FISHPOOL, Derek

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Derek Fishpool, aka Papa Fish, in his 84th year.  He passed away peacefully on July 10^th 2024,  with his family by his side.  Derek is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Christine, aka Mama Fish.   Affectionately remembered by his children Annette (Pepe), Andrew (Joy), Suzanne, Kristi (Chris), and Jason (Alli) , by his grandchildren Daniel (Cindy), Aidan (Chelsea), Claire (Trystin), Benji, Jayna, Liam, Ella, Connor, and Myles and by his great granddaughter Clementine. Derek was born in Guisborough, England in 1941 and emigrated to Canada in 1974.  In Orillia, he worked as a moulder at both Fahramet and C.S. Castings. He then joined the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board where he worked for 18 years as a custodian at Patrick Fogarty Catholic School. In his younger years, Derek excelled at both soccer and cricket. He was a natural problem solver and always enjoyed trying to figure out how to fix something or make it better. He loved working in his garden and around the house. He spent many hours helping family and friends with do-it-yourself projects. Family was the most important aspect of his life. He, together with Christine, built a strong, supportive and loving family.  He had a great sense of humour and always wanted to ‘have a bit of fun’. He will be forever missed and will always have a special place in our hearts.  We would like to thank the palliative care team that helped us through this difficult time. Thank you to Colleen and Maki for your guidance. Thank you to Francini for your gentle and compassionate manner and thank you to Emily Greb for going above and beyond. To all the staff and volunteers at Mariposa House Hospice, you are amazing human beings.  Thank you so much for all of your care and compassion with Papa Fish and with the entire family. Friends and family are invited to join us in a celebration of Derek’s Life at the Simcoe Funeral Home, 38 James Street E  Orillia (705) 327 0221. on Thursday July 18^th , 2024 at 1:00 followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations to Mariposa House Hospice would be greatly appreciated. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.simcoefuneralhome.ca