Derek Anthony Serkies, 55, of Ottumwa, formerly of Bloomington, IL, died on Thursday, July 11, 2024 after a six-year battle with Lewy Body Dementia.
Derek was born on July 24, 1968 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He was adopted by Roman and Lyla Serkies at the age of 6 days. Some of Derek’s fondest and earliest memories were watching Hockey Night in Canada with his dad each week and cheering for the Detroit Red Wings – NEVER the Maple Leafs.
Derek is survived by his three sons, Tristan Roman Serkies (engaged to Emma Whitehouse) of Bloomington, IL, Jackson Walker Serkies and Connor Robert Serkies, both of Platteville, WI. He is also survived by the love of his life, his wife, Libby Serkies, whom he married on February 25, 2011 in Bloomington, IL. Derek, Libby and the boys built a wonderful life while the boys were still at home, often engaging in one of the family’s favorite activities, Family Game Night. The five of them even had a traveling winning trophy for their game night escapades. Derek loved playing board games as well as games of skill to keep his mind sharp until just the last few months of his life. Derek was also an avid music fan who had an almost encyclopedic knowledge of bands, albums, and singers. He also studied piano at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto for many years.
Derek was incredibly proud of his Canadian roots, even after moving to the United States in 1996. Before he made the big move to the South, Derek had his own accounting business. Always one to have a way with numbers, Derek continued to use his skills as a night auditor at Jumer’s Hotel in Bloomington before beginning his career at State Farm Insurance, where he took on several roles before ending his employment there in the Corporate Tax Department.
In 2016, Derek and Libby moved to the desert southwest and took up residence in Derek’s favorite playground – Las Vegas, NV. While living in Las Vegas, Derek and Libby became diehard Vegas Golden Knights fans. Derek was a fan of many sports and enjoyed spending time with Libby watching a host of them, from hockey (NEVER the Leafs), to American Football (especially the Green Bay Packers), Canadian Rules Football (he backed the Calgary Stampeders), and English Premiere League Football (Derek was a “Gunner” and cheered for Arsenal).
While in Vegas, Derek began working at the front desk at the El Cortez Hotel and loved every second of it. Derek had so many stories that he began writing a blog with some of the best of them. You can find the blog online if you search for “Front Desk Confidential blog.” (No one can come after him about the blog now!)
Sadly, while living in Las Vegas, Derek became sick and was ultimately diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2018. This cruel disease is a combination of Alzheimer’s Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease in its symptoms. Derek became a patient of the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and through his treatment there was able to manage most of the symptoms of his disease for many years. He met each hurdle after being diagnosed with a terminal illness with courage and grace, embracing a “don’t sweat the small stuff” attitude that had a profound effect on everyone he encountered.
Derek’s loved ones were the most fortunate people on the planet as he was unflinchingly loyal and devoted to them. Derek’s love for his family and friends knew no bounds. And Derek never met a stranger. Those lucky enough to have a place in Derek’s life knew they were deeply, deeply loved. Derek could strike up a conversation with anyone, whether in the grocery store or waiting in line for a performance. Derek’s fondest wish was to leave every person, place, or situation better than he found it, and he succeeded in that. The world is a little darker now that his light is no longer in it. To say that Derek had a profound and lasting impact on all our lives is a colossal understatement. Derek’s love and lessons will remain with us always.
However, we will Hold on to Memories made with Derek, knowing he is roaming the Meadows of Heaven, letting his Soulshine as he is now The One Who Knows what happens after we die. Heaven will Bless a Brand New Angel, and every time The Wind blows, we will know it is still Derek passing through our lives. Derek’s last days were a Tender Surrender, but he faced them knowing he would soon be reunited with his dad, his grandparents, get to meet Libby’s dad, and be reunited with his best friend, Libby’s mom. Derek demonstrated at the End of Time – The Weight of the World means nothing, and to Always Look on the Bright Side of Life. The songs listed above were chosen by Derek and Libby to be part of his memorial service.
Cremation rites will be accorded and a memorial service will be held in Bloomington, IL at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health’s Keep Memory Alive project and sent to 888 W Bonneville Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89106.
