Derek William Betts

BETTS, Derek William
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Derek at the Neepawa Hospital on Thursday, November 14th at the age of 81 after a battle with Parkinsons and cancer.  He will be sadly missed by his devoted wife of 59 years, Beatrice (nee McKinnon), daughters Shauna Betts (Andrew Giffin), Deann MacInnis (John), Karen Chabot (Bob), Lori Betts (Ruedi Hausermann), loving grandchildren Jesse, Ty, Dane Giffin, Brandon (Susan), Rhaea, Bryce MacInnis, Jonathon Chabot (Christie), Ashton Doman (Matthew) nee Chabot, and great grandchildren Mirae, Hayden, Zachary Chabot and William Doman as well as nephews Bruce Kellington (Joanne) and their children Aryn and Bryan and Todd Kellington.
Derek is predeceased by his parents Leonard and Mabel Betts (nee L’Ami), sister Clare Watts and grandchild Brodie Chabot. There are also many extended family members on Bea’s side and numerous special friends who will miss him.
Derek was dedicated to a long career as a CPA, having worked with Shell Oil in Calgary and as comptroller at the paper mill in The Pas.  He was a member of many service groups and served the community well, including being Worthy Grand Patron of Eastern Star, Deputy Grand Master for the North in Masons, and was winner of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award for Rotary. He was on the hospital board, and church vestry.  Derek travelled often, visiting many countries and seeing Canada from one coast to the other.  His other love was the beautiful cabin he built on Clearwater Lake where many treasured family memories were formed.
A memorial service celebrating Derek’s life will take place at St James Anglican Church, 535 Mountain Avenue, Neepawa at 2:00 o’clock on November 19, 2019 with a reception to follow at the Neepawa United Church, 474 Mountain Ave.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson’s Canada, Cancer Care Manitoba, or Neepawa and Area Palliative Care (ARHA). Funeral arrangements by White’s Funeral Home, Neepawa (204) 476-2848.

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