Derek M. Milne

MILNE, Derek M. Born June 26, 2006 and died suddenly on July 11, 2026 at the age of 20 years old.

Derek is survived by his loving mother, Michele (Cross) Valentine, his dad Shawn (Lisa) Milne, older brother Dylan Milne (Lizy Brooks), younger sister Emily Valentine, siblings Jessica Shaffer, Kristen Lunn, Joshua Lunn, Kyle Lunn and stepdad Joe Valentine. He is also survived by his grandma Barb (Crawford) Cross and grandfather Kenneth Cross, Many aunts, uncles, cousins, and his dog Ruby. Derek is pre-deceased by his grandparents Jane and Theodore Pangburn and his aunt Nikkie Pangburn.

Derek graduated from Gowanda Central High School in 2024 and recently earned his Welding Certificate from JCC through the WNY P-Tech Program. Derek worked at Chautauqua Iron Works for the past two years. He loved his job and loved the people he worked with and for even more. He was a hard worker with a huge heart that found joy in making people laugh and smile. He loved life and had great pride in working hard for everything he had. Derek enjoyed hunting, riding his pit bike, spending time with friends and family, picking on his sister, talking about trucks with his brother and was always willing to help his mom with whatever crazy project she came up with.

Friends may call Friday July 17th from 3-8 PM at the Wentland Funeral Home 10634 Main St. (Rt. .62) North Collins.  Please come dressed in classic Derek attire of jeans, t-shirts and boots. Services will be held Saturday July 18th at 11:00 AM from the North Collins Wesleyan Church 10470 Bantle Rd. North Collins.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wyatt Butcher Memorial Scholarship fund to honor Derek’s friend that was also taken way too soon.