Obituary of Derek William Boekholt

Derek William Boekholt (March 22, 1952 – June 15, 2009) Derek was born at Tacoma General Hospital and was the oldest of three children born to Conrad and Barbara Boekholt. He lived most of his life in the North End. Derek attended Downing Elementary, Truman Junior High and Wilson High School, graduating in 1970. As a younger man, Derek loved fast cars, the salt water and fishing. Over the years he spent countless hours river fishing with his brother, John, cousin, Brian, or a variety of his many friends. Derek lived for a few years in Bellingham where he explored the crabbing trade from his own boat. He also spent one summer on an Alaskan Fishing boat hoping to get rich. Upon his return to Tacoma, he joined Auto Warehousing Company where he had a 20+ year career. Derek enjoyed listening to Smooth Jazz and KPLU as an adult but grew up listening to the Beatles and other groups of the 70’s. His television was usually tuned to the news, history, nature or PBS channels and he especially liked the British comedies. Derek was a true Patches Pal. He and his sister, Julie, would immediately call each other if they heard of a personal appearance nearby or an upcoming TV appearance. He even owned a J.P. Patches bobblehead and action figure. Derek was a quiet man who lived a quiet life and loved his family very much. Having no children of his own, he made sure to be a part of his niece and nephews lives by always being part of their birthday celebrations and holiday gatherings. He was also well liked, maybe even loved, by his neighbors who included him in bar-b-ques and neighborhood get-togethers. They always kept a watchful eye on him. Derek died peacefully in his sleep of natural causes resulting from a long-term illness. A private memorial will be held with the Reverend John Alvord officiating. If desired, contributions in Derek’s name may be sent to Tacoma Rescue Mission.