Derek Simonson of Murray, Utah died February 8, 1997 after a two year battle with Leukemia.
He was 29 years old. The oldest of eight, Derek was born and raised in Montana. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School and then began his college career at Ricks College in 1985. Derek served the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for two years in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Mission. Derek continued his education at Brigham Young University, pursuing degrees in both English and Nursing. It was BYU that Derek met his wife, Dezra Lee Allen. They married in January of 1991. Derek had just started the Nursing program at BYU when he was diagnosed with leukemia, April of 1995. He is survived by his wife, parents: Gary and Lynda Simonson, siblings: Arlene Jones, Gina Jensen, Tammy Harper, Drew, Theresa, and Desiree. He is preceded in death by his brother, Ben.Services will be held in Midvale at 6770 So. 500 East on February 11 at 10 a.m.