Emeritus Prof. of Physics,

Feb. 9, 1925  – May 1, 2015

At home in Victoria, BC.

Predeceased by his daughter Lise, he is survived by his sons Kim and Justin of Toronto, his daughter’s children, Ben, Rosa and Jessie of Halifax, his loving wife and cherished best friend, Dorothy Clippingdale, and by his brother Brian and his family, of Waikenae, New Zealand.

Born and raised in New Zealand, Derek spent a major part of his working life at the University of Toronto.  Derek was among those who introduced the insights of physics to broaden the scope of work on metal-hydrides, traditionally a branch of chemistry, to form the interdisciplinary field of metal-hydrogen-systems studies.  Apart from his work with students and research-associates in Toronto, Derek experienced the pleasure of grand-parenting programs established by some of his former research group members in their home countries or institutions, in what was an emerging specialty.

 

Here he rests, his time up on earth

A hostage to Fortune and to fame scarce known;

Of science he knew, enough to quieten mirth,

And on its path he journeyed far from home.

Wide search, some of his merits may disclose,

But to find his frailties requires no special mode,

His life’s works in libraries repose,

A thin vein in the Knowledge mother-lode.

(apologies  to Thomas Gray)

 

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Wednesday, May 20th, 2 -5 pm, at the University of Toronto Faculty Club, 41 Willcocks St., Toronto.

A man of principle, Derek battled for fairness for everyone.  He could be a burr under the saddle when he deemed things not right but he also laughed readily at the ridiculous in life, even to the end. It was Derek’s desire that those who wished to honour him make a donation to the Salvation Army – www.salvationarmy.ca or 1-800-725-2769.

Condolences may be offered below.

McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com

 

  • Rachel Grasham

    Dear Kim and Justin, I am so sorry to hear about your father ……. or, “Manchester” as my father would refer to him. I have a lot of wonderful memories of Derek and the happy family times we Grashams spent with you at Christmas, Easter and our cottages, growing up as the kids of U of T profs with British mums. I remember his wonderful stories and the annual grilling he would give me as a teenager when we came on Boxing Day…. “so what are they teaching you..?. Do you know what the Regina Manifesto is?”, or the quizzical look and arched brow when as a young adult he asked me what I wanted to drink and I screwed up my courage and replied , “I’ll have a Scotch….P-p-p-p-please.”. “Hummph, this is the good stuff, young lady….are you sure you don’t want a sherry?” he would reply, but with a twinkle in his eye. Above all, I remember how patient and kind he was answering questions on any subject, and as a classic academic, he knew a lot about a lot of things. He was a wonderful teacher, with a strong sense of justice, and was always quick to see the humour and laugh at a situation. My thoughts are with you and everyone who loved him as you say good bye. I will remember him fondly. Rachel Grasham xox

  • Anne-Kristine, Ian, Bryan and Joanna Hearn

    Kim, Justin, Ben, Rosa and Jessie,

    Our heartfelt sympathies on the passing of your father and grandfather.

    In the last 18 years that Derek and Mom were together, we became very fond of him, enjoying his wit and intelligence. Anne-Kristine, in particular, developed a strong attachment to Derek and will miss him greatly.

    Anne-Kristine, Ian, Bryan and Joanna Hearn

  • mel watkins

    As a faculty member on the U of T campus years ago I got to know Derek. He was unfailingly gracious and it was always so nice to run into him and have a chat. He had a lovely smile. He was a good person.

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