Dick Suet Der, born on November 7th, 1937 in Canton, China , passed away peacefully with his daughters Cindy, and Stacey by his side on May 5, 2025.
Dad arrived in Canada at the age of 12 to live with his grandfather in Grimshaw, AB, to help him with the Chinese restaurant. Growing up in a foreign country, he had to learn English and adapt quickly to the very different culture and climate.
Dad eventually opened his own restaurant and that is how he met mom.
Dad was never afraid to try new things, always taking things apart to see how they worked. He learned carpentry and eventually drew up the floor plans and built the family home in Redwater, AB.
Dad was quite savvy, and had sparks of ingenuity. He ended up owning several businesses throughout his career one of which was a sign business that started in the basement of his house, progressing to the garage, then eventually purchasing some land to build a shop to accommodate the expansion. The sign shop all came about because a customer at the cafe dad owned commented on how nice his “Starlite Cafe” sign was. Dad said, “yeah, I did that!”. The customer asked if he could paint numbers on their fleet of trucks and other signs for Esso that was moving into town. Dad said “of course I can!”, even though that was the only thing he had painted! We truly admire how creative, innovative, and confident he was.
Eventually, they sold the sign business and shop to move to Edmonton to pursue other interests and be closer to family.
Dad was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Oilers and Elks (Eskimos) for many years. We hope this year the Oil will do dad a solid and bring the cup home!
Dad is predeceased by his wife Betty, sister, Judy (Dwayne), and brother Raymond (Tina). He is survived by his daughters Cindy (Rick), and Stacey, brothers, Dennis (Evelina), Danny (Esther), Frank (Judy), and sisters, Sherry (Paul), and Karen (Henry), along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life was held on May 10, 2025, and this will be followed by another celebration in the days come.
Please keep his memory alive with fond memories and, “MacGyver” whatever you can when you can!
Dear Cindy and Stacey,
I was very saddened to find out that your dad, Dick, has passed away on May 5, 2025. I was working for the Sturgeon Health Unit as a health inspector in Redwater from 1973 to 1975. I spent a lot of my leisure time with Dick and Betty. Cindy, you were a child then so, you may or may not remember me. After I left Redwater and moved back to Vancouver, Dick, Betty, you and Stacey came to visit me. My daughter remembered playing with Stacey and you at our home.
I even remember meeting Dick’s brother, Danny and Dennis playing Mah-Jong for a few times in Redwater. Dick and Betty treated me very kindly as a good friend.
Last year I tried to reach out to Dick by phoning and e-mailing the Redwater Ideal Sign operator, but no luck!
My deepest condolence to you all. I have missed Dick and Betty very much.
He was a remarkable man with an immense amount of knowledge about a variety of many things. We had a lot in common like our zodiac sign, our excitement for trips to Home Depot, and our love of carpentry tools. He taught me everything I know about tools. He will definitely be missed.
Dear Cindy and Stacey,
I am so saddened to hear of your dad’s passing. Uncle Dick was such a kind and spirited person, and he will be deeply
missed. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Let me know if there is anything you need.
We loved you Dick, my Brother in Law always willing to help me in anyway possible .You will be missed , but you are together with Liz my sister your wife. Remembering you glori,
My dear cousins, Cindy & Stacey;
Thinking about you at this difficult time… Uncle Dick was truly the best & will be sadly missed…
Dear Cindy,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your father. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time.
You are such a strong, caring, and compassionate person—qualities that surely reflect the values your father instilled in you. As a valued partner and an incredible part of our team, please know that my thoughts are with you and your family.
May the love and support of those around you bring some comfort in the days ahead. If there is anything you need, professionally or personally, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
With deepest sympathy