Reverend S. Derek Shelly

The Rev. S. Derek Shelly passed away in his home in Huntsville on Monday, November 11, 2019, where he had retired in 2018 after serving for many years as pastor at Trinity United Church. Previously, he had ministered to various congregations in Southwestern Ontario, Eastern Ontario, and on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. Before being called to the ministry he had been a schoolteacher.

 Being a pastor is a 24/7 calling, but Rev. Shelly still found time to immerse himself in community theatre and improv groups, and to enjoy the outdoors on skis and snowshoes in the winter and with a fishing rod or golf clubs or in his kayak in the warmer weather.

 In recent years he had also pursued a greater understanding of death and dying and end-of-life care. He cared deeply about Hospice Huntsville, and in 2014 published his first book, Dying to Live, a novella about a man coming to terms with his own mortality.

 While he sought better understanding of death and grief, he lived his life to the fullest. Whether acting on stage, whitewater rafting, or heading out to hear the wolves howl in his beloved Algonquin Park, he was always on the go, sharing his love of life with so many, especially his grandchildren.

 He was a graduate of the London Teachers’ College and University of Western Ontario in London and Queen’s University in Kingston, and an honorary fellow of Huntington University in Sudbury.

 He lives in the loving memories of his children Derek (Ruth Dunley), Aaron (Amanda Van Bommel), and Keri-Lynn; his grandchildren Olivia, Regin, Grace, Rose, Mekenna, and Maura; his lifelong friend and mother of his children, Heather Fraser; and his siblings Ted, Marie, John, and Fred and their families. He is predeceased by his parents Sidney and Kathleen (Mathias), and his brother Brian.

 A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity United Church, 33 Main Street East, Huntsville on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 1 p.m. A reception will follow in Trinity Hall.

 In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to Hospice Huntsville or the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. In Derek’s memory, his family also encourages everyone to support local community theatre. Please go to see a play (or several) and think of him.