Obituary of Mr. Derek Croft Sr.
Derek Alwin Croft Sr., 89, of Scarborough, ON passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024, with his wife and youngest son lovingly by his side.
Born August 17th, 1934 in Georgetown, Guyana to Una and Allen Croft, Derek was the eldest of nine children, the late Etty, the late Cecily, Lucille, the late Waveney, Morris, Michael, Anne, and the late Jackie. A few years after graduating from St. Phillips School, Derek worked at Guyana Lithographic Company as an apprentice and became an accomplished printer specializing in offset color.
Derek married his loving wife Jean (Henry) in August 1961.
The couple welcomed daughter Hazel, followed by son, Derek Jr. before relocating to Barbados in 1964.
They settled in Bridgetown and in November 1965, welcomed their third child, Ian.
A few years later in 1969, Derek and family immigrated to Toronto, ON Canada. Although he was in an unfamiliar city and country, Derek had a vision to build a better life for himself and his family—that includes his extended family from Guyana whom he also helped immigrate to Canada. Derek landed a position with Arthurs-Jones Lithographing Company, Ltd. as a Lead Pressman and was also a proud union member. He worked there for many decades until he retired. Derek was an exemplary husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend. He had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humour. He was generous, loyal, and most of all he loved the Lord. Derek was the churchwarden for 4 years during the over 30 years that he worshipped at St. Michael and All Angels Church. He served joyfully and played a pivotal role in planning the church’s 100th anniversary celebration.
Derek will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them—and if you knew him, you knew it! During these last few months, while unwell, he carried himself with courage, dignity, and full of love for those he loved. His warm demeanor and positive spirit will be missed dearly.
Derek is predeceased by his father Allen Croft (1971), and mother Una (1986), granddaughter Paula Jean (2011), and sister Cecily Croft (2020).
He is survived by wife Jean (Henry) Croft, children Hazel Croft, Derek Jr. (Damaris), and Ian Croft (Sharon), grandchildren Mark Croft, Sydnee Croft-Farry, (Ryan), Evan Croft, Shauna Croft, and Addison Croft, along with 7 great-grandchildren, 5 siblings and several nieces, nephews, godchildren, and cousins by the dozens.
A celebration of life will occur on Thursday, June 27th at Saint Andrew’s Anglican Church, 2333 Victoria Park, Avenue, Toronto, ON at 10:00 am.
