Corporal Robert Derry passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at Prairie Lake Hospice, in Grande Prairie, AB, at the age of 65 years.

Robert was a decorated veteran who served his country from 1977 to 1991. Robert was born on January 5, 1958, in Sault St. Marie, ON. to his parents June and Audry.

When he was just 13, Robert decided to join the 2137 Calgary Highlanders Cadet Corp when he aged out from the Cadets. Rob initially Enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in May 1977. He was assigned to Canadian Forces Base Cornwallis, shortly thereafter, he was posted to Canadian Forces Base Petawawa with the 8th Canadian Hussars. In October 1978 he deployed overseas to Cyprus with fellow Canadian Peacekeepers. Shortly afterward (1982), he was posted to The Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) in Calgary, AB. In 1983, Rob was posted overseas to Lahr German with the Royal Canadian Dragoons as part of Canada’s commitment to NATO. He returned to The Lord Strathcona’s Horse in July 1987 after spending 4 years outside Canada. In 1988, he was posted to 1 Service Battalion in Calgary and commenced his new career as a Mobile Support Equipment Operator. In 1991 Rob underwent his final Release from the Canadian Armed Forces. He was proud of his service and would often talk about his time serving in the tanks.

After serving for 20 years, between Cadets and Armed Forces. Robert retired to civilian life. First in Calgary, AB, and then settled in Grande Prairie. During this time, he worked in various occupations from Security, Driver, Rental Shuttle Driver, and Auto Detailer.

When he wasn’t working, Robert would enjoy his off time visiting friends, reading, watching older movies, car racing (he loved NASCAR), and caring for his cats Smokey, Autumn, and recently Spunky.

Robert is survived by sisters: Donna Wyman, Cecil Nichols, Terry Ferguson, and Patricia Derry; brother Rick Derry; as well as a large extended family of uncles and aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews all spread across this country he proudly served.

Robert was predeceased by his father Audry Derry, mother June Derry, and sisters: Penny Spiers, and Debbie Rothwell.

There will be a Military Funeral Service held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 12:00pm, at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 54 in Grande Prairie (9912 101 Ave.).

A Livestream of the service will be accessible 15 minutes prior to the service on Robert’s obituary on Oliver’s Funeral Home website.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 54 (9912 101 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 0X8).