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The family of Derek John Henningsmoen uploaded a photo
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
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Dave Andrews posted a condolence
Friday, July 23, 2021
I was sad to hear of Derek’s passing, and would like to pass my condolences on to his family. Derek and I finished high school in Drayton Valley, and during that time we made many short and long trips together on motorcycles, some with his 350 Yamaha, and his Harley Sportster, myself on a Norton Commando. We were with groups sometimes, like when the 4 of us graduated and drove to Los Angeles and back, but the majority I remember the best were 1-2 weeks or long weekends. Most were to Vancouver Island and areas, and back through the upper US states, one to Drumheller or Calgary or wherever. There were some good memories, and bad ones; all were notable or taught us something. We realized (while we were doing it) why people don’t tow broken down motorcycles with another motorcycle. The rope is a bad thing when the towing driver slows for unexpected traffic and the rope dances around the front wheel of the towed vehicle. ( It also taught us about luck) We learned about sticking together and the buddy system because we didn’t have cellphones, and what to do when a seagull literally crashes into your helmet as you arrive at the BC Ferries Terminals. (you hang on tight) If you don’t get a picture of that, you should watch the movie ”Wild Hogs” with Tim Allen and picure Derek’s face instead of the actor on the screen. The similarities are amazing, and I laugh every time I see it.
One trip we were coming east out of Osoyoos, BC on Hiway 3 and were climbing the steep hill called Anarchist Mountain, and we got caught admiring the view all the way south across the US border instead of watching the road, and both looked up as we entered a hairpin corner of 30 Km/hour rating, at a highway speed of about 90 km/hr. My Norton was known for its cornering abilities, and the Sportster it’s lack of cornering, but somehow Derek managed to pull it through even though I could see the showers of sparks coming off it’s kickstand! He was a good driver, and his steady influence kept us both safe.
We were on Vancouver Island one year, and it rained for 3 days in a row. We decided, over a beer, to get the heck out of there on the last ferry and head inland to Penticton where it would be dry and hot. We drove all night in the fog and rain and darkness, until we reached a campsite Derek knew of just outside Penticton and we just parked and rolled over to sleep. When I woke later, it was boiling hot, and some guy was there working on Derek’s bike. I was a little shocked to see it was Derek’s father- a private pit crew of his own- who was camped there. Small world!
One other memorable experience was stopping for a beer and burger in Montanna, on our way to Logan’s Pass Road to the Sun. We had played a little pool and were late getting back on the bikes, and when we came out the sky was filled with very black thunderclouds. Derek convinced me we could outrun it if we left immediately and very fast. 5 miles down the road we both knew how wrong he was, as we were literally hydroplaning on the road- another learning experience for me for sure- and very wet. We were tough though and carried on but in about an hour the fog set in as we climbed the pass (Road to the Sun my ass) and we slowed to a crawl in first gear. We went down the other side with only the yellow line to follow, it was almost two hours of seeing nothing, and I remembered as I had to switch my fuel to reserve, that this was usually about the time the Sportster’s smaller tank would run out. I was very happy to see the sign for St. Marie’s shortly afterwards. It was nothing a few wiskeys could not fix!
I am glad to see you are having a Celebration of Life for Derek, it seems more fitting to remember all the things he enjoyed with a passion. I am sorry to not make it, as I am in BC now, and we are kinda on fire currently. Please accept that I am reliving all the memories of our trips here, as you do tomorrow there, and we can raise a glass to Derek together.
Dave Andrews
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Lori Spence posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
You were one of a kind and I’m truly going to miss you! I love how you used to make fun of me for making up my own words to the songs. Or how I would try to get you to dance around and you’d tell me to sit down before I fell down! Until we meet again my friend ❤️
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Phyllis, Brett and Erin Hunter posted a condolence
Sunday, July 11, 2021
Truly sorry tor the loss of a dad, and partner. May God wrap his arms around you, and guide you daily as you deal with the hole in your life. Love to you all, and always here for you.
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Colleen Binding posted a condolence
Thursday, July 8, 2021
I will miss you Derek, especially when I see Star Trek on I will think of all the times you would make sure it was on when I got to your house cause you knew how much I loved it (not)…lol. We had a few good laughs over our time and that I will remember.