DEPAUVILLE, NY — Derek A. Forkey, 43, passed away Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, at his residence.
There will be a Celebration to honor Derek’s life in the spring of 2023 at Mark Haven Farms at a time to be announced.
Derek was born July 27, 1979, in Watertown, son of Kevin and Dottie Davidson Forkey. His mom passed away Oct. 27, 2002.
He graduated from Thousand Islands High School in 1997 and then St. Lawrence University in 2001 with degrees in Biology and Environmental Science.
At the time of his passing, he was vice president and manager for 4-Key Auto Sales on State Route 12.
At a young age he loved playing baseball, where he would play catch with his dad for hours at a time. This dedication led him to become a pitcher on the 1000 Islands High Baseball team, where the power of his pitch often stunned his dad’s hand if he didn’t catch it in the webbing! Derek also loved playing football with his dad, where he was always the Quarterback. He was a fan of the NY Giants Football team.
Derek, his mom and dad traveled all over the world until after his mom passed away. He and his dad kept the traveling tradition going after her death, including the Galapagos Islands, where they swam with millions of fish, including sharks, and most recently this past summer going to Egypt. While in Egypt, they visited the Great Pyramids and all the ancient sites alone the River Nile. Along the tour, the tour guide ended up asking Derek most of the questions on the history before them. This is how he earned the name Mr. Google. It was uncanny the knowledge he had on this and many other topics. From parasailing in Key West, horseback riding in Ecuador, and even hiking into the clouds in Costa Rica, Derek and his father were truly best friends and travel buddies.
He lived by the quote, “life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.” Recently on a health questionnaire they asked him if he was allergic to anything, his response of course, “yes, exercise, a good diet, an early alarm clock and saving money!”
Derek fought a courageous battle with his addiction and if he was still here now, he would tell all of us how much we all mattered to him and the love they brought into his life. Very recently Derek said to his dad, “I would go to hell and back if it would save you.” And just maybe that is exactly what he has done.
Surviving is his father, Kevin, and his companion Michelle, of Depauville; aunts, uncles, and cousins.
From his dad, Kevin: No one loved life more than Derek. We know he wouldn’t want us to wallow alone in our misery and grief, so we are hosting a Memorial Party to rejoice in his life and to raise a toast to our memories, as well as share a story. I hope you will come and pay your final respects with us in the Spring of 2023. I will always love you and I already miss you. Never forget to always order the large fries. Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because “he” happened.
Donations can be made at https://everloved.com/life-of/
Arrangements are with the T.R. Jetty Funeral Home in Clayton.
Condolences can be made at trjetty.com