Saskatchewan man leaves a lasting legacy in Mexico

Like many people living in Saskatchewan, Darryl and Glenda Derksen enjoyed escaping the cold winters by travelling to Mexico.

Their annual trips turned into so much more than just relaxing on the beach, when Darryl got involved in an idea for establishing a medical and dental clinic in one of Puerto Vallarta’s poorest neighbourhoods.

It all started with a conversation by the pool with others who came up with the idea for a clinic to help the community.

(Health and Spirit Medical Group/Facebook)

Darryl spent years in the fundraising and building efforts to get the free medical and dental clinic open to those less fortunate.

Sadly, Darryl passed away in June.

On Sunday the La Cosecha Clinic in Puerto Vallarta was renamed “The Derksen Clinic” to honour Darryl for all he had done to bring the clinic to the community.

Darryl’s brother Brian said Darryl had become very engaged in the community and wanted to give back.

“They’d conceived the idea to create the clinic, but had no idea how they were going to do it,” said Brian. “He became the person who started putting together all the things he had to do to actually bring what was a concept to reality.”

(Health and Spirit Medical Group/Facebook)

Derksen said his brother not only worked to get the clinic built, but even learned Spanish so he could teach the neighbourhood children English.

“He got so involved with the people around there, the people who were volunteers, the people who lived nearby in the community who used the clinic,” said Derksen.

Derksen said he and other family members were in Puerto Vallarta for the dedication ceremony.

“We’re so proud and thrilled that his efforts are being recognized. He wasn’t a guy who wore his charitable efforts on his sleeve,” Derksen said of his brother. “He gave a lot of himself to help others and this was a way to recognize him and we feel all warm with pride.”