Obituary of Derk Thibodeau

Derk Thibodeau , 55, died quietly at his home in Franklin, Maine on February 11, 2010 after a gallant and courageous battle with glioblastoma, a brain cancer. He died peacefully in the place he loved most, his home on the hilltop amidst the blueberry fields and shimmering pines. Derk was born on February 6,1955 in Fort Kent, Maine. He was the firstborn son of Ted and Marilyn Thibodeau. He graduated from Fort Kent Community High School, class of 1973 and attended Husson College. On April 18, 1993 he married the love of his life, Cheryl Moody. Together they raised 2 beautiful sons, Adam and Nick. Derk was an expert craftsman. For over 20 years, he was a builder and finish carpenter throughout Hancock County. Not only was his work very important to him, it was important to him that he did it right. He was industrious, enjoyed being outdoors and loved working with wood. His workshop was his haven. In the final weeks of his life, as he gazed into the back fields of blowing snow looking at his workshop with silent anticipation, with patience and with calm, he longed for the day he believed he would return to the work he loved so much. Derk was a proud and honest man. He lived his life in the same manner that he died, with dignity, grace, and quietude. He was a man of few words, yet he touched his family forever with his actions and his exemplary life of integrity. This legacy will forever resonate and enrich their lives. Although he has left his family and those that he has touched forever, his life of fine example will forever continue to be their guide. He has set the bar for his sons, Nick and Adam. Behind him are life’s measured steps, which will serve as a model and as a guide for those that loved him most. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife of 17 years, Cheryl Moody Thibodeau. He leaves behind 2 sons, Adam Sayre of Orrington, Maine; Nicholas Sayre of Surry, Maine; a step son, Allan Thibodeau of Elliot Maine. He also leaves behind 3 loving sisters; Carla Harris and her husband Ron of Turner, Maine; Elaine Thibodeau of Frenchville , Maine whose kinship and support as a loving brother have helped sustain her through difficult and trying times; Deanna Mote and her husband Tom of Indianapolis, Indiana; adoring niece Halle Mote and nephew Jackson Mote, who had nothing but love and admiration for his uncle. Also surviving are in-law parents, Pauline and Nick Moody of Southwest Harbor, Maine; sister and brother in law, Lynne and Colin Mackenzie, nieces Morgan and Bailey MacKenzie of Ellsworth, Maine, all of whom loved him like he was one of their own. The family would like to thank dear friends and those in the community who provided emotional support and love throughout this journey. Additionally, a word of thanks to Hancock County Homecare & Hospice volunteers, who have given of themselves in working tirelessly to provide comfort. In keeping with Derk and Cheryl’s wishes, a funeral service will be held on February 18, 2010 at 10 a.m at Manset Union Church in Southwest Harbor, Maine, officiated by Reverend Charles Ives. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hancock County Homecare & Hospice, P.O. Box 156, Blue Hill, Maine 04614. Online condolences can be made at www.directcremationof maine.com