Derek CORDES

1946 - 2020

Derek CORDES obituary, 1946-2020, Blenheim, Marlborough

BORN

1946

DIED

2020

Derek CORDES Obituary

CORDES, Derek William:
Born June 25, 1946, at Fairlie, died peacefully surrounded by whanau at Hospice Marlborough on May 8, 2020, after a short illness. Much loved partner of Wanda and the late Janey, much loved father and father-in-law to Carleen and Sheldan, the late Sam Phillips, and Hayden Cordes, Poppy D to Regan, Samuel and Edel. Much loved Poppy D to Lester and Kylie Hebberd, Derek and Kelli Hebberd, Marie and Chris Rhodes, and all our whanau. An old Antarctic explorer, New Zealand Forest Service, builder of bridges and huts, overseer of the Rainbow Skifield. A deer culler, mountain climber and trainer, Marlborough Museum historian and avid collector, the Helicopter Museum Trust, book collector and lover of photography, bus owner and operator, book writer and researcher. A man with a heart of gold and a love enough for all. Thanks to the Hospice staff and all the Oncology team. Messages may be sent to 138 Muller Road, Blenheim 7201.
Go climb that one last mountain the boy from
Fairlie High

Put your boots on and take your last breath as you
reach the summit

We will hear your last
breath and sigh

For your work on earth wasn't done but a greater call
had come

You ceased to surprise us with your magical and
comical antics

A mighty man with a big heart of gold, there's not a man on this earth that has earned the name that you so deserved and it's stuck to you like the honey to the hive

Poppy D was given and you took it with pride and everyone will still call you that even after you have died

Rest well on that mountain as God has called you home and sleep peacefully and rest easy for we have not left you alone for we are just a breath away.

Wandeewoos

Published by Marlborough Express on May 14, 2020.

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Memories and Condolences
for Derek CORDES

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16 Entries

Very sad news the passing of Derek, lucky to have caught up several months ago at home in Fairlie with cousin Martin and Jennie, enjoyed immensely more captivating and sometimes hilarious antarctic stories, and a brilliant repeat of blowing up the allendale bridge as a kid with his chemistry set. So long fellow Cordes interested in all things old and lover of the outdoors, Rest In Peace with Aunty Gwen and Uncle Bill. From Bede Cordes and family.

Bede Cordes

May 31, 2020

Sorry to hear of Dereks passing, Derek was my boss in the Branch Leatham late 70s, had some great times he could look after his men never went hungry in the hills. Never forget the time when the Toyota washed down the Leatham River or shot the canopy
on the back of the Landcruser, RIP old freind Pat Bonis

May 20, 2020

I was in the bone marrow unit with Janey and my family staying at Ranui came to know Derek, I remember him as a kind caring man. My thought are with your family at his loss.

Averil Ferbert

May 19, 2020

So sorry to hear of Dereks passing. Worked with Derek in 1967 at Craigieburn Forest park, Hokitika and thru the 70s and 80s in the N Z Forest Service in Marlborough.
A great guy and will be truly missed.
Rest in peace old mate.

John Baxter

May 18, 2020

Sorry to read of Derek's passing. Bernie worked with Derek in the NZFS in Blenheim for many years. Bernie Coggan and Brenda Hatwell Saint Arnaud

May 18, 2020

So sorry to read of Dereks passing. I worked with Janey for many years and Derek you sure were an amazing man.
Thoughts are with your whanau at this sad time . R.I.P

Lynette Valk

May 18, 2020

Carleen and family
Derek was a great man always helping others and had a heart of gold he will be sadly missed
Xxxx

Bridie Shannon

May 17, 2020

Derek took the Marlborough Tramping Club on numerous trips both near and far over some roads that others wouldn't have wanted to take a bus. Always willing and keen to fit us in with his other commitments and he never minded all the dirty wet gear at the end of the day. RIP Derek
Marlborough Tramping Club

May 16, 2020

May 16, 2020

Sorry to see you go so soon mate you were great to work with and will be missed by many
Dave Richardson

Dave Richardson

May 16, 2020

My condolences to Derek family. I enjoyed my time with him in the forest service..he was always great company in the bush
Regards Mike Barnett

Mike Barnett

May 16, 2020

Fond memories of Derek when we were growing up together in Fairlie. I spent many happy hours with Derek, Gwen and Bill. Since condolences to all Derek's whanau.
Love, Bill Barwood

Bill Barwood

May 15, 2020

Worked with Derek back in the 70's through the Branch/Leatham state forest and Rainbow. Good times had by all.

Jeff Lennon

May 15, 2020

Well respected by Marlborough Police Search & Rescue who called upon Derek's expertise on many occasions.
Rest in peace Derek.

Kevin Hawkins

May 15, 2020

My deepest sympathy to you all. From an ex neighbour from Fairlie days on Opihi Street.Helen Gordon.

Helen Mitchell

May 15, 2020

RIP Dougal Breeze. Wendy Anderson (Kens wife).

May 15, 2020

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

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