Derek Dwaye Dambacher
Feb 19, 1964Jan 15, 2019
Obituary message
At approximately 8:30am on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, Derek D. Dambacher, 54, of Chesterfield, VA was struck and killed by a tractor trailer while on the side of the road working on his disabled vehicle.
Derek grew up in Los Angeles, CA and moved to his new home of Richmond, Virginia in January, 2001. He spent his career as a project manager at various environmental consulting firms as well as taking odd jobs such as a facilitator at a high ropes course, a river rafting guide, and at a home improvement store. In addition to his regular job, Derek also helped others achieve their dreams as a coach on the triathlon team, TRIgirl/TRIquest. Derek always supported others and gave his help, time and friendship to everyone he encountered. He was the kind of man who delivered food to the homeless; who stopped for stranded motorists and cyclists; who waited with an elderly couple after they got into a fender bender just to make sure they were okay. He was a man who never boasted and always put other first; a husband who took pictures of older couples he thought were cute and sent them to his wife saying “future us”; a father who called his children just to say “I love you”; a man who did absolutely everything for the sake of his family. He was kind, gentle, hilariously funny, loved life with a passion, had an unstoppable sense of adventure and, above all else, loved his wife and children fully, completely, and with every ounce of his being.
Derek will forever be missed by his wife and best friend, Cyndi; his four amazing children, Nicholas, Kyle, Kelsey and Rylee; his parents, Robert “Bobby” and Sally Dambacher of Sonora, CA; his sister, Kimberly Dambacher Hart and husband Sean; extended family, Lynda and Mike Standlee, Judy and Larry Bauman, Dan and Sherese Van Mieghem; nieces and nephews Joshua, Jacob, Jade and Faith; countless cousins and by his many dear friends.
Per Derek’s wishes a formal memorial will not be held. The community is helping to raise money to help lessen the burden on his family and help them continue to live in their family home until his youngest graduates from high school next year. Memorial donations can be made to https://www.gofundme.com/dambacher-family
Cindi, I was heartbroken to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My guess is my childhood buddy is swatting flies with a claw hammer in a real cool place up above. Love and prayers to all the Dambachers.
I am a cousin of Dereks from Ca…I didn’t have the oppurtunity to know Derek only via stories from his parents, Bob&Sally. My heart breaks for his parents and Dereks wife&family. Hugs from Ed&Sunny Poncet…..RIP
R.I.P. young man. May the family find comfort knowing how much he loved you all. Warm hugs from a distant cousin in California.
R.I.P. young man. May the family find comfort knowing how much he loved you all. Warm hugs from a distant cousin in California.
RIPARADISE Derek, I was blessed to get to know you as a very young man in our teens. You were always so charming loving compassionate and a gentleman. May your Angels blow those horns and strum their harps for your arrival. You were an angel on Earth now it’s tine to help God. I love you Sally Bob Kim and your beautiful wife and children. Amen 🙏❤️
Cynthia, You don’t know us,but my husband Reuben Tan and Derek were friends in high school. They spent a magical and adventurous summer together making skim boards and learning how to ride them. Reuben has told me the stories for 31 years of their times together and Derek’s passing has affected him deeply. Reuben sees the love Derek has for you and your children and believes he will be with you always! I know they weren’t connected as adults, however the bond they made as young men will live with Reuben eternally. We wish you love, peace and comfort in your most difficult time. With love and compassion, Reuben and Sheli Tan
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and our entire family. Derek and I were a year apart so on family get togethers in California, Derek and I always played together (and got in trouble for not eating our vegetables, or climbing the trees at Sally & Bobs house and picking the oranges). I will always have fond childhood memories of Derek.
I am so sorry…my heart breaks for his family. I didn’t know him personally. I am also a cousin from California. I know his parents more than I got to know him. He is loved and will be missed. My love and prayers go out to all his family and friends that they may find strength and peace.
I remember scuba diving with Derek and his friends back in the 80’s. He is my dear friend’s little brother so, my heart cries for Kim! My heart cries for Bob and Salley too but, most of all my heart cries out for his beautiful wife and kids who he cherished!
I met Derek briefly a few years ago. He was engaging and kind and spoke like a loving dad about his son Nicholas! I’ll never understand the why, the how, or any of that However, I do believe that Nicholas’ father raised a good young man and I’m certain the same can be said of those siblings. Oraciones y esperanza!
I’m another cousin from California. Our moms are 1st cousins. Growing up we had family dinners on Christmas and Thanksgiving and I found memories the fun we had playing together with 5 or 6 2nd cousins. Derek (RIP) lead more than 1 or 2 shenanigans!
I am shocked and saddened to of Derek’s death. I can’t imagine the depth of your grief. May a sense peace return to your family in time. Dianna (Cook) Quille.
I’m another cousin from California. Our moms are 1st cousins. Growing up we had family dinners on Christmas and Thanksgiving and I have fond memories of the fun we had playing together with 5 or 6 2nd cousins. Derek (RIP) lead more than 1 or 2 shenanigans!
I am shocked and saddened to of Derek’s death. I can’t imagine the depth of your grief. May a sense peace return to your family in time. Dianna (Cook) Quille.
My prayers go out to the whole family. 🙏Kathy Richmond-Summa 😢