Pettit, Derek
April 13, 1943 ~ October 7, 2025
PETTIT, Derek – It is with great sadness the family of Derek Pettit announce his passing at the age of 82 on October 7, 2025 at his home. Son of the late Claude and Nylene Pettit, loving husband of 58 years to Janet, Father of David (Darlene), Jennifer (Steve Gryzelak) and Jeffrey and Emily Doan. Papa to Eve (Doug Jones), Rory and Ethan Pettit; Rhys and Chloe Vanderzon; Clayton and Paisley Pettit and Jayden Raybot, sister Wendy Vent, sister-in-law Anna Pettit, brothers-in-law Wayne and Kathy Kloske, Kim and Beth Kloske, Ted and Tracy Kloske several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by Brothers Claude and Alex (Bernice), sister Suzanne McKitterick (Michael) sister-in-law Marian Kloske and daughter-in-law Heidi Pettit.
Derek was a proud member of IBEW Local 530 for over 57 years working on several large projects in the Chemical Valley. During which time he served as Secretary to the Apprenticeship Council for 30 years. He was honored to be delegated to the Provincial Advisory Committee for Apprenticeship Training where he was elected by members of the board to serve as Chairman during his final year of a three year term.
Derek was a proud family man and enjoyed coaching his three kids during their many years of playing baseball and hockey. He was well know for giving all players a chance to play the game. He was a long time member of the Wilkesport Community Centre Board where he served as Chairman.
After retirement he and Janet enjoyed their many vacation trips together. Also, enjoyed spending much time with his children and grandchildren watching them participate in various sports and especially the many hours spent in the backyard pool.
We would like to thank Dr. Daniel, Dr. MacSweeney, Mary and all the members of the Palliative Care Team that provided support and compassionate care.
Family and Friends are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 4pm to 7pm at Steadman Brothers Funeral Home, Brigden.
In lieu of flower, sympathy can be expressed through donations to V.O.N Donate to VON or charity of choice (Cheques mailed to funeral home).
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Condolences (37)
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Janet and family So sorry to hear of the passing of Derick. He was a wonderful person.
thoughts and prayers go out to the Petit family, Derek was larger than life and will be missed
P
Dear Janet. I was so sorry to hear of your loss of Derek. May wonderful memories of your life together bring you comfort at this sad time.
My Condolences to the Pettit Family Derek was a Great Man and Brother I had alot of Fun with Derek and he always had your back He will be missed by all that knew Him RIP Brother
Janet, David and families and friends, please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Derek. He was a great presence on a jobsite and there was never any shortage of laughter when he was. He was also a very steady hand on the Lambton Electrical Apprenticeship Council, and whose many years of experience provided calm and wisdom to our group. I’m very sorry for your loss.
My condolences to the Pettit family. Derek will be missed.
Janet & Family, Our sincere condolences. Wishing the entire family the best during this difficult time.
Janet, Jen & Steve, Rhys, Chloe and all the family- we’re all so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a wonderful, jovial guy who always had a dad joke to brighten the day!! Thinking of you all -Sarah, Kate, Brandon, Bev, Debbie and Diane ❤️
Dear Janet…..my deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of Derek….he was one of the pillars in our community and his wisdom will be missed….I remember a visit with him at your kitchen table some 52 years ago talking about the opportunities and the importance of the IBEW….a conversation that resonated many times with me over the years…..I pray that Gods loving arms will embrace you all, giving peace and comfort at this difficult time, Steve Arnold
The “we” would be Brian West and I.
Brian too knew Derek from work.
LOVE YOU ALL❤️
Marny P.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Janet and the rest of Derek’s Family. Derek was always there to pull some pranks on many people. He developed the nickname of “Cuddles” from some of his fellow electrician IBEW 530 brothers he worked with. R.I.P. Derek
Dear Janet and Family: We all are so very sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. Derek was a big man with a big heart and a big presence…. everyone will remember his smiles, his horsing around and his constant joking… always the life of the party.
We pray for God’s hand to be on you all at this heart-breaking time, His arms wrapped around you and His peace that surpasses all understanding.
My condolences to Derrick Petits Family for your loss.Cuddles was a great guy with a good sense of humour,respect for fellow workers.It was a pleasure to know him.
Janet & Family – so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. Dan really enjoyed working with him on the Community Centre Board in Wilkesport. We both enjoyed his fun loving personality & all his jokes! Derek was such a kind & caring soul, he will be greatly missed! Dan & Sandra Douglas
Janet and Family
Sorry to hear the sad news. Derek was a nice gentleman. My thoughts are with you.
Janet and family……Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Derek was a wonderful man that we had the privilege of knowing for many years. May his memory be a lasting treasure in your hearts.
Thinking of you folk. God be with you all.God bless.
My condolences to the family. I always looked forward to playing a baseball game when Derek was coaching. Derek was a great coach and did so with passion and love for all the players even the competition. He always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. Heaven gained a real angel. Janet and JP retell all the memories he will always live there. My heart goes out to you all.
My condolences to the Pettit family. I’m sorry for your loss.
The Voordenhout family send our condolences to the family. We really liked his stories and of course the pig roast. He will definitely be missed.
sorry to hear about Derek, he was a good neighbor. my thoughts are with you Janet and family.
Janet and family we are so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing, he was a true family man, who loved and supported his family always. He will be be fondly remembered by all. Take care during this difficult time.
We are so sorry to hear about Derek. We got to know him through Baseball. He was a coach in the Lambton Ladies Fastball Organization. A lot of competition with these ladies but they were all friends. He was a great and passionate person. Our condolences to his family. Memories are forever. Hugs JP.
We are very sorry to hear about Derek’s passing.
We send our condolences to all the family.
Janet and family. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Remembering Derek with many fond and happy memories ❤️
Jeff and family,
So sorry to read about the passing of your father/father-in-law/grandfather. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. May pleasant memories eventually bring you peace.
Michael and Cathy
We send our condolences to Janet, David, Jennifer, Jeff and Families. Derek will be missed by all who loved him, but we have our memories of this larger-than-life Family Hero. Rest in Peace Big D.
Dale & Kim Pettit
With heartfelt hugs. Janet and family. From an old co-worker. Linda Woods.
So many wonderful stories all our family could tell He was a wonderful friend to Pat and I. And ball coach for both our boys. We loved his smile and laughter and out look on life. He always was proud of the boys when playing ball no matter what the talent. He just wanted all the kids to have fun and he accomplished this. Always made them feel good about themselves …… our hearts break for all the family. We love you all. Patty Pat and family
My condolences Janet to you and your family in Derek’s passing. Very sad to learn of this news.
So sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Janet, David, Jennifer, Jeff and families: I am so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. He was a great fella whom Tom and I looked forward to visiting with at the arena or in years past at the ball diamond. He always made us laugh with a joke or two. Rest In Peace Derek.
Jeff, Clayton, and Paisley
Sending my sincere thoughts and condolences during this difficult time.
So many great memories.
So many baseball tournaments and hockey tournaments with the kids.
I remember Derek telling his favourite Martha joke in the parking lot at an OBA tournament in the Flesherton.
Derek could tell a joke like no other. He had his audience in stitches.
Derek was the first to help out and volunteer, like the time he chaperoned the grade eight class
Yes, Derek was a great man and will be missed. Derek was always so friendly and congenial to get along with.
Our sincere condolences to Derek’s family.
The McNaughton family
Thinking of you all during this difficult time! Derrick was such a great man, he sure will be missed! Lots of great memories at the ball diamond!
My deepest sympathy. He was a great man.
I’m very sorry to learn of Derrick’s passing. Started our apprenticeship together at scits high school many years ago. Condolences to his family members. He will be missed. Bev Byers.