Obituary of Derek Alexander Neikes
Derek Alexander Neikes, 49 of Oregon City, Oregon passed away on May 14th, 2020 at home after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.
Derek was born in Portland, Oregon to Sharon Simone and Gary Neikes on November 4, 1970. He graduated from Madison High School in 1988. He began his apprenticeship to become a Brick Mason in November 1989 through the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman Local 1 - Oregon. He worked as a Brick Mason for the Union for over 30 years, leaving his mark up and down the West Coast. In 2014, he began teaching part-time as an apprenticeship instructor and in 2017 his focus on teaching turned full-time. Derek had excellent craftsmanship in all his work and enjoyed sharing his knowledge and wisdom to all who were willing to learn. Derek was an amazing husband, father and a true friend to many. He would do whatever he could to support, encourage, and help however he was able.
Derek and Kim were married on August 3, 1996 and lived in Portland until 2005 with their young children before settling in the Carver area. Each summer they took their annual camping trip with family and friends to Prineville Reservoir. Derek taught his children to wakeboard, surf, and how to make the perfect campfire cake. He also enjoyed many more outdoor activities including boating, fishing, golf, snow skiing, four wheeling, and building cars. Derek loved sports too. He loved coaching and watching his kids play basketball over the years, and of course watching his favorite football team, the 49ers!
Derek is survived by his wife of 23 plus years, Kimberly Dexheimer-Neikes; his daughter Keilee, 22; his son Ashtin, 15 and his puppy Jax, 1, all of Oregon City; his mother Sharon Simone and stepfather, Douglas Kuhne of Portland; father, Gary Neikes and stepmother Jodie Neikes of Portland; his brother Jason of Vancouver, WA; and countless family, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to his son Ashtin's college fund.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to family and friends who have been an incredible wealth of support during this difficult time.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date when everyone can comfortably gather together.
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