Derril "DJ" John Skaley Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Derril "DJ" John Skaley

January 11, 1947 - February 19, 2025

Obituary For Derril "DJ" John Skaley

It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the sudden passing of Derril “DJ” John Skaley, on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, at the age of 78 years. He was a resident of Grande Prairie, Alberta, formerly of Rycroft, Alberta.

After two days of traveling on a stoneboat to Johanna’s Maternity Home in Sexsmith, Alberta, Derril was born on January 11th, 1947, to John and Nancy Skaley. Being their second child and only son of five. Derril was raised in Rycroft, Alberta, where he met the love of his life, Phyllis Davidson, and later got married in 1967. In their 57 years of marriage, they welcomed two children, Dwayne and Sheryl, and five grandchildren.

He started out working on the farm before starting his trucking business known as “Deken Oilfield Transport” with his dear friend Ken in 1983. Shortly after, his son Dwayne joined the company and helped Derril run it for the last 41 years. Deken was so profound in his life that even his grandchildren and many others knew him as “Papa Deken”. His humour was like no other. He knew how to light up any room and quite frankly, made your stomach hurt from all the laughter. Many people knew him as the “life of the party”. The memories we have of Papa Deken will live on and be forever cherished in our hearts. He truly was a legend.

Derril loved to watch the chuckwagons and attended numerous rodeos as he sponsored a wagon, and even the Rycroft “Race the 8” rodeo. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and golfing where he spent the majority of his summer at Chinook Valley Golf Course with his family and beloved friends. During the winter, he and Phyllis spent much time in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he was always able to keep up with his tan. Hockey has always been a part of his life and he was the Edmonton Oilers’ biggest fan. You could always catch DJ at every local hockey game and if you weren’t there for warm up, you were late.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Phyllis; children: Dwayne (Jodie) and Sheryl (Joe); grandchildren: Cody, Brady, Caylee (Brandon), Laryssa (Brenden) and Brooke (Conor); siblings: Heather, June (John), and Terry (Les), as well as nephews and nieces, close friends and extended family.

He was predeceased by his parents John and Nancy Skaley; his baby sister Cindy; uncles and aunts as well as many friends and others.

We love you Papa D, and you will be forever missed.

A Viewing will be held on Thursday, February 27th, 2025, at 6:00 pm-8:00 pm at Oliver’s Funeral Home (10005 107 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the Rycroft Ag Building (5010 49 Ave., Rycroft, AB.) with refreshments to follow.

Memorial Donations can be made to:

Rycroft Arena

Rycroft Ag Society - Box 478, Rycroft, AB TOH 3AO

Etransfer- admin@rycroftag.com

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Condolences

March 01, 2025

John Brown

Deepest sympathies, Phyllis, Dwayne , and family. DJ was a great man, a special friend and teammate. I couldn't have asked for a better boss. I will cherish all my memories of the good times we had together💐💔
February 27, 2025

Keith Johnson

I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss, Phyllis. Derril has always represented everything great about the Rycroft Community. The business world has list a titan. The chuckwagon world has lost an avid spectator. Most profoundly you have lost a great husband and friend and your children a Father. That is where some of his greatest accomplishments were. That cavernous hole you feel at this point will subside and be replace by the most fondest of memories. Xoxo. Keith Johnson
February 25, 2025

Carol Sciog

Phyllis and family. Sincere condolences on the loss of DJ. I have many precious memories of our shenanigans dancing, snowmobiling, and just laughing together. A wonderful human being with his legacy living on with you both Dwayne and Sheryl
February 25, 2025

Kelly Sutherland

The Chuckwagon world will miss a great fan and a good man. Thoughts and Prayers. Kelly Sutherland and family.
February 25, 2025

Brenda

Dwayne and family we are so sorry to hear about your dad. Condolences to you and your family. Alex and Brenda McKendry
February 25, 2025

Bill and Marie Chascha

Phyllis and family we are so very sorry to hear the news of Darril's passing. He was truly a community man and loved by so many. Our most heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Bill and Marie Chascha
February 25, 2025

Heather Stretch (nee) Olley

Very sorry for your loss Phyllis. May you find some comfort in the coming days. Take care.❤️
February 25, 2025

Elaine Leslie

So very sorry to hear about the passing of Derril (DJ). Condolences to the family. Phyllis, he will live on in the many memories you both created over the years. All the best.
February 25, 2025

Colleen and Ken Timanson

Dear Phyllis and family, We were shocked and heartbroken to hear Derril's passing. A big hug to you Phyllis. May your precious memories bring much comfort and peace in the days ahead. Unfortunately we're unable to make it to the funeral but you'll be in our thoughts and prayers.
February 25, 2025

Melissa Thompson

I was shocked, and very sad to hear of Derrils passing. He was such a " larger than life" character.. and such a good friend to my parents( Ron and Fay) Thoughts to you Phyllis, and all the family at this very difficult time. He will be surely missed. Melissa
February 25, 2025

Bob & Barb Deley

Our deepest condolences to all of Derrils family and friends, he will be sadly missed. Keep your memories close.
February 25, 2025

Caren Potrebenko

I am so sorry for your loss. Derril was a good man. Caren Potrebenko
February 25, 2025

Janet Rowledge

So very sorry to hear of DJ s passing Always remember the good times and lots of laughs Phyllis and family we will keep in our prayers Love and hugs❤️❤️ Terry and Janet and family
February 24, 2025

Murray Gauvreau

Sincere wishes of condolence to Phyllis and family. I am so sorry for your loss. May the Lord be with you as you continue on with his memory. He was a good friend, and a memorable boss for 10 years.
February 24, 2025

Adeline Shunock

Phyllis & family, Both Mom & I are so sorry to hear of Derril's passing. Praying for all of you. Addie Shunock & Bea Boser
February 24, 2025

Nina Czaban

To Phyllis and Family, my sincere sympathy on the sudden passing of Derril. A big hug to you Phyllis, I'm fondly remembering younger, happier days.Nina Czaban
February 24, 2025

Kathy Grimm

Condolences to Phyllis and all the family
February 24, 2025

Leona Johnson

So sorry for your loss. A pillar of the community and all round awesome man! Prayers to you all! RI P DJ
February 24, 2025

Liz Kushner

Dear Phyllis and Family We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Derril was always such a friendly fella and it was always such a pleasure chatting with him he would always put a smile on your face. Phyllis our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family With Our Deepest Sympathy Terry and Liz
February 24, 2025

Irene Cooper

Phyllis and family. My sincere condolences. Derril was an icon in the Rycroft community. Irene Basisty Cooper
February 24, 2025

Leo Frey

Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing, Dwayne. My condolences to you and your families.

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