Tribute to Brian “De Lion” Deraps
By Jerry Coffin
The sudden and tragic death of Brian Deraps which occurred on April 25, 2007 sent a shock wave through the Central Florida community of Panazonians and native Floridians who knew Brian. It was felt as far north as New York City and all the way down to the Isthmus of Panama.
The next day e-mails began pouring into the CHS Class of ’73 Website expressing disbelief, shock and sorrow. Pacific Siders who may have not known Brian should know we had a real “gem” here.
Brian was born in 1954 to Hank and Gloria Deraps in Coco Solo Hospital. He attended Canal Zone schools from Kindergarten to 12th grade. I knew my whole life as we were first cousins. His mother was my Mother’s sister and our families were close.
When Brian’s parents divorced in 1971, rather then relocate to Oregon as she had planned, Gloria moved back to the Canal Zone, got back her old job and informed Brian that he was now the man of the house. Brian, being the way he was, stepped right up to the plate.
There luck would change for the better in 1972 when Gloria met and married Donald “Poss” Parker or Margarita. Not only would Poss become Brian’s stepfather, he would also become a mentor and friend.
Brian left the Canal Zone after graduating from CHS in 1973 to attend the University of Tampa where he would go on to a degree in Criminology. While attending the university, Brian met a young lady from Eastport, long Island named Michelle Gordon. After college, they married and although they would ultimately divorce after 12 years, the marriage would produce three beautiful children.
A year out of college Brian began work for a cable company in Tampa named Group W. The name of the company would change over the years due to several buy-outs and mergers but not Brian’s dedication to the firm. At the time of his passing not only was eh a senior service manager but he had accumulated 27 years of company service.
In 1992 Brian remarried. His bride was Stacey Parker, (no relation to Donald Parker) also of Margarita. I was honored to be asked to be an usher at the wedding. And who do you think was Brian’s best man?... none other then Poss Parker.
In 2002, while working full time and attending the University of Tampa at night, Brian earned his Master’s degree in Business Administration. His emphasis on higher education was passed down to each of his children. His oldest daughter, Breanne, is currently in her second year of law school at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Megan is currently working towards a Masters of Geology at the University of Utah. And Derek, the youngest attend Georgia Tech, majoring in Computer Engineering.
I could go on and on with stories of Brain and me while growing up in Panama but what I must mention are the various scuba diving trips we took together over the last few years. We dove the San Blas Islands in Panama, with my brother Sid Coffin, we dove Crystal River, Fla. With Brian’s son, Derek and swam with the manatees. We dove Key Largo in the Florida Keys after the 2003 reunion in Orlando. And in 2006 we dove the pristine Waters of Bonaire, the Dutch West Indies. We had planned to dive the island of Coiba, of the pacific coast of Panama in December 2007.
At Brian’s wake I was touched by how many strangers introduced themselves to me as Brain’s co-workers and recounted how much Brian had helped them one way or other, either professionally or personally. And of course, there were too many Panazonians there to name.
I think the Priest at Brain’s memorial said it all when he suggested that one could honor Brian’s memory by trying to be a better person to those around you. God knows I’m trying… it ain’t easy, Just ask my sisters. What I’ve been trying to do though, is to turn my sorrow into gratitude for having spent the better part of my life with someone who touched so many people with his kindness, compassion and friendship.
One sad fact remains, however. My future trips to Florida and Society reunions just won’t be the same without “De Lion”.
Jerry Coffin – November 2007
