Derril Peter Michael Hackl

August 15, 1944 – September 13, 2022

It is with profound sadness that the family of Derril Hackl announce his sudden passing on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at the age of 78 in Prince Albert, SK.

Derril will be lovingly remembered by his children: Derril Jr. (Carolyn), Roland (Meg), Karen (Leo), Craig (Tammi); grandchildren, Dustin (Christy), Dyllon (Andrea), Jamie (Samantha), Mattias (Mitchell), Eric (Laurence), Yianni, Duncan, Emerson, Carter, Michelle; great grandchildren: Coe, Asher, Leo; sisters Arlee and Rosemarie; brother Duane; several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews; as well as numerous other family members and friends.   He was formerly married to Carmen Stephens (Merkowsky), the mother of his children.

Derril was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Magdalene; siblings: Del, Ken and infant son, Joseph.

Derril loved photography and science, often mixing the two together and spent countless hours photographing nature, the night sky and people.  He adored watching aurora borealis and spent many summers enjoying the lake in Waskesiu with his family.

A dedicated teacher, Derril taught science to elementary school students for almost 30 years in the Saskatoon Catholic School Division and impacted hundreds of students, often instilling a lifetime love for science in them.  He never stopped teaching or learning even after years away from a classroom, always following his passions.

Once Derril moved back to Prince Albert, he made many new friends and spent hours with his buddies at “Bugsy’s”.  A born storyteller and debater, Derril loved to spend time with his friends and family recounting past adventures, discussing the universe and sharing his passion for photography, music, nature, NASA and politics.

Derril’s grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews were his absolute joy and he shared his passion for coin and stamp collecting with them all.

Derril lived his life at full tilt and life was always an adventure.  He struggled through many health challenges, but always cherished his time on earth with his family and friends.

The family wishes to thank all his friends in Prince Albert, they helped him see the good in the world and became his extended family.

The family request that in lieu of other tributes, please consider a donation to Greater Catholic Saskatoon Schools Division Foundation Inc. https://foundation.gscs.ca or to Canadian Mental Health Association Saskatchewan https://sk.cmha.ca/get-involved/donate/

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 29^th, 2022 at Gray’s Funeral Chapel, 575 28 Street West, Prince Albert, SK.  Services will be live streamed and videotaped. If you wish to view the service, the live stream link is www.grays.ca/memorial-videos/. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729.

Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night – Dylan Thomas

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning, they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

• Date : 2022-09-13
• Location : Prince Albert, SK