February 23, 1972 – November 20, 2023
Derek was born in Burien, WA to Gary and Janice (Jan) Burley. He died unexpectedly in Peoria, Az at the young age of 51. He was the oldest of four children and grew up in Kent, WA, attended Kent schools and graduated from Kentwood High School, 1990. He received his AA degree from Green River College.
Derek grew up camping, hunting and fishing, water skiing and always loved the outdoors. Derek was always a fan of horse power, fast boats, fast cars, motorcycles. He loved to attend races and in recent years was thrilled to spend race days in the pits at some big national races. He rode mountain bikes and hiked in Washington and Arizona and played pickleball with friends. He had a passion and curiosity for life and how things worked. He was proud of his 19 years of sobriety in AA and made many friends there. In recent years he discovered a love of traveling and with his wife Rebecca took some amazing vacations all over the world.
Most of all, Derek loved his family and was so proud of his kids. A special moment for him was walking his daughter Layne down the aisle in 2022. He and his son Dalton shared a love of horsepower and cars.
Derek worked in sales for Service Paper, West Coast Paper and Rottler Mfg. in Kent. He excelled at sales and his coworkers and customers also became his friends.
Derek was preceded in death by grandparents: Kenneth Burley, Jean Burley, Claire Walker and James Flick, several uncles and an aunt. He leaves behind his wife of 12 years, Rebecca, his daughter Layne (Taylor) and son Dalton, parents Gary and Jan, brother Matt, sisters Robin (Jeff ), Tia (Chris) and nieces and nephews Matt, Troy, Hannah, Emily, Dom, Talon, Crew and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
His life was full and blessed but far too short. Family and friends are heartbroken and will miss him everyday.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to World Vision, Federal Way, Wa, Bulldog Haven NW or a charity of your choice.
Please join Derek’s family and friends for a celebration of life, Saturday, March 2, 10:00 am at Calvary Community Church at 15116 Gary St E, Sumner WA.
