DERRAH, GERALD R. It is with great sadness, the family announces the passing of Gerald Roland Derrah at the Carleton Memorial Hospital in Woodstock on Saturday, October 4, 2003. Born at Mount Pleasant, N.B. on May 12, 1924, Gerald was the youngest son of the late Vinal and Olive (Woodcock) Derrah. Daughter Brenda and brothers Charlie, Earl and Ray predeceased him. Gerald graduated from East Florenceville High School in 1934, making friends there that would last a lifetime. He was a lifelong farmer and even in retirement delighted in growing potatoes in his garden. Gerald was devoted husband, father and grandfather and family member. He lived throughout his life at Mount Pleasant and was an active member of the community. He was never happier than when involved in some community project or event, building a community hall, repairing the church or cemetery or helping someone find a job. Gerald was an active member of the Mount Pleasant United Baptist Church, serving many years as deacon and superintendent of the Sunday School. He served as a leader in the 4-H Club, on the Florenceville and District 30 School Boards, the Home and School Association, the Woodstock Carleton Memorial Hospital Board, Carleton County Council, Orange Lodge, various offices in the Progressive Conservative Party, including President of the Central Carleton PC Association when Richard Hatfield was Premier. In recognition of his work, he was made a lifetime member of both the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick and of Canada. In 1992 he was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada by the Governor General in recognition of significant contribution to compatriots, community and Canada. In retirement he loved to ride his snowmobile and all terrain vehicles hunt and fish and feed the fish in his fishpond. He was active in the Mount Pleasant Heritage Club. And he loved being a grandfather, attending birthday parities and graduations in Mount Pleasant, Moncton and Halifax. He never tired of taking grandsons to hockey practice and games, once receiving an award as the grandfather who was most faithful in attending games. He delighted in organizing and attending reunions for his High School and Carleton Cooperative Board annual barbecues. Gerald is survived by his wife of fiftyfive years Sydney (Manuel) Derrah of Mount Pleasant; son Brian of Ottawa, son Chris and wife Norma of Mount Pleasant and their sons Jason, Matthew and Jordan; son Richard and wife Sue Ellen of Mount Pleasant and their children Devan, Julie and Lauren; daughter Judy MacQuarrie and husband Jack of Moncton and their children Amy and Jonathan; and daughter Carolyn Derrah-Murphy and Randy of Fall River, N.S. and their daughters Emily and Racheal. He also survived by sister Avis Whitehouse of Hartland as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. The funeral was held on October 7 at 1 p.m. from the Mount Pleasant United Baptist Church. It was attended by many family members and friends, including Deputy Premier Dale Graham, former Speaker of the New Brunswick Legislature Charlie Gallagher and Monsignor Brian Sheehan. Pastor Craig Woodcock officiated, with the reading of Psalm 23 by son-in-law Jack MacQuarrie and eulogy by son Chris. The church choir sang Precious Memories; Katherine Bell led the congregation in singing Amazing Grace and What a Friend We Have In Jesus; and friends Bernie and Gail MacDougall of Centerville sang Till the Storm Passes By and Too Many Miles Behind Me. The Pastor's message was entitled A True Friend. Nephews Michael and Gary Derrah acted as greeters. Pall bearers were grandsons Jason Derrah, Matthew Derrah, Jordan Derrah, Devan Derrah and Jonathn MacQuarrie and friend Dwayne Johnston. Honorary pallbearers were friend and relative Otis Derrah, brother-in-law Bill Burnham, friends and neighbors Don Bell and Blair Hallet, and friends and classmates Eugene Stephenson, Dean Greer, Bob McIsaac and Paul Foster. Following the service interment / burial was in the Mount Pleasant Community Cemetery. Friends and neighbors provided a reception in the Community Hall. The many floral tributes and charitable donations received attested to the high regard in which he was held by his family and friends.