We Remember
UNDERHILL, Delbert Clarke
April 8, 1944 — November 11, 2020
Del was born in Calgary, Alberta on April 8, 1944 and his life journey peacefully ended in the Kelowna General hospital on November 11. 2020, surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his father Herbert Underhill in 1991 and his Mother, Mary Underhill (Pawliuk) in 1974.
Del will be sorely missed by his sweetheart and love of his life of 47 years, his wife Diane. Del leaves an eternal memory and an empty void in the lives of his children, son Richard Thomas (Anita), daughters Janice Dyck (Bill) Desiree Underhill (Darren Dalgarno) and Dallas Tregubova. Del attributed all of his love and wisdom to his grandchildren whom had endless admiration for their: Giedo; Jaustin, Jordelle, Avery, Gage, Magdalena (Janice/Bill Dyck) and Greisen, Kasciya, Caspian (Dallas/Zhenia Tregubov)
Del is survived by his loving siblings, Florence Underhill (Doug Renneberg) and Clint Underhill, and his in-law brothers and sisters, Jim & Myrna Popadynetz and Angie & Doug Hazelwood.
Uncle Del will be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews; Crystal, Melanie, Eldonna, Beau, Jodie, Jessie, Codie and their families. Del cherished his Aunts and Uncles, his many cousins and extended family, and the many, many friends and neighbors that he came to know over the years.
Del was a loving supportive husband, a pillar and mentor for his children and could be seen inspiring and teaching his grandchildren. Known for his strong handshake, but yet gentle, he was inspirational, charismatic and a gentleman who touched the lives of all those who were lucky to know him.
Del Grew up in Bowness through his school years when many memories and lifelong friends were made. As a young teenager, feeling rebellious and eager to start his own life, he left the city and headed to the country for his first job on a ranch near Chestermere. He really enjoyed those days, and he often reminisced of what he learned while he was working on the farm. Eventually he returned to the city and was fortunate in landing a job with a business forms company. He spent half of his career in the printing shop and was proud of his accomplishments through those years as a collator operator and Supervisor. His career shifted in the late 70s to the construction industry, following in his father’s footsteps, he started up his company, C Custom Caulking. He enjoyed the independence of being his own boss and working outdoors. And through the years earned the reputation as one of the best Caulkers in the City! His most remarkable caulking contract was the Cross Iron Mall in Balzac! Del had a love and passion for the western lifestyle and Rodeo. As he would say, I never got rich and famous as a bareback rider…but oh it was one hell of a ride!! The rodeo family became our family! Later he stayed involved in Rodeos by judging and took on the role as president of the A.R.C.A promoting amateur rodeo cowboys. Del was a longtime Legion member joining Branch 286 in Calgary in 1984, where many friends were made, and continued at Branch 29 in Creston, BC.
He had an excitement and joy for anything outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting and camping. Never turning down a trip to the gun range. Del was naturally at one with nature and always found excitement exploring anywhere he went either on foot, horseback, or motorhome. After retiring Del and Diane moved to the Kootenays, the mountains were calling, and his strong will made it a reality. He loved his new home in Wynndel, he put his signature touch on his mountain paradise, where the love and warmth surround all family and friends who visit!
“With my heart of gold
And my last handshake
I close my eyes and count my score.
The Kootneys have done
The favor at best
With lakes and mountains
And trails to test.
I am happy and proud
Of all of you’s around
Wipe them tears and
Smile for me.
Family and friends it’s been my pleasure
I have to depart and leave my lakeshore.
Rejoice in our past
With memories of gold
I hope your “Delbert” days
Never grow old.
Soar like an eagle
Resting high in the sky
My love for you all, will never die.
Till we meet again
You will find me
Where the ocean meets the sky,
I’ll be sailing…”
-Written by Desiree Underhill
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
So very sad, what a loss for our family…we will always cherish our memories of Del. Sending love and hugs to you all….😢❤❤❤❤❤
We lost a great guy.. My prayers are with you guys
I am sorry for your loss,I feel your pain. I am glad I got the pleasure of knowing him. You’re in my prayers
We are still in shock and so very sorry for your loss. We have loved our association with Del and wish there could have been more time. Hug your loved ones and remember well. “A limb has fallen from the family tree, that says Grieve not for Me, Remember the best times, the laughter, the song, the good life I lived while I was strong”
I was so shocked to hear of the passing of such a life force as Del. He was always a gracious host along with Diane and included Willy and I when family came through town. He always had a hug that lifted you off your feet and a big “Hi cuz”. He especially loved Grandpa Underhill. We missed him and Diane when they left Calgary and feel so sad for the family on his passing. We would be there if we could. Love Marian & Will
Ah my “uncle” Del….. what a magnificent legacy you leave behind. You will be sadly missed by all whose lives you touched. Love to all the family ❤️
I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with all of Del’s loved ones.
Del was such a wonderful person and a real shining light, he will be missed.
Oh my dear cousin….how you will be missed. I remember your humour and your kindnesses. I looked up to you like a brother. My last words to you were “I love you”….yours to me was “I love you more”.
Many people will walk into ,and out of our lives, but only a few friends will leave footprints in our hearts and soul. Del left a big old path of Memories in my life . from Rodeo, football games parties in his basement Always something going on, and now my friend, I find a big hollow place that I have to fill with memories , So long Cowboy till we meet again.!!
I am shocked and sad. My condolences to you, Diane and to your family.That is a lovely and meaningful poem Desiree posted. I hope you don’t mind the photo from Bowness High School Year Book 1960 grade 10.
Our sincere condolences Diane. You ad the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Miriam & Darryl Firth
I first met Del in Bowness because he had a wonderful, new balloon tire bike! Over the past 64 years, we have shared many memories. I will miss you and our times together. Bob
Del was One In A Million. A super champion in so many ways. We had so many belly laughs together in our younger years, as cousins . Rest in peace Del and love to your beautiful family. The Cornishs.
Sharon and I fondly remember time spent with Del and family in Calgary years ago.
Condolences to Diane and the family
Cousin Billy (as Del always called me!)
Always a smile on his face and a chuckle in his voice. I know your hearts are heavy with sorrow. There is a new cowboy guardian angel wearing cowboy boots watching over you. . Thinking of you, Diane, Desi, and Dallas Love Lori
Of all the grandchildren of Alfred and Nellie Underhill, and there were quite a few, and spread by the wind as we are, Del was the one who did the most to keep us together as a family. For that we can all be grateful. His handshakes and hugs were indeed strong but genuine, and his joyful greetings were always infectious. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by us all. Hopefully, we will see you later, cousin. RIP
So sorry to hear about Del
Will miss him very much, we had a lot of good times over the years
All the best to you and your family
My sincere condolences to all of you. Praying for your continued strength
There are only a handful of ole cowboys and gentle souls who remind me of my step father, Dennis Potter but Del was definitely one of them. Strong and sturdy on the outside from all the hard work, rodeos, and getting to the right fishing hole. Soft and sensitive on the inside from loving life, caring for family, teaching the young to embrace and experience nature at it’s best. My sincere condolences to the entire family. I know your loss is immense. You were so blessed to have had such a rare gentleman to call yours and a lifetime of fond memories that you will have forever. Much love.
A life well lived! Condolences to Del’s Family and Friends!
Very sorry to hear about your loss he will be missed and remembered by all who knew him your old friend and bronc rider and rodeo announcer Tom Kean
Dianne, Our sincere condolences to you and the family. We are thankful to have been able to spend some time with Del.
Respectfully,
Barry & Jean Safruik
Condolences from all of us in the loss of your beloved Delbert. He is looking down on all of you today, seeing a beautiful family! This was his gift sent from heaven to love and enjoy for always. We pray your grief will be short with precious memories to sustain you in this time.
Sincerest sympathy,
Valerie, Ollie, Alex, Ryan, Curtis
Dianne and Family, I just heard of Dels sudden death, and wish to pass on my condolences and prayers for all of his beloved nearest and dearest. Take care and stay well. All my love, your childhood cousin, Pat.
Desi, Dallas, Diane and family
My heartfelt condolences to you all. I have fond memories of Del. He was always welcoming, and kind. I remember all of us spending time at the Stampede, early morning to early morning! I hope that warm memories carry you all through this difficult time.
Lots of love, Niki
Diane – I was so sorry to read this after being told by Scotty Jack the other day – Del will always hold a special place in my heart and I was blessed to have known him and enjoyed our friendship. I’m in Cranbrook so please stop and see me sometime.