Derek Sorensen passed away peacefully on the morning of April 16, 2018, at his home in Montesano, Wash.

Derek was born and raised in Seahurst, Wash. and was a graduate of Highline High School class of 1981.

Derek was proud to have served in the United States Navy from 1987 through 1991 as an E4 Radioman on the USS Barbel in Sasebo, Japan. He attended Submarine School in Groton, Conn. and received his Dolphins, a submarine specialist honor, while serving in Damneck, Va. in 1988. He was part of the decommissioning crew of the Barbel in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

After leaving the Navy, Derek worked along side his father, Arne Sorensen, building custom homes in the Seattle area. Working alongside his dad were some of the happiest times of his life. The last home they built together, for which he was especially proud, is the current home of his mother. Derek also loved diving in the Puget Sound, fishing and teaching his kids about the beauty of nature.

Derek was a kind and very funny man who never met a stranger. His laughter and stories about the “good old days” and his pet raccoons were known from Seahurst to Los Angeles and he will be deeply, deeply missed by so many. However, his family and friends rest easier now knowing he is now with his beloved dad.

Derek is survived by his mother, Louanne Sorensen; children Bjorn, Torin and Krista Sorensen; daughter-in-law Shannon Sorensen, their mother Kimberly; sisters Paula Del and Katie Sorensen; grandchildren Layla Sorensen and Stella Sorensen; nieces Stephanie, Keysha and Arianna Sorensen, Paige Sorensen Del and nephew James Brian Del. Derek will also be missed by his companion, Sara Fendrick and many friends, military and civilian.

“On the NAUTILUS men’s hearts never fail them, no defects to be afraid of, for the double shell is as firm as iron, no rigging to attend to, no sails for the wind to carry away, no boilers to burst, no fire to fear, for the vessel is made of iron, not of wood, no coal to run short for electricity is the only power, no collision to fear, for it alone swims in deep water, no tempest to brave for when it dives below the water, it reaches absolute tranquility. That is the perfection of vessels.”

~ Jules Verne

A celebration of Derek’s life will be held in August in Montesano. For more information please contact pondermom@aol.com.