Obituary of Dereck Charles Day

Dereck Charles Day

January 2, 1954 - November 27, 2021

Herring Cove, Spryfield and beyond are mourning the sudden and tragic loss of our dear friend, Dereck. Known to all as "Rick".

Rick had a quiet and charismatic charm. Known for his kindness, he was a consummate gentleman and a disarming and engaging conversationalist. He was an avid reader, a gifted wordsmith, hiker, nature/animal lover, musician and a ground-breaking graphic designer in the Halifax print media scene – well before the era of desktop publishing. Rick was a valuable and reliable software user, trainer and trouble-shooter for his colleagues as the print and design industry transitioned into digital media. He was a graduate of J.L. Ilsley High School and studied graphic design and photography at The Nova Scotia College of Art and Design where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Design Communication. He was a founding member of the firm, Graphic Design Associates, where he designed print and exhibition media for the music industry, government and corporate clients throughout the Atlantic Region. He subsequently worked for several years at E.O.A. Scientific where he applied his skills making digital educational materials. Before retirement Rick was employed for several years at the NSLC where his advice on wine was in demand.

A music lover with broad eclectic taste, his music playing began when he and colleagues, none of whom were musicians, decided to rent all of the equipment needed for a weekend of noise. Rick went on to play electric bass and acoustic guitar and recorded many musician friends over the years in his home studio. He did album covers for some big acts but he also was very generous to budding musicians, often providing them with free posters.

To spend time with Rick was to know that he was humble, compassionate, intelligent, generous and funny. As serious as he was about technical matters at hand, this did not outweigh his enthusiasm for 'Monty Python's', 'Codco', 'Kids in the Hall', 'The Far Side', 'The Trailer Park Boys', many comics and puzzles, etc. He truly lived, loved and laughed.

Rick was predeceased by his father, Charles "Bucky" Day and mother Lorraine (Young) Day (Halifax) and brother Ronnie. He is survived by brother Gary Day (Jackie) and nieces Taylor and Cleanne, nephew Dylan Day (Adrienne), sister-in-law Gennine, cousin and close family friend Theresa Miller as well as extended family.

Visitation will be at J. Albert Walker Funeral Home in Spryfield on Sat. Dec. 11, 10am-12 and 1 to 3pm. Proof of double vaccination and government ID are required. Masks must be worn at all times.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bide Awhile Animal Shelter.

.