McLellan, Derek Randall “Heavy D” – Age 50 of Gays River passed away suddenly at home on October 2, 2020. Born in Halifax, he was a son of the late Cyril and Audrey (Hirtle) McLellan.
Derek enjoyed singing and playing guitar, travelling, watching sports, especially hockey and golf, and loved to play cards (very competitively). He had been a long-time employee of Curly’s Pub and Grub where he made lifelong friends. Many of these friends were part of the annual trip down south in the spring which Derek came back sunburnt, mildly hung over and full of hilarious stories. He was a great singer and musician discovering this talent at an early age spending many a summer day on the back doorstep belting out songs with his childhood friends. Over the years, he was part of a number of bands which were made up of friends, family and co-workers, ending with The River Bottom Band.
Derek’s easy-going manner, big heart and quick and often “sarcastic” sense of humour put a big smile on everyone’s face whether he was home with family, sharing a laugh with his cousin, Dale, standing on stage next to long-time friend, Johnny Rock, or being “sociable” with the Tangly Bunch online, or just hanging out with his friends. His all too soon passing has left a void in many lives.
He will never be forgotten and sadly missed by sister, Sherri; niece, Megan; nephew, Ethan and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brother, Scott in infancy.
Cremation has taken place.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.
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“Fly high, fly free, little brother.”
