Derek Jacob Henrie, passed away on June 23, 2022 at the young age of 40 after a valiant fight against brain cancer. Derek was always a fighter and did his best to be the first baby born in Ogden, Utah on January 1, 1982, alas, he came in second.
Derek grew up in Carbonville; attending Carbon High. At the age of 17, he was introduced to the US military and was hooked. He enlisted in the Army and on the day of his physical he was denied entry due to a cyst on his tailbone. The Marines stepped in and offered to take Derek immediately, but he was determined to be in the Army. He had surgery to remove the cyst and was sent to bootcamp as soon as he healed. Derek initially was part of the Army reserves and it only took about 4 months of being home for him to discover the Army was where he really wanted to be. Derek went into the Army full time and was sent to Fort Campbell Kentucky, part of the 101st Airborne unit. He loved what he did and was in the middle of his jump school when he found out they would be deployed as one of the first units in January 2002 to the war on Iraq. Over the next five years, Derek completed three tours of deployment to Afghanistan, Qatar, and Iraq. After 10 years in the military, Derek was released and returned back to Price. Derek was known to be quite the handyman and had several jobs where his mechanical skills shined. He then attended Utah State University Eastern’s diesel mechanic program. He loved the last two jobs he had in Price with Tram Electric and Lila Canyon Mine. He not only loved his work but the people he worked with and the relationships he created. Derek’s time at the mine was only for a short time before he was diagnosed on March 2nd with a terminal brain tumor on his brain stem that had spread through his spinal fluid. Derek fought one hell of a fight to gain time to spend with his family. Derek always said he wanted to be with his big brother, Adam, and has now joined him in heaven.
Derek loved the outdoors, especially fishing. He loved doing anything that involved time spent with his family. Working with his hands was a talent in which he excelled at. Derek loved to cook just about anything, but two of his family’s favorites were pizza and alfredo. Derek loved music and had a comedic personality. Anyone who knew Derek knew him for his crude sense of humor and his silly impressions. Derek’s favorite color was yellow which explains why so many people were drawn to his happy disposition. He was proud of all his many tattoos, most of which were about the fall of the towers on 9/11 and his military attachments.
He is survived by his parents, Scott and Annette Henrie, Carbonville, Utah; sisters, Mandy (Marshall) Draper, Clinton, Utah and Kelley (Derek) Bradley, Price, Utah; grandparents, Don and Judy Kelley, Price, Utah; and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Derek was preceded in death by his older brother, Adam Scott Henrie; many grandparents, uncles and aunts.
In his final days, he was especially fond of the memories he made with his two nephews, Jakson and Jace. He was so proud of them and their bond they built together, especially since they were with him almost everyday of his fight.
Derek wanted everyone to experience life to the fullest and absolutely enjoy the little things. He was such a giver and taught us how to love unconditionally. It is in Derek’s simple gestures that speak the loudest about who he was. In honoring Derek, we will enjoy the little things in life and not take them for granted.
A Open House to Celebrate the Life of Derek will be held on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at Mitchell Funeral Home (233 East Main Street, Price, Utah) from the hours of 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm. Derek was bound and determined this was not to be a sad event but one where we should celebrate his life, thus a wake will be held for Derek and his brother Adam, who died in December 2020. The Wake will be held at Ramada Inn Banquet room from 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. later that night.
Derek’s ashes will be kept next to those of his brothers in their special room at his parent’s home until their interment at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Derek’s name to a cancer institute or organization of your choice.
The family would like to give thanks to the many medical professions whose love and care allowed us to have Derek in our lives for a few more months. Without their help, Derek’s days would have been very dark. The Huntsman Cancer Institute with special thanks to Dr. Mendez and his oncology team, especially Lisa, Paula and Heather. Dr DeCesaris and her radiation team, especially Olivia; and, Cassidy Doucette and the SOS team. The Huntsman at Home team, special thanks to Chaz, Angie, and Tiffany. The Carbon CNS team, especially Amber who helped brighten Derek’s heart in his last days and all other entities that helped with Derek’s care.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Derek online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net