Derek Poirier Obituary

It is with painfully heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our father, brother, and son, Derek Poirier. The last few years of his life were challenging; but those who knew him closely, before his illness consumed him, have a deep understanding of who he really was. This is the man who we wish to remember.

Born on May 24, 1969 in North Sydney, Derek was the oldest child of the late Daniel "Danny" Poirier and Sylvia (Ongo) Poirier. Never afraid to swim against the current, he was well-known for being out-spoken and having an unapologetically "dry" sense of humor. Whenever Derek wasn't focused on his family or his work, he always took time to enjoy the little things in life; like a motorcycle ride on a nice day, a deep conversation with a close friend, a good game of chess, or a hot cup of tea by the fireplace. He also loved to share his taste of music with his children (and anyone else who would listen), and always found meaning in every aspect of a "mint tune". Derek longed for a simple and quiet life, surrounded by love from family and friends.

Derek took pride in many things, but his family and his career were his greatest achievements. Following in his father Danny's footsteps, he became a member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Local 73, in 1992. He loved his trade, almost as much as he loved the people he worked alongside. His colleagues truly were his second family. Since his job often required him to travel across Canada, it enabled him to see the beauty of our country, all while making life-long connections with friends who would become his home away from home.

Derek welcomed his daughter into the world in 1997, followed by his son in 2001. Despite his tough outer shell, fatherhood had opened up his heart to a whole new sense of joy. Although life's ups and downs were difficult for him to navigate at times, he loved his children unconditionally.

In addition to the loss of his beloved father, Danny, Derek was pre-deceased by his maternal and paternal grandparents as well as many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

Derek is survived by his children: Robyn Whitty (Jarrette) and Lance Poirier. His three grand-daughters: Ella, Kali, and Holly. His mother, Sylvia Poirier, and his two sisters: Lisa McInnis (Keith) and Linda MacKinnon (Colin). His four nephews and only niece: Glenn (Amy), David (Olivia), Kelli (A.J.), Jake, and Drew. Also left to mourn him are his extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins; his treasured Boilermaker Brotherhood, and his childhood best friends: Ricky Burns, Tommy Capstick, John Fraser, and Blair Tobin.

Cremation has taken place and a graveside memorial will be held at 11 am on Friday, August 2nd at Holy Cross Cemetery, Johnston Road, North Sydney. The family asks that anyone wishing to make a donation in Derek's memory do so to your provincial division of the Canadian Mental Health Association.