97 responses to Derek Kynan Wendt

1. 

   Paul Wendt says:

   October 15, 2006

   Remarks of Paul Wendt for Derek Wendt’s memorial service on 10/12/06

   For those who do not know me, my name is Paul Wendt, one of Derek’s uncles. Not unlike many who knew him, I will always remember Derek Kynan Wendt for his seemingly endless energy and spirit.

   He touched down on Earth in Northern Indiana on a wild Spring day that saw several tornadoes do the same and the animated, vortex of spirit that was Derek stayed constant with us until it was stilled this past week.

   Derek was a young man who lived his far too-short life with a child-like enthusiasm that should be envied by us all. To say he was a unique individual does not do justice to a person who was a kind, caring, fun-loving character who we will miss and remember for the rest of our lives.

   I remember Derek and his rapid-fire questions:
   You like the Dodgers?
   You like the Padres?
   You don’t care?
   You think they suck?

   I will always remember Derek in his chameleon-like sports attire and his uncanny ability to be wearing the jersey of the very team that was playing your favorite team that day. Oh, and if your team lost, he was pretty good at putting in the needle. I don’t know where he ever learned that, Cliff.

   Just a few weeks ago, I was at home in Phoenix, cleaning the pool, when my daughter Caitlin walked up to me with the phone. “It’s Derek,” she said and I immediately thought: Oh jeez, which one of my teams lost today?

   But that wasn’t why he called at all. He was excited that he had won tickets to see a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. He called because he wanted to share that with me. I said, “That’s great Derek, I hear it’s a special place to hear a concert.” Then he said, “I’m sorry I didn’t win enough tickets for you guys.” It touched me. It touched me because, I knew, he really meant it. That’s the kind of person he was.

   He was a son.
   He was a brother.
   He was a grandson.
   He was a nephew.
   He was a cousin.
   He was a friend.
   He was a companion.
   He was a father, and he was loved.

   It has been said many times that life is a gift. I believe that Derek was a gift to us. But sooner or later, God collects his gifts. He chose to bring up our Ken so soon. We don’t understand. We are not built to understand. Lord, today we sit here stunned. We sit here shattered. We cling to the faith that with time, we will heal. Heal us enough to carry ourselves forward to the day when we are reunited with our loved ones.

   Until that day, it is left to us to live our lives with the same spirit, energy, kindness and child-like enthusiasm that was Derek Wendt.

   Friends, this family has taken a heavy blow. I would be less than honest if I did not say we feel a little like we’re on the ropes today. But I know, with your help, your support, your prayers and your love, we’ll get off those ropes soon. And when we do, we’re going to come out swinging.

   Thank you all for being here today. It means more to us than you will ever know.

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2. 

   Sean Wendt says:

   October 15, 2006

   It was pretty apparent that Derek supported many teams. I think if he had to pick one now he would stick with the angels.

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3. 

   Clair Wendt says:

   October 17, 2006

   Words are not adequate in times like these. We are in shock and broken hearted at Derek’s sudden passing. Having known Derek since he was a little boy, I have many memories of him. One of my favorite is picturing Derek at Cliff & Nancy’s wedding last May when he was dancing, singing and totally in the moment. It is that vision, that beautiful smile that I will always think of. My prayers are with Derek and all of us–praying for answers, strength and courage at this most difficult time. God Bless you Derek…til we meet again. Love, Aunt Clair

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4. 

   sarah buba says:

   October 19, 2006

   Dear Ken Derrick, Oct.5,2006

   I love you soooo much! I’ve loved you since the first day I laid eyes on you. I know we had our ups and downs, but we always worked them out. I remember our FIRST day together. The FIRST kiss. The FIRST hug. The FIRST time we made love. The FIRST movie. Just everything about you made me feel so in love. We had the most beautiful and precious little girl together and we wanted more. We even wanted to get married soon. When I look at Caitlyn, I will always see you. I will always remember the nickname you gave me, SWEET PEEP! You are the love of my life. I remember going to the prom with you at the Cannery and we had the best time and we also went to Tinsel Town my senior year. we had the best 8 years together. tou were and still are the best boyfriend and father anyone could ever have. In the last month and a half, we were doing so awesome. We went to our last hocky game together on Wednesday sept. 28, 2006 to see the anaheim ducks. we went to many wonderful angel games together. it was our family outing together. before we had caitlyn, we did everything together. we went to many concerts, we went to wisconsin, just you and i in 2004, and i had one of the best times of my life with you. i will always look at caitlyn and see you. she has your nose and you build. now i know why we spelt caitlyn with a “c”. she will always be a reminder of you. she has your last name. i just want you to know Caitlyin loved you and will always love you with all her heart. we will be moving to wisconsin before she is in kindergarten and i hope to have my license by the end of the year. i know that you did not like irvine or california ,so i will be moving to wiscon to fulfill your dream of not living in california. caitlyn will ask where her daddy is some day and i will tell her the truth. you did not have to die that way. the doctors misdiagnosed you so that means they killed you. you would be here today if it wasnt for those doctors. i know that before you passed awayyou had said that you loved caitlyn so much and that you loved me so much. you were so cute when caitlyn was born. you said that caitlyn looked a lot like paul mcCartney. Derrick, you always had affection for me. you were so excited to be the best DADDY you could be. you loved your baby girl so much! we had plans to move in the summer of 2008 and i so badly wanted you, caitlyn and i to moveout there at the same time! i was looking forward to paying on our new apartment until you had a jov and as able to help. Derrick, caitlyn looks at the collage of photos we made for you and says DADDy DADDY. this morning when we walked outside to get ready to go to your house, caitlyn looked up to head and said DADDY! i will always tell her what a great, wonderful, caring, giving and loving father you were to her. caitlyn looks just like you derrick. she is the spitting image of you. i will never forget the concerts, angel games, ducks games, vacation and our late nights together. the days we went to the pool, and the nights we went to the spa.when we played basketball, baseball, and football together were some of the happiest moments of my life. you were my man and always will be. you helped me improve my self-eseem. i remember when i used to call you daddy and loved it. i promise i will take very good care of your baby, caitlyn. i will get her into softball for you, and i wont pay for modeling anymore. i am going to get into ice skating though because you that i really like that sport. caitlyn will always be your little princess, and you will always be my prince. i love you soooo much!
   XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
   LOVE ANWAYS AND FOREVER!,
   sarah wife

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5. 

   chelsea wendt says:

   October 23, 2006

   As you all know Derek’s favorite baseball team was The Braves. It all makes sense now because he was the bravest person I ever knew. Some of the last words he said to me when I went to check on him in the hospital were, “Chelsea, do you want to go to Arizona with me to see the Bears game?”,As I was looking at him I realized my brother sitting there had grown so much and truly had become a man. I will miss all the numerous sports game he had running on all the TV’s and radios, cheering for his favorite teams. Derek was sooo special and unique. We are all soo blessed to have had him in our lives. Derek loved his family so much and loved when everyone would get together. He was so friendly and always wanted to talk to everyone; no matter who it was. He was so thoughtful and would never forget anyone’s birthday. Derek accomplished so much in the time he was here and always lived everyday to the fullest. He was so passionate and would never give up.
   We shared so many fun times together like dance classes, concerts, being in the nutcracker, playing video games, pizza nights on Friday’s, going to the gym, vacations, learning to snowboard, swimming, Palm Desert, ball games, going to high school together, Jolly Rogers, the beach, learning how to drive together, Baskin Robbins, Indiana, feeding the ducks, playing stuffed animals, riding bikes, and getting autographs.
   Derek had such a pure heart. He always wanted the best for everyone and for everyone to be happy. I could go on forever and ever about Derek and all the unique qualities he had but I know everyone will always remember the joy and energy he brought to our lives. There is a saying I found that says: if you have lost your parents, you have lost your past; if you lost your children, you have lost your future; if you have lost your spouse, you have lost your present; BUT if you have lost your sibling, then you have lost your past present and future.
   It will never be the same without you brother. You will always be with me and in a huge chunk of my heart.
   Love Always,
   Your sister aka dudette

   P.S. Thank you for always coming to help me when I locked my keys in my car.

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