Obituaries

Derek Harold Shanks was born in 1940 and passed on November 17, 2024.

Derek and his brother Ron were raised by his grandparents Bill and Mary Gregory, lovingly referred to as Pop and Ma. Robie Street was filled with his brother, cousins, aunts and uncles. There was certainly no lack of love.

Derek's and Ron's dad Sergeant Harold J. Shanks was killed during WWII on the day that Italy surrendered to the Allied Forces in 1943. Derek never got to meet him. Derek's mother Justina passed when he was nine. Derek suffered the loss of a mother and father but was well loved in the Gregory household. But still a painful loss for a little guy.

Then comes Marilyn Garnett. They met at a St. Mary’s Boat House dance in 1958. He asked who she was and they all said "Barbara”. So off he went to ask Barbara if she would like to dance. Poor Derek, chaos ensued! The three women standing with Marilyn were all named Barbara. He figured it out and they became a thing. Derek and Marilyn were married in 1963, and moved to Bridgewater to follow Derek's career. Having completed 2 years of journalism studies at St. Mary’s University, he was recruited to work for CKBW Bridgewater. And then his family started. In 1965, Lynn, his first baby was born.

Derek relocated to Toronto, interviewed for a better job and more opportunity for his family, and then Marilyn and Lynn followed. He was offered a position with Broadcast News/CP. In 1966, came Kelly. In 1975, came Derek Jr.

Over the years, we met many of Derek's family. All wonderful and warm people just like Derek. James (Dad's and Ron's brother), Father Michael Mitchell, the Gallants, Aunt Ruth and Uncle Jack, Aunt Pearl and Uncle Harry. There are so many more to mention. The warmth that these people showed us is a testament to how Derek was raised.

After 35 years at BN, he took an early retirement package. But retiring was not in his vocabulary so why not drive a school bus?

In 1997, he had his first grandchild Celine. In 2000 he had his second grandchild Kaitlin. So two girl grand babies. Had to even the score. In 2002, he had his next grandchild, Ethan. In 2005, he had grand baby number four Liam. Score even at 2 all.

In 2000, Derek lost the love of his life. He moved back to Nova Scotia with an incredibly heavy heart. In time, he started a relationship with Brenda MacDonald. They were together for 23 years. He acquired two additional grandkids Nick and Jenna.

While in Scarborough and Nova Scotia, Derek donated 98 units of blood. He did that until they made him stop, and it saddened him he never reached the 100 milestone. Still, he received recognition for his incredibly generous donations. There are so many people walking around because of him.

Still not having the word "retired" in his vocabulary, Derek did some part time work to keep him busy. He was a greeter at the Atlantic Superstore. He did overnight security/maintenance at the Dartmouth branch of the Canadian Blood Services. After breaking his hip, he finally understood the word retired. He did not like it, but found some entertainment in Korean movies and soap operas...no judgement on the soaps, he was retired.

Derek loved a good puzzle. He would spend hours playing sudoku. He had this notion that puzzles would keep his mind sharp. Other than when he was really ill, you could not get anything past him.

Derek was a loyal man. So much integrity. A beautiful voice when he spoke. He could not cook no matter how hard he tried, but he did try. He did love his sweets. His work ethic was an inspiration. He was a die hard Maple Leaf fan.

There is so much more to this man. If you knew him, you were fortunate. If he loved you, well, to the moon and back.

With so much love,

Your Kids, and their partners Alice, Eldon, Mel and the grandkids.

Given that we live out of province, we are having a celebration of life on July 25, 2025 in NS.