Derek M. Milne, born on June 26, 2006, died suddenly on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at the age of 20.
Derek is survived by his loving mother, Michele (Cross) Valentine; his dad, Shawn (Lisa) Milne; older brother, Dylan Milne (Lizy Brooks); younger sister, Emily Valentine; siblings, Jessica Shaffer, Kristen Lunn, Joshua Lunn and Kyle Lunn; stepfather, Joe Valentine; grandparents, Barb (Crawford) and Kenneth Cross; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and his dog, Ruby. Derek was predeceased by grandparents, Jane and Theodore Pangburn; and his aunt, Nikkie Pangburn.
Derek graduated from Gowanda Central School in 2024 and recently earned his welding certificate from Jamestown Community College through the WNY P-TECH Academy. Derek worked at Chautauqua Iron Works for the past two years. He loved his job and loved the people he worked with and for even more. He was a hard worker with a huge heart that found joy in making people laugh and smile. He loved life and had great pride in working hard for everything he had. Derek enjoyed hunting, riding his pit bike, spending time with friends and family, picking on his sister, talking about trucks with his brother and was always willing to help his mom with whatever crazy project she came up with.
Friends may call on Friday, July 17 from 3:00-8:00 PM at the Wentland Funeral Home, 10634 Main Street (Route 62) in North Collins. Please come dressed in classic Derek attire of jeans, t-shirts and boots. Services will be held on Saturday, July 18 at 11:00 AM from the North Collins Wesleyan Church, 10470 Bantle Road in North Collins.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wyatt Butcher Memorial Scholarship fund to honor Derek's friend that was also taken way too soon.
