Derrick Michael Bedel's Obituary
Our beloved, gentle-hearted, smart, and handsome Derrick was tragically taken from us…
Everyone who knew Derrick will deeply miss his huge heart, his quiet charm, his goofiness, and his uncanny ability to fix anything. Even though Derrick didn’t seek attention, his cool, calm, unassuming manner attracted people to him. He treasured family and holiday traditions. “Don’t change a thing, Mom,” he’d say. He was especially protective of and dedicated to his mother Darlene, with whom he shared a very sweet relationship and loved spending time with. His family and friends called him the “Animal Whisperer” because he had a special connection with animals. He went out of his way to rescue wounded birds and homeless dogs. A genuinely funny goofball, Derrick entertained us by making up silly raps. He loved to have fun and be silly.
Even though he faced a physical challenge that required 2 surgeries before he was 6 months old, Derrick excelled at every sport he tried: baseball, basketball, and High School football, where he played every position. He was also the fastest runner in school.
Derrick grew up in Hayward, graduating from Mount Eden High School. He then studied at Cal State Hayward. Even though academics always came very easily to Derrick, his true love was working with anything mechanical, a realization that occurred when happily working on his car. So he spent a year in Laramie, Wyoming at the WYO Technology Institute, earning certification in Diesel Technology and Management. Coincidentally, he belonged to the same Union that his grandfather did: Operating Engineers. At the time of his death, he was employed at Hilton Hotel and lived in Petaluma.
His family is absolutely devastated by the heartbreak of losing irreplaceable Derrick. Surviving him is his mother Darlene, his brothers Ryan, Max, and Andre, his aunts Heidi and Barbara, his uncle Darcy, and many, many loving cousins. Derrick was predeceased by his father Michael, his grandparents Keith and Elaine McKay. Max and Anna Bedel.
What’s your fondest memory of Derrick?
What’s a lesson you learned from Derrick?
Share a story where Derrick's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Derrick you’ll never forget.
How did Derrick make you smile?
