Derek A. Forkey, 43, passed away Thursday, November 3rd, at his residence. There will be a Celebration to honor Derek’s life in the Spring of 2023 at Mark Haven Farms at a time to be announced.
Derek was born July 27th, 1979, in Watertown, son of Kevin and Dottie Davidson Forkey. His mom passed away October 27th, 2002.
He graduated from 1000 Islands High School in 1997 and then St. Lawrence University in 2001 with degrees in Biology and Environmental Science. At the time of his passing, he was Vice President and Manager for 4-Key Auto Sales on Route 12.
At a young age he loved playing baseball, where he would play catch with his dad for hours at a time. This dedication led him to become a pitcher on the 1000 Islands High Baseball team, where the power of his pitch often stunned his dad’s hand if he didn’t catch it in the webbing! Derek also loved playing football with his dad, where he was always the Quarterback. He was a fan of the NY Giants Football team.
Derek, his mom and dad traveled all over the world until after his mom passed away. He and his dad kept the traveling tradition going after her death, including the Galapagos Islands, where they swam with millions of fish, including sharks, and most recently this past summer going to Egypt. While in Egypt, they visited the Great Pyramids and all the ancient sites alone the River Nile. Along the tour, the tour guide ended up asking Derek most of the questions on the history before them. This is how he earned the name Mr. Google. It was uncanny the knowledge he had on this and many other topics. From parasailing in Key West, horseback riding in Ecuador, and even hiking into the clouds in Costa Rica, Derek and his father were truly best friends and travel buddies.
He lived by the quote, “life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.” Recently on a health questionnaire they asked him if he was allergic to anything, his response of course, “yes, exercise, a good diet, an early alarm clock and saving money!”
Derek fought a courageous battle with his addiction and if he was still here now, he would tell all of us how much we all mattered to him and the love they brought into his life. Very recently Derek said to his dad, “I would go to hell and back if it would save you.” And just maybe that is exactly what he has done.
Surviving is his father, Kevin, and his companion Michelle, of Depauville; aunts, uncles, and cousins.
From his dad, Kevin: No one loved life more than Derek. We know he wouldn’t want us to wallow alone in our misery and grief, so we are hosting a Memorial Party to rejoice in his life and to raise a toast to our memories, as well as share a story. I hope you will come and pay your final respects with us in the Spring of 2023. I will always love you and I already miss you. Never forget to always order the large fries. Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because “he” happened.
Donations can be made at https://everloved.com/life-of/derek-forkey/
Ernie Jones
Kevin, I am truly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the good memories carry you through this difficult time.
Kevin Forkey
Derek admired you and always spoke highly of your character and work.
John Wetterhahn
Kevin, I’m so sorry for your loss. Condolences from my family to you and the rest of the Forkey family. I’m going to miss coming up to chat with him.
Kevin Forkey
John, thanks for your kindness and support I truly appreciate it .
Pia Hogue
I’m still in disbelief, as I’m sure you are too. I am so so sorry uncle Kev. Hopefully Derek and Dad are somewhere giving each other a hard time,& drinking a Cuba libra together, with Dottie of course. Derek was always there to lend an ear in our adult lives, and was full of adventure, with a dash of fun organized chaos when we were younger. Love you Derek, love you too Kevin. I’m so glad that he had a father like you to show him the world.
Deb Aubertine
Our boys. We have passed through years of memories, sports, activities, good and bad. This, by far, is the hardest. Kevin, your strength is limitless. Your love shows in every word you wrote.
Rhonda
I was a friend of Marks many many years ago. My heart hurts for you and I appreciate your honesty in disclosing your son’s addiction. I too share this sadness in my life, my son is an addict.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences and know you are in my prayers.
Kevin Forkey
Thank you for being so kind and caring it helps to know how much Derek was loved. Losing Derek so suddenly has been the most difficult moment of my life. It helps to have you give me a moment of light and peace in such a dark time.
With love,
Kevin
Kevin Forkey
Deb,
I’ve always admired your loving soul and complete unconditional love you share with others.
Your kindness and sympathy is appreciated for the love it shines upon me.
Kevin
Jim & Cindy Worden
We are saddened by the death of your son, your best friend. As parents talking about addiction & death are not what
we expect to do. In sharing the truth of a loss perhaps someone will try & stop this horrible lifestyle. The days you
face will be painful, remember the good in your son & know that this was a choice he made. His love will always be
with you.
Nicholas deegan
My heart goes out to Derek’s family .. Derek had the kind of character and loyalty that’s hard to come by in people these days . He had so much to offer this world and was a wealth of knowlege ..he will surely be missed by me and many others…
Kevin Forkey
Nick, as a father yourself you can appreciate the love for a son, thanks for your help and support.
Marlene Holland Fluno
Kevin, so sorry to read about your son’s death. I’m sure he was a bright star in your eyes.
Carol Darou
Too the Forkey family…My sons both new Derek and were friends and we are deeply saddened by this happening to your family! We will be praying for you all!
Wade and Amy Sanford
Kevin and family we are so very sorry for your loss of a great young man. He always treated us with kindness and respect. And was always good at making us laugh. He will be missed.
Steve Allman
My heart breaks for you .
Marcia and Allen Sherman
Kevin…Sherm and I are so incredibly sorry to hear this sad news. Please know we share your grief. …such a nice young man, gone too soon. Much love to you.
Kim Daniel
I did not know Derek personally, I learned of his passing through the St. Lawrence University Magazine. We were both a part of the 2001 graduating class, and given the small college community, I’m sure we crossed paths at some point. My condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. I pray that you can find peace and know that he had/has a community of individuals like myself, who may not have interacted directly, but because he was a part of the SLU community, his loss reaches beyond this who knew him well & lived him dearly.
Lon Miller
Derek and I became fast friends due to our shared love of useless information which we had a bounty of and enjoyed trading facts to enrich each other. I miss you dearly buddy. Till we meet again…