Of all the things England has exported, unquestionably Deric Foderingham was the best. From The New Forest in Hampshire, to Brantford, Canada, then Clearwater, Fla. and Douglas, Mich. He travelled. It was here in Douglas on a spectacular May morning that his journey ended most unexpectedly.
“Our Deric,” as some were wont to say, was a many-faceted guy. A world traveler, nature lover and a talented natural athlete, he excelled on the soccer pitch and the golf course, where his score was about the same as the golf balls he found.
More recently, Pickleball was his sport of choice. Playing with his hand in his pocket and a most casual demeanor, infuriatingly, he could place the ball almost anywhere on the court, but mostly just over the net.
He whistled, he sang, he smiled with his bright blue eyes. Possessed of a dry British wit and dapper clothes sense, he was an amazing and creative puzzle solver. He could figure out, fix, and construct practically anything indoors and out.
He was kind to most old ladies, all children, and animals, and had only a few annoying habits.
Deric is survived by his wife of 44 years, Heather, his children David and Karyn, grandchildren and great granddaughter. His stepsons, Chris Markham (Sarah Lynn) and Peter Markham (Sandy), also mourn the loss of Deric, who shepherded them with a firm hand when necessary, and love always. His step grandchildren, Mimi, Libby, William and Lucie, Deric’s brother and sister also survive him.
Hug those you love, go outdoors, enjoy the birds and flowers, take a walk, play Pickleball, be kind to someone and think of him.
Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Homes-Saugatuck Chapel. To sign an on-line registry or leave a memory please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com