Albert Derrick
Obituary
Albert Derrick, 97, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Oakmont Senior Living Center in Redding, California. He was born on September 7, 1928, in San Francisco and lived most of his life in San Francisco, Watsonville and Calistoga. Orphaned at a young age, he was later taken in by a family in Calistoga, where he attended school. At 17, he joined the Navy and served as a World War II veteran. During that time, he married Genevieve Jacobs on September 3, 1947. She was his beloved wife of more than 78 years.
Together, they owned Derrick's Appliance in Watsonville for 34 years. Albert enjoyed operating his ham radio and connecting with people around the world using Morse code. He also served as a sailing instructor for the Santa Cruz Coast Guard Auxiliary at the Yacht Harbor, taught for the Master Gardeners, contributed plants for Santa Rosa Men's Club charities and volunteered as a docent at the Calistoga Historical Museum. He loved sailing his Choy Li boat and twice captained a two-person crew to Hawaii, navigating only by sextant, compass and the stars.
He is survived by his loving wife, Genevieve, four children and four grandchildren. Memorial services will be private. Condolences may be sent to Calistoga.Al@gmail.com.
Published in The Pajaronian · May 27, 2026