Derek Twelves Obituary (1971 - 2022)

On May 1, 2022, Derek Gregory Twelves, 50, beloved husband and father of 2 daughters and 2 furry friends, passed away after a hard-fought battle with genetic cardiomyopathy. Derek was born October 7, 1971 to Sandy and Gregory Twelves. The middle of three kids, he had a genuine love of all living creatures. This rowdy boy grew up to be an accomplished athlete, excelling in every sport he tried. Self-taught, his dedication to craftsmanship served him and others well throughout his years as a contractor. But he isn’t remembered for the work he did, or the sports he played. Our memories are of the warm, vibrant, and compassionate person that he was. It was love at first sight when Derek first laid eyes on Tricia, and he fell hard. His love for her was greater than his heart could ever hold. They wed the following February in a snow-covered cottage in the mountains of Utah. He cherished every moment they spent together and encouraged her to follow her passion into the field of medicine. Their lives together were filled with adventure, mischief, and laughter. They traveled the globe and lived all across the country and the world. But there was no place on earth Derek would rather be than enjoying the peaceful solace found at Lake Powell, accompanied by those he loved. Derek worked hard, played harder, and loved hardest. Throughout his life, he wore many hats–from a foreman on the construction site to a dive master in Dominica. He enjoyed the work he did and often brought friends or family to work alongside him. But the greatest joy in his life came from his role as Dad to his two daughters, Amy and Claire. He fostered within them a boundless curiosity and the confidence to explore the world around them, including the delicate art of catching and playing with spiders–much to Tricia’s dismay. He taught them to rise above challenges, to protect the vulnerable, to right wrongs, and that actions speak louder than words. This man lived and breathed for his three girls. They were his whole world. If you knew Derek, then you had a friend. His kindness and welcoming nature created a gravitational pull that attracted friends from all walks of life, both young and old. His intimate understanding of the importance of a life well-lived with loved ones helped him make the most of the time he had. He dedicated his efforts to creating opportunities for family and friends to gather and create joyful memories, which we will continue to carry with us always. For he, better than most, understood the finite and priceless commodity of time with those we love. Derek wanted nothing more than to bring joy to those around him. He was the soul of every gathering and ensured everyone felt at home when they arrived, and had a smile on their face and warmth in their heart when they left. To know him, was to love him and be loved. How blessed we are to have had such a father, a friend, a brother, a colleague, a husband. Derek’s legacy is one of unparalleled courage, compassion, countless friends, and a family he loved fiercely. Derek wasted none of life and life was not wasted on him. Derek is survived by the love of his life, Tricia, his two beautiful daughters, Amy and Claire, sister Suzanne, brother Travis (Miriam), and a host of loving in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins, and longtime friends from around the world. He is preceded in death by his mother Sandy Twelves and father Gregory Twelves. An Open House and Life Celebration will be held from 6 p.m .- 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 at The Ridge Golf Course, 5055 S Westridge Blvd, West Valley City, UT 84118