Derus, John

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of John surrounded by his family at the Brantford General Hospital on Sunday July 8, 2018. John Derus in his 85th year. Beloved husband for over 61 years of the late Orla Derus who pre-deceased him on May 9, 2017. Loving father of Ed, Rick (Wendy), Angie (Steve) Nemeth, Kathie and Elizabeth (John) Nichols. Proud Dziadziu of Lauren and Johnny, Alexandra and Kelly, Brad and Mike (Suzanne) and Sarah, Jordan and Kevin. Great Grandfather to James Nemeth. Survived by his sisters Polly Klus, Bernice Malecki and many nieces, nephews and friends. One of the forefathers of the Brant area towing industry John and Orla with their children owned and operated John Derus Service Station and touched the lives of four generations of customers and friends. A mechanic by trade, John was just a phone call away and heavily relied upon by the RCMP and the OPP to recover vehicles and help first responders keep area roads open for over 6 decades. Rain or shine, night or day. Towing was his business but his favourite pastime was farming. John could often be seen on McGill Rd. tending to his land on one of his many tractors.

Friends will be received at the TOLL FUNERAL HOME at 55 Charing Cross Street on Sunday July 15 at 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church, 235 Brant Ave. on Monday July 16, 2018 at 10 a.m. Internment following at St. Joseph's Cemetery. www.tollfh.ca