Yesterday we lost a great human and the best friend a Saskatchewan musician could ever have.
Derek Bachman was so much to so many people. The Executive Director of SaskMusic, he touched the lives of so many musicians in his work with the scene and the community. Our thoughts go out to Derek’s family, friends and colleagues.
He was 38.
SaskMusic issued the following statement yesterday:
It is with great shock and heavy hearts that we mourn the sudden passing of our friend, colleague and mentor Derek Bachman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Derek’s family and the many, many people whose lives he touched.
Our music community both here and abroad has suffered a huge loss. Derek was extremely active in the Saskatchewan music scene for nearly twenty years as a community leader, volunteer, musician, graphic designer, live event producer, stage manager, and source of inspiration and encouragement. Through his involvement with SaskMusic, Rawk Entertainment, Greenduplex, the Saskatchewan Original Music Association, Credit Union Centre, and countless others, he generously shared his knowledge and time. He was a rock to whom we could turn for advice, to brainstorm or just to share a laugh.
Like so many others, I had gotten to know Derek through the context of SaskMusic. He was always there with words of encouragement and wisdom, and to make sure we got on that stage on schedule.
Derek was the man who was going to make the rest of the world pay due attention to Saskatchewan music – all of it, even if it meant dragging everyone out to listen, one by one. There are so few who work so tirelessly and ceaselessly for others – that was Derek. We are all so fortunate to have known him.
Thanks for that Derek. I appreciate everything you’ve done for us, a million times over.
* * * * *
The following message has been making the rounds on social media, so we thought we would share it here as well:
To all our dear friends and family, the celebration of our brother Derek Bachman’s life will take place at Prairieland Park (Hall B) in Saskatoon at 11am Tuesday, Dec 16, 2014. Please share and spread the word. Thank you.
Take care out there everyone.
