Obituary of Derek Blake Meyers

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MEYERS, Derek Blake

September 1977 – March 2023

Derek Blake Meyers died on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, surrounded by the love of family and friends.  Derek’s journey with the cancer that eventually took his life began in 2018.  He carried his illness quietly, privately and with great courage – it did not change, even for a moment, his nature as a caring, generous, and positive person who always put others first.  Even in his final days, he was more concerned about how those closest to him were doing than he was about himself; more concerned about making a difference in the lives of others as he continued to attend to his work in the Legislature even when it was clear he was likely too ill to be there.

Derek is lovingly remembered by his partner Laurie Ireland; his children Dayn, Sebastian and Eisley; his parents Blake and Brenda Meyers; his brother Darcy (Kristen) and their children Elle, Eva and Lincoln; his sister Brandi (Todd Bowler) and their children Hayden and Annistyn; Dayn’s mother Tanya and many aunts, uncles and cousins.  He was predeceased by his daughter Teigha Meyers in September of 2020; special cousins Dylon Piper in 2006 and Blaize Messer in 2020 and his grandparents Ervin and Delois Meyers and Gregor and Bertha Messer.

Derek grew up on the family farm near Midale, SK.  As a child he loved sports of all kinds and was always the spokesperson whenever one was needed.  He had an endless capacity to remember dates and statistics, he never forgot a birthday and he could quote detailed player statistics from memory. In spite of his gift for being in the spotlight what Derek valued most was being part of a team – from his early days in sports, to Midale Petroleum’s, on to Global News, as an MLA or working with others advocating for a good cause Derek was a team player who everyone wanted on their bench. Derek loved people!  He was a loyal friend, if you shared something in confidence, he kept it that way and his capacity for supporting, caring for and encouraging others was relentless.  It is hard to understand how in 45 years one person can be “the person” to so many people but Derek was just that person.  He touched more lives in his 45 years than 45 people would touch in their entire lives.

Derek began his career working in the southeast Saskatchewan oilfield, eventually moving into the geological exploration and consulting field for a number of years before attending NAIT to study television broadcasting in 2005. After his studies, he spent nearly 10 years at Global Regina covering sports across the province of Saskatchewan. He then spent a brief period as an owner of a small business in video production services.  He was elected as the MLA for Regina Walsh Acres in the 2020 provincial election and was currently serving as a member of the Standing Committee on Human Services.  He was truly at home in his role as an MLA, a role that allowed him to be out front as a spokesperson with the primary purpose of serving others and his service made a difference.  He brought a positivity and a passion to his work that was admired by his colleagues on both sides of the Legislative Assembly.

Make no mistake he loved his role as an MLA but work was not his first priority.  That was reserved for family and friends.  Derek was a loving and engaged partner and father; a son who made his parents proud in spite of a few challenges during his teenage years that they can laugh about now; and an older brother that his siblings could depend on whenever they needed him.  Affectionately known by his closest friends as “Duke” they will miss his humour, his support, and his endless positivity.

One of the greatest adversities that Derek and his family faced shaped one of the greatest legacies he will leave behind.  The death of his daughter Teigha in 2020 drew him forward into his work as a strong and persistent advocate for Mental Health and Well Being.  Perhaps this is a call we can all take up.  As Premier Scott Moe said in his remarks about Derek just recently, “I think we should all strive to carry a little Derek Meyers in every interaction we have.”

Those so wishing to make donations, in memorium, to the Canadian Mental Health Association - Regina Branch. 1810 Albert Street Regina, SK. S4P-2S8

A Celebration of Derek’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the Conexus Arts Centre, 200 Lakeshore Dr., Regina, SK.  A reception will follow. 

“You’re off to great places.  Today is your day.  Your Mountain is waiting so…. Get on your way!”

-Dr. Seuss-