Derek Anders Blaak was born on March 21, 1972, to Andy Blaak and the late Johanna Blaak (nee Post) in Burlington, Ontario. Derek is survived by his wife, Katherine (Huelma), daughter Kaydee, and son Karsten, and uncle to many of his nephews and nieces, brother-in-law to the Huelmas, and he will surely be missed by his loving family and friends that are very close to him.

He was a faithful servant of the Lord, raised as the youngest child of five siblings and the only boy in the family. He is also survived by his four sisters, Marita (Mike), Linda (Jac), June (Mike) and Ruth (Jon), and their families. Fondly remembered by his brothers -in-law Ricaredo (Sol), James William Hyslop, and sisters-in-law Rosalinda, Marianita (Gregorio) Galilee, Rhoda (Renshen), and their families, as well as family and friends of Katherine in the Philippines.

Derek was a pianist and a composer; graduated from Western Univeristy with Honours Bachelor Degree in Organ and Piano.  He played the piano as a volunteer at Perfect Peace Ministry events and Bible studies. He served as a pianist at Evangel Pentecostal Church senior outreaches to senior homes and volunteer pianist at Oakville Trafalgar Oakville Memorial Lounge. Derek spent his ten years working hamboning and Shipping/Receiving at the former Maple Leaf Pork Burlington, now Fearmans Pork. He worked as a Computer Operator with Mr. Steve Farrow of Global Gulf. Since then, Derek enjoyed his time being a delivery driver and doing computer repair work.

Derek passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, at the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital after a battle with ALS. Thank you so much for your love, prayers, and thoughts they are the greatest gifts we could ask for in our sorrows and deepest moments. We are blessed with your presence in our lives.

Visitation will be held on Friday June 5, 2026 at the Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home, 64 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville (one block East of Kerr Street) from 2 - 4 pm and 6 - 8 pm. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday June 6, 2026 at Evangel Pentecostal Church, 1450 Rebecca Street, Oakville at 10:30 am with a reception to follow in the church hall. Interment at Burlington Memorial Gardens.

If you wish to donate with contributions in Derek’s honour and like to share and support a charity memorial, the family suggests sending contributions to: Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH), Evangel Pentecostal Church Oakville or toward the children's educational and growing fund. We would deeply appreciate it at derekandkathy@yahoo.ca