Derek enjoyed fishing, from a young age, and since about age 16 has fished for salmon in the Fraser in various places from Vancouver to Hope, BC. His skills grew as he found mentors and fellow fishermen along the way. He fished for sockeye, pinks, coho, chum, spring salmon, sturgeon and steelhead as well. He was an avid and ethical fisherman and became quite adept at various techniques. He enjoyed both fishing while wading in the water and driving his 14 ft. blow-up Aquamarine boat to fish the lakes and rivers. He also took up fly fishing recently. He fished the local lakes, & the Fraser, Chilliwack/Vedder, Harrison, Nahatlatch, Chehalis, and his favorite ( for beauty) the Capilano rivers… just to name a few.
He did a great deal of fishing over his 27 years, and passed on his knowledge to friends and acquaintances. He enjoyed sharing his catch, smoking his salmon using various recipes, and photographing the countryside, salmon, and other wildlife.
As far as conservation, he was especially interested in preservation of salmon stocks, ending fish farms or creating inland fish farms to prevent sea lice infestation, halting or controlling better the digging of gravel from the Fraser River which harms the eggs and small fish etc… anything which affects fish stocks.
-Deborah and John Crawford (parents)
Fraser Riverkeeper wishes to express our deepest sympathies to Derek’s family and friends, and thank them for their donations, which support our mission of conserving and protecting the Fraser River that their beloved Derek so cherished.
