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On Aug. 1, 2020, our blue-eyed, blonde baby boy passed through the pearly gates of heaven with a smile and tears, happy to see his Poppa Red, Maw, Mamaw Olsen and Uncle Pete. He was likely welcomed by friends who had already arrived, high-five’n each other.

Derek was a sweet soul with a huge heart, who would do anything for anyone. His smile and personality were infectious. His love for children and animals was tremendous. Seeing him down on the floor, playing ball or just “acting up” with Ruston, Cooper, Cato and Charlotte or interacting with Lala, Porkchop, Trap and Lilly Cat was a joy to watch.

A special time in his life was when he went to Taiwan to visit Turk for a couple of months. He ended up staying teaching English to children, the perfect position for him. If not for two serious bike accidents he would still be there, doing what he loved to do, teaching those precious children who loved him as much as he loved them.

Derek leaves behind his parents, Clifton and Cathy Olsen and his big brother, “Turk” (Claire) Olsen; his nephew, Peyton (Cydnie) Plaisance; aunts and uncles, Marla (Rusty) Weaver, Rose Marie Garret and Sharon (Larry) Lalumandier; and cousins, Judy (Shane), David (Lacey), Mary Louise (J.B.), Nicole, Kent (Trish), Jaque, and Summer (Dylan).

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences may be shared on the Poole-Ritchie website at www.pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.