FLAMAN, Derek
Posted: May 23rd, 2024
DEREK SCOTT FLAMAN September 10, 1969 – May 15, 2024 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Derek Flaman on May 15, 2024 at the age of 54.
Derek was born to Keith and Linda Flaman and grew up in small-town southern Alberta. Growing up, he played and excelled in various sports, worked many different labour jobs, developed a taste for travel and established life-long buddies. Through these early experiences, Derek developed a strong work ethic and an appreciation of the value of friendship, both of which were important in shaping his future.
Upon graduating from Queens Law School in 1994, where he met his wife Alyson Goldman, he settled with Alyson in Calgary where they both pursued their legal careers and started and raised their family. Watching their children, Charlie and Mila, grow and develop was a joy and focus of Derek’s life.
Derek was a highly respected and successful commercial lawyer. Having played a role at a number of law firms over his career, he had an incredible skill at developing lifelong relationships with many colleagues and clients that not only enriched his life but also resulted in the development of a sophisticated, thriving and successful practice. While he was driven to succeed, he also had a way about him that nurtured those relationships that allowed him to flourish. Most recently, he played a leadership role in the development and success of the Calgary office of Torys LLP.
Derek loved sports, both as a participant and a knowledgeable spectator. He cherished his time playing golf, tennis and skiing with family and friends. Though the City of Champions had to relinquish the title eventually, they never lost one of their most loyal fans.
Derek is survived by his wife Alyson and children Charlie (17) and Mila (13), his parents Keith and Linda Flaman, his in-laws Sandi and Philip Goldman, his sister Jill Flaman (Mitch Lee) and their daughter Veda, his brother in-law Jeremy Goldman (Eliza Hersh) and their children Oliver and Mae, and many close friends and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital https://my.childrenshospital.ab.ca/fundraiser/5551759 or by making a donation to a charity of your choice.
Friends are invited to a reception at the Calgary Golf & Country Club, one and a half blocks west of Elbow Drive on 50th Avenue SW, on May 30, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Please note that the Country Club has a dress code and no jeans are permitted.
It is with much sympathy that we learned of Derek’s passing – much too young to leave this earth. He will be so missed by His families & friends.
Take care – do cherish the precious memories & time spent with him & family over the years. Our sincere condolences.
Jerry & Loretta Virginillo
Dear Alyson and family. It is with great sorrow that we send you this condolence on the passing of Derek. We knew Derek for a short while. He was certainly amiable to us and he will be missed. Derek was a good man and good men make good lawyers. Our prayers are with you at this time if your sorrow.
Dear Sandi and Phillip and families,
My sincerest sympathy on the sad loss of your
son-in-law.
Fondly, Sylvia
I can’t believe you’re gone Flam. Not sure I ever will. You’re a great friend and an even better father. Met you a quarter century ago working for Alyson and have wished I could be more like you ever since. Gonna miss talking politics, reminiscing about the Oilers glory days and walking the golf course with you. Will always look back fondly on our couple of trips to Waterton, hanging out in your old back yard by the pool and sharing dinner and/or a drink with you, Alyson, Bill, Ritchie, Keith and/or Matt. Your legacy will live on in the amazing family you leave behind. When people say some people are too good for this world, they were thinking of you. God Bless you man, I and countless others are gonna miss you 😢
Derek will be deeply and profoundly missed by every life he touched. He has left behind an incredible legacy and has had an astounding impact. His family was his main focus. His kids drove, enamoured, and inspired him. Charlie and Mila, he would talk about you both any chance he could. His wife encapsulated and encouraged him; Alyson, he adored you. You were the coolest and smartest person he ever knew, and he would make sure everyone around him knew it. You lit his fire. I am so glad you found each other.
These words are not enough, none are. I am so sorry.
Keith, Linda, Ally, my sincere condolences. Derek loved his family and loved his Oil, moving to Edmonton after law school to be closer to the Blue and Orange. I recall trips to Beijing to hammer out oil and gas deals and sitting in the hottub as they “gamed” the former Flames’ Captain, in the purchase of his home. May God bless you all. It is a truism that life is short, but it was never expected to be this short. May he rest in peace and my his memory be a blessing.
Alyson , Charlie , Mila
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of Derek. He was simply the best and I always loved seeing his smiley face at cardio tennis and tournaments. I’ll miss not sitting with him while watching you guys play mixed doubles. He was your biggest fans and I know he will always be watching. Derek was always team Dani and I will be forever grateful for having known him. He taught me that it’s probably not that serious, and that it’s important to know when to leave the party. He is gone far too soon, and I know no words can heal the pain. Know he impacted everyone he met, and he touched so many lives. I will miss not seeing him at the club and dinner parties. Rest in peace Derek, I’ll never forget the laughs we had, the memories we made
Linda and Keith
So sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. It is painfully tragic for parents to be predeceased by one of their children and our thoughts are with you both.
Dear Linda
I was so very sorry to hear about Derek‘s passing. I’m sending you warm thoughts and trusting that you will be well supported during this very difficult time.
Laura
Dear Flaman family and friends,
My name is Matt Burns and I knew Derek for the better part of 20+ years. I was originally introduced to him through my brother Dean who was in the same law firm as Derek’s wife Alyson. My initial engagement with Derek was through sport as he was an enthusiastic participant in some of our touch football games in the crisp Fall Calgary air. Over time, I would say it was my interactions with Derek around tennis that were my fondest memories of him. He loved the game and I could tell that when sometimes subbing with him, when chatting with him at tournaments, or especially when he was speaking about his son Charlie and his rapidly growing ability in the sport. Derek always left me with the impression that he took great joy in seeing others happy and fulfilled. I will miss him a lot and was glad to have known him. My deepest condolences to Alyson, Charlie, Mila, his family and many friends for this tragic loss.
Matt
Wow! We have known the Flaman family for many years. Our daughters grew up together and were special friends til high school was finished. Keith and Linda are wonderful, thoughtful people and I can’t imagine what they are experiencing right now.
Our prayers of peace and understanding are with the family
Jenny, Maureen and Buster
Alyson and family, my heart is shattered for you all. Derek was one of the finest (and funniest) men I’ve ever known. My days working as Derek’s assistant were the highlight of my career, largely in part to his kindness, compassion, humour, and his faith in me. His love for his family was unmatched. It’s difficult to imagine a world without him. Truly.
Buddy, you will always be my No. 1 draft pick. You will be dearly missed by all.