If you are able to help Derrick's family with the cost of funeral expenses, please go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-expenses-for-derrick-crofoot 

To view a message from Derrick's work family, please go to https://als.lbl.gov/in-memoriam-derrick-crofoot-als-senior-material-specialist/

What I Will Remember
by Mike Crofoot (Derrick’s father)

His smile. Remember his smile. It said so much about who Derrick was.

What I hope to bring into my life from my son’s is how he would always brighten a room when he walked in.
When leaving he would always say “love you.” These are qualities I loved about him. Qualities I want for myself because of seeing them in my son.

I’ll mention a few of the many enjoyments Derrick had in life. Coaching his son’s Little League teams. Seeing his girls excel in cheer. Fishing. Most team sports, including fantasy football.
He was just learning bocce ball while playing tournaments with three generations of his family.
He loved to fish (not sure where he got that). I can see him with all his kids catching 6” Blue Gills and having a time as if it were a trophy salmon.
Fantasy football, my eyes would glaze over with all the facts and data he had on his players.
Coaching, he made the kids on Samy’s Little League team better. Players would learn, but more than that, he helped them to have fun in the game.

Derrick liked to talk. A trait I’m sure he acquired from his mother. The pleasure I took from watching and hearing a son and mother (my son and wife) talk for any reason, at anytime, about the things that make up life gave me a joy and pride I have never expressed.

I’m sad Derrick was so young. He lost a future with his children. With all the many people he touched. He lost fishing trips with me, talks with his mom. Playing sports with his brother, laughs with his sister, and gatherings with his extended family that share only good memories of him.

Derrick’s life gave our family many wonderful moments, but the best thing he ever did was to be a loving, caring, father to my three wonderful grandchildren, Jordanna (14), Ahlina (11), and Samy (8). Derrick treasured his children above all else. The kids are always a pleasure to be around, just like their dad. They all make life better for others.

I’m not saying all was perfect. I am saying so much was.

Remember Derrick.