Comments on: Derek Weiler, 1968-2009 [UPDATED]

By: Robert J. Sawyer

Robert J. Sawyer — Sat, 09 May 2009 21:22:30 +0000

Derek was a terrific guy — super-nice, super-bright, super-passionate about books. He’ll be sorely missed. My condolences to his family.

By: Michael Carroll

Michael Carroll — Fri, 01 May 2009 04:48:49 +0000

I never got to know Derek as well as I would have liked. We had many hit-and-run conversations over the year, all of them leaving me wanting more. His passion for books was amazing, the gentleness of his soul truly awesome. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

By: Anne Fleming

Anne Fleming — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:52:08 +0000

Oh, how sad this makes me. We used to meet coming and going from CKMS campus radio at Waterloo. What capable hands Quill was in. What a loss. For all of us, yes, but most especially for his friends and family.

By: Diane Martin

Diane Martin — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:27:34 +0000

Sincere condolences to all the staff at Q&Q, who clearly thought the world of Derek, and to his family who have begun the long process of learning to live without him.

Diane

By: Jill Bryant

Jill Bryant — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:50:23 +0000

I am very, very sorry to hear about Derek Weiler. The news was such a shock. I first met him in a 17th Century Poetry class at the U. of W. He was quiet and sat in the back, but when he offered comments, they were sage and thought-provoking. I liked following his career, and was impressed with his accomplishments at Quill. I used to enjoy chatting with him at publishing events. I haven’t seen him for about 10 years, during the time I was living outside Ontario, but I looked forward to seeing him again, of course. What a sad time for the book publishing community in Canada!

My deepest condolences to the staff at Quill, and most of all his dear family.

By: Deborah Rush

Deborah Rush — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:34:28 +0000

I had the honour and privilege to know Derek for many years. He was a champion of the small press and always made time for our projects. He knew where to find the best pad thai and I will miss our annual lunches. Our community has lost a erudite gentleman. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be missed.

By: Kevin Connolly

Kevin Connolly — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:28:44 +0000

This is very tough to swallow. I worked with Derek at eye and I was always impressed with his character, his work, his kindness and professionalism. I can only imagine how much this hurts those closest to him. Love to them first, as he would have it.

By: Kathryn Wardropper

Kathryn Wardropper — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 20:03:03 +0000

The tributes from family and friends at Derek’s memorial service today were thoughtful and true of a young man who lived a short but gratifying life. He leaves behind a great vacancy and legacy. Blessings to his family, friends and colleagues.

By: Lauren B. Davis

Lauren B. Davis — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 18:25:13 +0000

I am so sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. What an enormous loss to his friends, his family, and to everyone in the literary community. I will greatly miss his thoughtful and perceptive commentaries. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.

By: Cary Fagan

Cary Fagan — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 14:23:17 +0000

How very, very sad. Derek was a sweet guy and he cared about what he did. He’s leaving a palpable space in the book world. My heart goes out to his family.