| Graduation Year | Class of 1983 |
| Date of Passing | Mar 08, 2008 |
| About | ROY – Derek Stephen Grange, 42, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 8, 2008 at home due to complications of diabetes. With loved ones near he returned to his heavenly family surrounded with love and joy. Derek was born August 26, 1965 in Ogden, Utah, a beloved son of Stephen Earl and Leilani Fuller Grange. No one loved life and appreciated this earth more than Derek did. His sojourn in life was filled with many trials, tribulations and physical obstacles. His deep pains and frustrations were seldom known to others and bourn with dignity. Complaint was never forethought…his concerns and interests were always for others. He was a true champion, a courageous warrior of faith and fortitude having taught us by example how to "endure to the end." Derek's greatest joys in life are his eternal children Amber, Brandon, Tyler and Ryan. Their companionships and love filled his soul with joy and comfort. "Daddy-O" was never happier than when playing with his children and serving them with joy. With nightly encouraging phone calls of love, pots of papa's yummy soups, going to games, school and family events and attending church together, Derek always wanted his children to know and feel of his eternal love for and faith in them. He was always proud of their good, hardworking, happy lives. He was their coach, scoutmaster, mentor and supporter with memories abounding of good times together. Derek presided in their home with devoted love, giving Priesthood ordinances and blessings. He provided all material needs and wants even unto excess as life demanded. Derek was endowed and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple, November 21, 1984 to the mother of his children, Kamie Rawson, they were later divorced. Derek was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a personal relationship of trust, humility and love with our savior Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. Derek relied on and was grateful for the comfort and guidance of the Holy Spirit. He learned and lived the Gospel of Jesus Christ through life's experiences and personal study. He served in many callings including Aaronic Priesthood teacher, Young Men's advisor, Scoutmaster, Cub master, Sunday School Teacher, Home Teacher and Finance Clerk with the Roy 4th Ward Bishopric. Derek graduated from Roy High School, and Roy High School Seminary in 1983. He was a superior athlete and played on the 1982, 4A State Football Championship team. and was awarded the prestigious "Black Knight" football award. He attended Dixie State College where he was a member of the Dixie football team when they won the 1983 National Jr. College Championship. He also attended Weber State University. Derek loved to work and be active. He was employed in many jobs including Ideal Cement Co., Kimberly-Clark (18 yrs) and self employed as a Real Estate Appraiser. Derek never stopped learning, reading or being interested in the world around him. He enjoyed books on Pioneer/LDS Church History, sports, camping, cooking and outdoor adventure. A not so known interest of Derek's was his fascination with gold prospecting, ghost towns and lost mines throughout the West. He also enjoyed organizing many football and holiday parties for his family and friends. Derek was an Eagle Scout, earned Varsity Scout Letter, was Wood badge trained and devoted scoutmaster teaching the youth with enthusiasm and caring. Derek's life was one of service and love. He served our communities as he coached successful football, basketball and baseball teams. Not only did they win city and county championships but they learned life long values of positive team effort and good sportsmanship. Derek served, loved, and shared his many talents with us. Whenever we feel love and acceptance, smell and taste good cooking, hear and sing good ole' Country music, enjoy a good ballgame, laugh and cry with family and friends…we will remember our Derek, our "Derk" and his tenderness, smiles and loving spirit. Derek was preceded in death by his father, grandparents C. Norman and Ruth Garner Fuller and Kelland W. Grange. He is survived by his children Amber Kay Spencer (Zach who is loved and appreciated dearly), Brandon Stephen Grange, Tyler Roger Grange, Ryan Derek Grange, all of Hooper. Also surviving are his mother, Leilani Grange of Roy and one Brother Darin R. (D'dree) Grange and nephew Hayden W. Grange and niece Macy Grange, all of Fruit Heights and grandmother Moselle Y. Grange, Ogden. Derek accomplished all he was sent forth to do on earth. He overcame anguish, disappointment, served, loved, and sacrificed passing on without guile, holding us close eternally with unconditional love and forgiveness for all. Though we ache from his temporary separation – we are happy he is now free from his struggles with physical pain and emotional sorrows. "God be with us till we meet again" - "All is Well" Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 13, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd. Friends and family may call at the mortuary Wednesday, March 12, 2008 from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Thursday prior to the service. Services are under the direction of Bishop Trevor Armistead, Roy 4th Ward. Internment will be at the Eden Mountain View Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com Obituary, Myers Funeral Home. |
