DOVER-FOXCROFT – Edward Derhak, 84, husband of Mary (Backman) Derhak, died peacefully in his sleep the morning of Oct. 14, 2009. He was born Oct. 11, 1925, in Winnipeg Beach, Manitoba, Canada, son of the late Demetro and Josepha Zielinska Derhak. Edward served in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II aboard the convoy escorts that guarded the supply ships crossing the North Atlantic, and played semi-professional hockey. After the war, Edward joined the U.S. Merchant Marine where, in time, he circumnavigated the globe five times. With a young family he left the sea and moved stateside. A chance layover in Bangor resulted in a sales position with Nissen Bread, which in turn would bring him to Dover-Foxcroft – the place he would come to call home. After raising four of his five children there, an opportunity in the dairy industry lured him to relocate first to New Hampshire, then upstate New York, settling in Whitesboro, N.Y. After a successful career in the dairy industry as a salesman for Dairylea, and later Hoods, he returned to his adopted hometown with his wife, Mary, to retire. Edward was a gracious man known for his charitable works and was an active member in the community, including Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus and Foxcroft Academy booster clubs. He was a fan of classic Westerns, an aficionado of fine cigars and a master storyteller. Above all, he was a devoted family man and husband who will be dearly missed by all. Edward is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary; five children, Joseph and spouse, Sharon, Elizabeth, John, Kevin and spouse, Christine, and Robert and spouse, Rebecca; 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The family of Edward Derhak thanks the staff of Hibbard’s Nursing Home, Dover-Foxcroft, and all those involved in his care during these past months. Friends are invited to call 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft, where funeral services will be conducted 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, with Deacon Fred Harrigan officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Edward’s name may be made to the American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.
EDWARD DERHAK
