Elizabeth Santos Obituary, Death – On Saturday, the disease cancer claimed the life of another priceless asset. Derek Venlet is the director of the drum and bugle corps of Irvine High School. He is also a graduate of CSULB and Westminster High School. I met Derek at Impulse. In the year 2001, he performed as the opening soloist for a program called an Island Extravaganza. He was an authentic representative of the good guys.
A wonderful Christian husband and parent, a friend, and a source of encouragement for many young people studying music. I am at a loss for words because the situation is so upsetting. It’s like saying goodbye to your favorite niece or nephew. This is the announcement that has been made by his wife. On Saturday, April 15, in the wee hours of the morning, my beautiful husband Derek passed away surrounded by his loved ones.
He had a peaceful death and was very comfortable. My heart is breaking, but I take solace in the knowledge that he is no longer suffering from cancer or anguish. He gave me two stunning children as well as 23 years’ worth of memories, tons of laughter, and love. I will miss my kind and kind giant with the red head. I am grateful for the love, the never-ending laughter, Jimmy and Josephine for making my life so wonderful.
They are the ones who carry on your legacy. I am grateful to you, Ron Zeilinger, for sharing this information. Even though I only participated in the march for one year, I STILL remember all of the beautiful individuals I marched with and how much I learned from them. I haven’t seen Dex in years. RIP Dex… Till we meet again.Oh no! When he was shopping for Irvine uniforms, I ran into him. We got along famously, he was such a kind person. I had no notion that he was in such poor health. My deepest condolences go out to his family.