Harold Derby Edward Grossman

Derby Grossman, aged 90, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025 with family at his bedside. He was preceded in death by his wives Donna (née Leveridge, d.2015) and Barbara (née Dye, d.1972), his stepdaughter Kathy Esselmont, and brother Terry Grossman. He is lovingly remembered by his children Liz Dürfeld (Ric Dürfeld), Don Grossman (Tracy Espenant), and Leah Ramsay (Dave Ramsay), as well as stepchildren Kerry Cook (Dan Cook) and Kim Esselmont (Andrew Rolf von den Baumen). He leaves behind 19 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

Derby grew up on a family farm in Chilliwack, BC. He raised dairy calves and participated in many horse-riding events of which he boasted how he won both the Western and English classes! He loved baseball and boxing in the Golden Gloves competitions.

Derby was a longtime resident of Williams Lake, BC, where he raised his family and worked for 42 years as a train Engineer for BC Rail. In his spare time, Dad used his extraordinary farming skills to grow and process bountiful vegetable gardens, that provided for his “Brady Bunch” family. His great love for sports and the outdoors was instilled in all the family.

In 1998, Derby and Donna retired to their beach front dream home they built in Bowser, BC. Together they enjoyed Island life, while hosting and entertaining their large family and many friends. Derby filled his retirement with golfing, gardening, traveling the world with Donna, and his lifelong passion for fishing. He was also committed to volunteering at the local salmon hatchery to ensure fishing would remain strong for future generations.

He always loved a good prank and enjoyed telling stories from his railroad days, or his multitude of hunting, fishing, and travelling adventures. We will all miss Derby’s laughter, and that distinct glint in his eyes, when he was remembering those, he loved and joked with.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff at St. Michael’s Care Centre for the kindness and care given to Derby over the years.

A Celebration of Life for Derby will be held at:

Kearney Funeral Home

219 Sixth Street

New Westminster, BC

Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 2pm