Derek Michael Leo Henry, 39, passed away on July 2, 2024. Born on April 8, 1985, Derek grew up Morinville, Alberta where he became known for his bright smile, his quick mind, and his deep love for animals of every kind. Many remember him skateboarding through town with his dog Koda leading the way, both of them wearing matching grins that could lift anyone’s spirits.
Derek was exceptionally intelligent — the kind of person who absorbed information effortlessly and understood the world in ways that didn’t always fit neatly into the systems around him. His artistic talent was remarkable, and drawing was one of the few places where his mind found calm and clarity. Animals were another. Whether it was a dog, a cat, or any creature that crossed his path, Derek felt a profound innocence in them, and they seemed to sense the same in him.
He faced significant mental health challenges throughout his life, challenges that were often invisible to others and far more complex than most will ever understand. In his final years, those struggles became heavier, and the systems meant to help him instead left him lost within them. But those years — as difficult as they were — were not the measure of who Derek truly was.
At his core, Derek was kind, protective, and selfless. He stood up for people who had no one else. He took the blame so others wouldn’t have to. Even when he didn’t have the tools to help himself, he still found ways to help others. During the hardest chapters of his life, he likely saved more people than anyone will ever know, guiding them off the streets and toward safety with a quiet, unrecognized heroism.
Derek is survived by his mother Birgit, his father Timothy, and his sister Stephanie, who looked up to him not because he was perfect, but because he taught her through his mistakes, his resilience, and his heart. He is predeceased by his beloved dog Koda, whose loss deeply affected him, and later joined by Loki, the dog who became both his and his sister’s soul companion. Many of his cherished fur-family — cats and dogs alike — are with him now, keeping him safe and loved.
Derek’s life is a reminder that every person carries a story far deeper than what the world may see. His family encourages others to show compassion, to recognize the importance of mental health, and to remember that even those who struggle can leave behind a legacy of loyalty, love, and quiet courage.
You are missed by all Drk.