Derek Fath Memorial & Fund

We are co-workers of SMS employee, Derek Fath, based out of the Prior Lake, Minnesota office. Derek, age 29, was tragically taken from family and loved ones in the early morning hours of August 14, 2016, near his home in Belle Plaine, MN.  Derek was an important player on the engineering team and an integral player on our hardware sales and IT asset disposition divisions. Derek leaves behind a wonderful two-year-old son, named Tucker; his loving parents, Deb & Jim Fath; his girlfriend, Ashley;  his sister, Sarah, and her husband, Russell; and a loyal dog named, Remy.   Prior to and upon the birth of Tucker, Derek worked tirelessly at SMS to improve his technical abilities and steadfast commitment in everything he did so that he could make a difference for his family, especially the son he so cherished. He never hesitated to work extra hours or to take on special projects to help the team and the company. We know Derek's ambitions were to provide Tucker the best possible opportunity to achieve his own goals in life. In memory of Derek, we have established this GoFundMe page to raise funds so that we can start a special college fund for Tucker (called a 529 fund). Derek's parents will oversee the rollover of these funds into a 529 for Tucker and keep protected until he is of college age. For those that wish to donate more than $500, please check back to this page in a few days. We will provide an address to mail a check so that it can be directly rolled into the 529 account. Derek's untimely passing leaves an obvious hole in the hearts of many. But, perhaps we can each honor his life by helping him achieve what he really wanted for his beloved son. If you intend to contribute here, please do so by August 27 so we can close this account and roll funds into the 529 for Tucker. Once funeral service details are published, we will update this post with those details so you have them here, as well. Thank you for your kindness and any generosity you might provide. - The Friends & Coworkers of Derek Fath