Curtis Derby

Curtis Lee Derby
October 2, 1968 – May 23, 2026

Curtis Lee Derby died peacefully at home in South Jordan, Utah, on May 23, 2026, at the age of 57.

For much of his life, Curt kept asking a simple question: what if there was a better way? In 2011, he answered that question for himself by retiring at 42.

An avid reader, devoted Rush fan, and lifelong gamer, Curt’s interests ranged from chess and backgammon to classic Intellivision games. He spent years exploring how people could cooperate more effectively, sharing those ideas through his podcast and YouTube channel. He put the whole idea into four words, on the cover of the book he wrote: Everybody’s Happy, Everybody Wins.

In 2025, Curt was diagnosed with mucosal melanoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Although he kept his diagnosis private for much of his illness, he continued making plans for the future long after many would have stopped.

Above all else, Curt was Taft’s dad. Nothing mattered more to him than his son. He celebrated Taft’s accomplishments, supported his ambitions, and never stopped talking about how proud he was of him. When he set down how he wanted to be remembered, he asked for only two words: Loving Father.

Curt was preceded in death by his mother, Karen Jean Cater, and his father, Roger Allan Derby.

He is survived by his son, Taft Derby; his brother, Shane Derby; Lee Bailey Derby, wife of his late father; his lifelong friend, Ray Meibers; and the extended family that remained an important part of his life, including Melissa Brown, her husband Tom Peters, and their son, Zane Peters.

One final adventure still remains.
In July 2026, Curt will make his way to the Badlands of South Dakota, his number one bucket-list destination. The trip was planned with family before it became clear he would not be able to make the journey himself. His ashes will travel along and be released there, completing the trip he planned but could not take.

Those who knew Curt are encouraged to remember him in the ways he would have appreciated most: by spending time with family, pursuing an interesting idea, sharing a good book, listening to Rush a little too loudly, or heading out on an adventure that has been waiting too long.