We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved father, Derek Wayne Gilmar. Our dad was a very loving, caring father, cherished grandfather and great-grandfather, and a missed brother and uncle.

Derek Wayne Gilmar arrived in this world on September 10, 1952, in Kimberley BC to proud parents Margaret & Robert Gilmar. Kimberley was the perfect place for our dad to grow up as he got to enjoy fishing, skiing, water skiing, bocce ball and cars. It was also where he met his first wife, and together they welcomed 3 wonderful children. After a brief time, dad became a single parent, and he persevered raising 3 children on his own. As kids we always looked forward to our family Sunday evening swims with dad, t-ball coaching us and bringing us with him to watch him play league bowling, coach softball and play racquet ball. Our dad was a fun dad, taking us for car rides, camping, playing board games, card games, and many trips to visit grams in Kimberley.

After several years, he was introduced to the love of his life, his soulmate Lana. After 9 months, they married on October 24, 1992. A few more years went by, and then they moved to Medicine Hat where they opened a business. During their years in Medicine Hat, there were many fun family visits, and they also welcomed 13 grandchildren! Unfortunately, Lana became very ill and passed away in January 2016. After Lana’s passing, dad made the move back to Lethbridge to be closer to his kids and his brother, and to help care for his ailing father, who he took great care of.

Dad accepted a job driving the ELP bus part time to keep himself busy. He loved all his ELP kids & enjoyed going to work every day to see them. His ELP kids loved him just as much. Dad then retired at the end of 2024, and he was looking forward to spending more time with his beloved dog Bear, us kids and our families, as well as the great outdoors fly fishing. Dad enjoyed camping and was looking forward to the warmer weather to go camping and pulling his trailer with his brand-new truck. He also enjoyed relaxing in his favorite chair watching his favorite sports games of baseball and hockey. Dad would take his dog Bear for car or truck rides twice a day where he always stopped at his favorite Tims to get a large 3 cream. They would just drive around, and Bear would leave his “Nose Art” as dad called it all over the front windshield. While dad would drive around, he would call his kids to chat, and he never hung up without saying “I love you”. We will miss the daily phone calls, the sound of his voice, his laughter and dad jokes.

Devastatingly on February 27, 2025, after fighting a hard battle dad rejoined his wife Lana, his parents Margaret & Robert Gilmar, his nephew Warren and many of his cherished fur babies across the rainbow bridge.

Dad leaves behind his legacy in his 3 kids who he was deeply proud of, his daughter Melodie Gilmar (Ian), his 2 sons Adrian (Jodi) and Cameron (Belinda). Dad was also the proud grandparent of 16 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his best friend and fur baby, Bear.

Our dad is and will always be our hero, mentor and our best friend. We love our dad tremendously and will miss him dearly, every single day.

WE LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH DAD, THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES THAT WE WILL HOLD DEARLY TO OUR HEARTS! Love Pippy, Adrian and Cameron.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at 12:00 pm on Monday, March 10, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL.

A Celebration of Derek’s Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, March 10, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream, please visit at https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Derek-Gilmar

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Diabetes Association or your local SPCA.