Memorial for Derek Townsend

Hello,

Please join me in supporting the Townsend family in this extremely difficult time as we mourn the loss of Derek Townsend. Derek was more than a son, brother, grandson and uncle. He was a confidant, a source of love and laughter, a genuinely kind soul, a shoulder to cry on, an exceptionally loyal friend and chosen family to many. Derek was selfless and generous with his time, support and epic hugs! Though our hearts are broken we cherish the time we had with him and will honor him daily with every act of kindness, every good laugh with friends and family, and every warm hug.

Statement from Barbara Townsends FB:

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of (our son) Derek Mahealani Townsend

Derek passed away on March 25, 2023, in the afternoon on a longline boat heading from Long Beach, California to Honolulu Hawaii approximately 10 miles outside of Honolulu. Derek had more than 2000hrs of working at sea.

This May 13, 2023, Derek would have been 39 years old which is the same age his oldest brother William “Chuco” Townsend passed away nearly two years prior.

Derek Townsend was an observer/marine biologist that worked at sea with federal contractors and NOAA. It is still undetermined what happened and is under investigation. We are told Derek set his alarm at 2 pm and went to sleep and didn’t wake up.

Derek was an all-around good man and made it his mission to help others. His job at sea gave him a true appreciation for friends and family as he was always surrounded by people on boats that didn’t speak English and he didn’t know their languages either so when on land Derek loved being in the moment with family and friends who he could have conversations with and love being with and surrounded himself with the people he cared about… all of his family and friends and those that were like brothers to Derek.

Services/ Celebration of Life is to be held on Oahu where we can celebrate the lives of Derek Townsend, William aka Chuco Townsend and their grandmother Annelle Freeman. We plan to inter both William “Chuco” Townsend and Derek Townsend at Hawaiian Memorial Park in Kaneohe Oahu following the services to be arranged and announced."

Hello,

My name is Gabby. This account was created with the permission of George and Barbara Townsend. All funds will go directly to the Townsend family.