Derek Roy Blankenship

Derek Roy Blankenship, age 19, passed away April 25, 2016 at his home in Monitor, WA. The tragedy of his death was in stark contrast to the gentle kindness he profoundly touched so many with. Born March 8, 1997 to Bart and Leslie Blankenship at Central Washington Hospital, Derek was gifted with a beautiful smile that reflected from his eyes and could reach right in and touch your heart. Special and full of potential, Derek was known to be clever, and although the quiet one in his group of friends he was also a great conjurer of fun. Physically talented, Derek was admired for his strength, fast reflexes and ability to catch on quickly when trying something new. Riding his motor dirt bike, hiking in the mountains, fishing, camping and floating the Wenatchee River were his passions. Derek stood for always putting others first and an unconditional love for all animals and his family. His laugh would make you laugh and he was known to never have said an unkind word against anybody. Derek was contagious and touched people with genuineness no words can truly capture. It has been said sometimes it rains the hardest on those that most deserve the sun. Despite the anguish of a condition those that loved him could not save him from, Derek will only be remembered for his brilliant light and when we are hiking and run across a morel mushroom, float by the rock cut or see the perfect skipping rock on the river, when we catch the perfect air on a motor bike jump or when it snows unexpectedly on Banks Lake, in the smell of a new born puppy or in the design of a cool Fox Racing sticker, we will only smile remembering how he uplifted us with his unconditional love and we will know he is at Peace. Derek is survived by his parents, Leslie Blankenship and Bart and Marea Blakenship, his brother Kyle, his grandparents Doug and Louise Eisenrich, Ed and Sue Schmidt and Monie Blankenship, his Aunts Jamie (Ryan) Vanden Bos, Trisha Johnson, Jordyn Ferguson, Brenda (Derek) Beach, Nicole (Tyson) Schmidt- Henry, and Cathy Collins and his Uncle Jon (Jorden) Schmidt, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his Grandfather, Roy Blankenship. A graveside service, officiated by Pastor Sal Dimare of the Praise Center will be held at Cashmere Cemetery, 1pm Friday April 29th with a reception following at Grandma Weezies house 3554 Bridge St, Monitor, WA. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.

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Derek Roy Blankenship

March 8, 1997 - April 25, 2016