Derek Glenn Buickel

Derek Glenn Buickel, age 31, passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2017, in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Derek was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. He attended Colonial High School and earned his Associate's Degree from Orlando Tech. Derek was a hard worker, a loving brother and son, and a supportive and compassionate friend to many. He found pleasure in writing creative stories and songs, as well as playing guitar and singing. He also enjoyed spending time at the beach and going to theme parks, reading, investigating the unknown, and listening to science podcasts and music while meditating. He was an avid and talented gamer, and earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Derek loved being with his friends; they liked his silly nicknames for them, his sense of humor and generous smile, his love for animals, and his belief in other people's abilities. Derek battled inner demons and never wanted to burden anyone else with his struggles, but his light shone brightly and he will be dearly missed. May he now find the peace that he strived for in his life. We are all enriched by having him in our lives, however brief the time was.

Derek joins his grandparents, who he loved so much. He is survived by his sister Kaitlin Buickel, who resides in San Francisco, and his mother and father Pamela and Richard Buickel, living in Orlando. Derek also leaves behind his girlfriend Karen Lenck in Cocoa Beach.

Services will be held Sunday, March 12, at the Newcomer Funeral Home, 895 South Goldenrod Road, Orlando, FL 32822. A gathering of friends and family will take place at 2:00, and a service held from 3:00 to 4:00. Derek's good friend Reverend Alex Santisteban will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the following charities:

National Alliance on Mental Illness
http://www.nami.org/

Brain & Behavioral Research Foundation
http://bbrfoundation.org

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
https://www.aspca.org/