August 27, 1970 - November 28, 2014

Though Dearly Missed, At Peace in his Heavenly Home

Derek Peter Neth, 44, returned to his heavenly home November 28, 2014 at 4:44 AM after a valiant struggle with a year-long battle of pancreatic cancer. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace, while his family and Pastor Shawn surrounded him in his home.

Derek was born to Richard Neth and Brenda Ackley (Neth), in Portland, Oregon on August 27, 1970, living in Vancouver, Washington. He graduated from Lake Washington High School Kirkland, Washington. Derek was blessed with a large and loving family, big sister Dawn Marie and big brother the late Damon Neth.

Derek married his best friend, Kimberly Shawn Hickey and they have two beautiful girls Emilie Anne 15, and Lillian Mae 14. Derek helped raise them with patience, discipline and humility. Along with his wife Kim, he taught them the love of camping and nature, encouraged them to read, and explored the beauty of gospels and life.

Derek was a giver all of his life, he loved volunteering for his Church, his passionate love, "The Horse Rescue" where he became involved with his entire family. During his time there, he even built a barn which was dedicated to him.

His work took him to many adventures- a broker, sales and many management positions. With his profound love of history, his family always wanted him to teach. He truly was an educator at heart. Derek is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator.

Derek is survived by his wife, Kimberly; his daughters, Emilie and Lilly; mother and father, Brenda and Bud Ackley; sister Dawn Bennett (Jim); sister-in-law, Annie Davidson (Clint); nephew, Peter Bennett; niece, Danielle Bennett; step-sisters, Kim (Lynn), Tracy (Dan), Karin (Jerry); aunt and uncle, Dr. and Mrs. Michael Scheel; cousins, Dr. and Mrs. Chad Sheron and many more cousins, family and friends who loved his humor, love, light and laughter! He was preceded in death by his father, brother Damon and grandparents.

FUNERAL INFORMATION

Derek will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at The Father's House (http://www.fathershousegf.org/); 402 S Granite Ave., Granite Falls, WA. 98252 at 11:00 am. Pastor Shawn will officiate the service.

Immediately following the service we invite everyone to attend a reception at Lake Stevens Fire Conference Center; 10518 18th Street SE, Lake Stevens, WA 98258. For those unable to attend the Memorial Service we anticipate the reception will begin by 1:00 pm.

DONATIONS

The family gratefully accepts prayers and condolences. There are a few places that are dear to Derek's heart and he would be greatly honored if you were to donate to them in his honor. Our Church "The Father's House"; Caring Bridge, and Pancreatic Cancer Research. Thank you so very much.

Memorial

He Set Me Free  

My life was full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Don't grieve for me, now that I'm free.
I'm following God's path you see.
I took His hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.
But please, don't lengthen it with undue grief.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys;
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Lift up your heart, Peace be to thee,
God wanted me, He Set Me Free.

Author Unknown

When I Must Leave You  

When I must leave you
For a little while,
Please do not grieve
And shed wild tears
And hug your sorrow to you
Through the years,
But start out bravely
With a smile. 

And for my sake
And in my name,
Live on and do
All the things the same. 

Feed not your loneliness
On empty days,
But fill each waking hour
In useful ways. 

Reach out your hand in comfort
And in cheer,
And I, in turn, will comfort you
And hold you near.
And never, never
Be afraid to die,
For I am waiting for you
In the sky.

Helen Steiner Rice