VINALHAVEN – Derek K. Leighton passed away Jan. 21, 2010, on Vinalhaven. He was born June 27, 1980, in Blue Hill, son of David K. and Kim (Johanson) Leighton. Derek spent his childhood years in Massachusetts, spending summers in Blue Hill, a place that was always very special to him. In recent years he lived full time on Vinalhaven, where he worked as sternman for local lobster fishermen. Derek was a very outgoing, loving and caring person who loved his family, hip-hop and nature. His sense of humor was second to none. Derek is survived by his beloved fiancee and love of his life, Carmen Olan of Vinalhaven; his father, David K. Leighton of Vinalhaven; his mother, Kim Johanson of Cottonwood, Ariz.; his brother, Mark Leighton and wife, Emma, of Massachusetts; and his grandparents, Sheldon Leighton of Blue Hill, Dick Johanson of Massachusetts and Beverly Erlandson of Massachusetts. Also surviving him are aunts and uncles, Dana Leighton and wife, Cathy, of Stockton Springs, Brian Leighton of Milbridge, Carol Doyle and husband, Michael, of Tennessee, Kerry Johanson-Allard and husband, Art, of Massachusetts, and Karen Johanson and Bob Mita of Massachusetts. He is also survived by a special cousin, Arthur Leighton of Stockton Springs; and special friend, Charlotte Goodhue of Vinalhaven. He was predeceased by his beloved grandmother, Priscilla Leighton; great-aunt and great-uncle, Mary and Harold Leighton; great-uncle, Hugh Leighton, and great-aunt, Sylvia Black. He will be greatly missed by many other great-aunts, great-uncles, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear lifelong friends. Derek touched many lives in his 29 years and he will be loved and remembered always. A celebration of Derek’s life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at Blue Hill Congregational Church with the Rev. Rob McCall officiating. There will be another celebration of Derek’s life in the spring.
DEREK K. LEIGHTON
