Obituary of Derek J. Hampshire

Derek Joseph Hampshire March 29, 1996 –Dec. 3, 2014 Resident of Santa Cruz Family and close friends gathered privately on Sunday in Santa Cruz, to say farewell to a wonderful son, brother, and friend, Derek Hampshire, who died unexpectedly this past Wednesday. Born in Auburn, California, he was 18 years old. Derek was raised in the Placerville and Cameron Park area; attending local elementary and high school there. He moved to Santa Cruz 2 years ago and graduated from The Yes School. At the time of his passing, Derek was employed as a residential counselor at Darwin House for developmentally disabled. A talented athlete, going to the gym to work out with his buddies was his favorite pastime. Surfing was a new passion for Derek, and he excelled in the water immediately. The outdoors brought him both peacefulness, and gratitude with many fond memories to be forever cherished of Derek on his skateboard and snowboard. Derek was a dynamic individual; he touched many people in his brief life journey here, he was passionate about being of service to others and his friends and colleagues will miss the way he shared his compassion for people in need. They all wish Derek joy and serenity on his new journey. He is survived by his parents, Linette and Roger Collins of Placerville, and Ron Hampshire of Auburn, sisters: Michelle, Shannon, and Brenna, and his brothers, Wesley and Jared. Maternal Grandmother, Judith Ladner of Colfax, Paternal Grandparents Ron and Bernie Hampshire of Applegate and Many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins in the Placerville, Colfax, Auburn and Sacramento area. Derek also leaves behind his first love, Kylie Ranin of Saratoga. Derek's family would sincerely like to thank both Market House SLE, and The Yes School, for his past 2 years of sobriety, and the wonderful memories and times we experienced with Derek. Please share your thoughts, stories and reflections with his family by visiting www.pacificgardenschapel.com . Any kind acts of charity can be made in Derek's memory to The Yes School (Youth Experiencing Success) 709 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA. 95060, or to Market House (125 Market Street, Santa Cruz, CA. 95060) or Unicorn Maps https://www.facebook.com/unicornmaps. A Celebration of Life will be held later, with date and time to be announced.