficult time with Derk’s passing. I remember getting to know you and Derk at FSA and am very grateful for that time. He was such a genuine person. He will be missed.
My dearest Shelley,
Rémy and I wish to send you our very sincere condolences on the passing of your wonderful father. We feel priviledged to have met him and know he had a full and long life. The passing of a parent, at whatever age, is difficult and we wish you, Carl, and all the family courage and strength in the difficult days ahead.
Hugs,
Agnès
Please accept our condolences Thelma. We have great memories of you both.
Mary and Harold
Dear Thelma:
Please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of your husband. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
My sympathies to Thelma, Michael, Shelley, Philip and families on Derk’s passing. I can see his big smile and feel the warmth of his friendly manner, though many years have passed. I know my parents, Pete and Zelda, still have many fond memories of good times with Thelma and Derk (and I know my mom and Thelma shared many laughs) and they too pass on their condolences. Derk’s long life was one well lived and many people will miss him.
To Thelma & Family,
Sorry to hear of the loss of a wonderful husband and Father. He was a man of many talents.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Deepest Sympathy
Doreen & Gary Greason,
Aurora, Ont.
Dear Thelma – We were saddened to read of Derk’s death We well remember your days at Parkdale. Please accept our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Derek & Helen Fortune
Dear Thelma, Shelley, Michael and Philip,
My deep sympathy on the loss of your wonderful Derk, a man of wisdom, talent and special sense of humor. Your family was one of my first friends in Ottawa whose renowned hospitality I truly appreciated.
With love and prayers,
Janet
Dear Thelma, Michael,Shelley and Philip,
Please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of Derk. We have fond memories of our times together in Quebec City when the children were growing up. Take care of yourselves.
Best regards,
Joan and Doug
I’m so sorry for your loss Thelma. I’m going to miss talking to Derk and seeing him at the supper club. I extend my deepest sympathy to you Thelma and to the rest of the family. I don’t get the paper and miss the obituary and the memorial service at the church. So very sorry. I’m thinking of you at this time and may God Bless You and keep you strong.
Thelma
My sincerest condolences on your loss of Derk. It was an honour for Rita and I to have known you both as friends snd for me to have worked with Derk at DREV.
One immense pleasure to converse with Derk at any time, anywhere.
Michael and Shelly,
It was a sincere pleasure to see the both of you at your dad’s visitation as it gives more to me of what your mom and dad were all about. The news of your mom was new to me and indeed troubling as a new death was revealed to me.
Your mom and dad were wonderful individuals and a wonderful couple. I am sorry for the pain that this end to such a beautiful couple has come to. Their true spirit lies in the memory of them, that I and many of my staff will cherish and will live on, in the lives they have bestowed upon yourselves.
Sincere condolescences.
Carlo Pavan