We Remember
HART, Derek Jason
April 8, 1954 — April 16, 2025
Derek Jason Hart passed away peacefully at Kelowna General Hospital in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, on April 16, 2025, after living a full and meaningful life.
He was predeceased by his father Klaas Vink (d. 2018); and is lovingly remembered by his mother Tjitske Vink; sisters Chris (Jay) Fancie, and Joyce Jagt; and brother Andrew (Rebecca) Vink . He is also survived by his nephews and nieces: Mike (Hilary), David (Jamie), Daniel (Sandra), Laura (Tayt), Melanie (Jeffrey), Patricia (Juan Carlos), Kevin (Amanda), Bethany (Casey), Jordan (Amber), and Sharon (Daniel), along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
After becoming a Journeyman Electrician in Ontario, Derek followed his dreams west in 1979, moving to Kelowna to embrace the lifestyle he loved — water skiing and parasailing in the summer, and snow skiing in the winter. He spent many years as the Head Electrician at the Western Star Truck Plant, where his sharp mind and meticulous nature were deeply valued.
Derek’s passion for cars began at a young age. As a child, he would spend hours racing toy cars around intricate track setups, often assembling and customizing his miniature vehicles with care and creativity. That early fascination grew over the years — by his teens, he had fully restored a Mercedes and a Triumph. In adulthood, his love for motorsports found new expression at Thunder Mountain Raceway where he became a familiar face behind the camera, capturing the thrill of the track as a talented photographer and videographer.
Derek will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
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