Derek S. Dolling's Obituary
Derek S. Dolling, 72, of Pinckneyville, IL, passed away on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 9:20 p.m. at Pinckneyville Community Hospital, Pinckneyville, IL after a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Derek was born on January 11, 1940 in London, England to Arthur and Eleanor (Allan) Dolling. He graduated from London University in 1961 and began his high school teaching career where he taught mathematics, science and woodworking in an East London high school. In 1963, Derek came to the United States on a travel visa to visit his mother's cousin near Swanwick, IL. He met and married Sally Chapman in May 1965, and they returned to England in June 1965, where he resumed his teaching career but returned to the United States in December of that year. After serving three years in the U.S. Army (13 months of which was in Thailand during the Vietnam War) he received an Honorable Discharge and he and Sally returned to Pinckneyville, IL. Derek became a U.S. Citizen in July 1970. He then began working for Vic Provart Construction Company until 1983 when he formed his own company, Dolling Construction Company, which he continued to operate until December 2011. During this time he built many beautiful homes and commercial buildings in and around Pinckneyville, DuQuoin, Chester, Sparta, and Coulterville. Sally and Derek became parents to two daughters: Kristin (Steve) Baker of Chicago, IL and Simone (Mike) Davis of Cedar Hill, MO. They also have four grandchildren: Justine Chan, Pamela Davis, Nora Baker and Grant Baker. He is also survived by one brother, Ian Dolling of Melbourne, Australia, one brother-in-law, Dave Patterson of Vancouver, Canada and several nieces and nephews. Derek enjoyed annual fishing trips to Canada with his friends, Rich Byers and Bill Stotlar until his health prevented the trips. He thoroughly enjoyed when he was able to visit with his daughters and their families. Derek was a kind, congenial person who was always willing to help anyone with his construction knowledge. Derek was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Pamela Patterson, and one niece, Michelle Patterson Leach. Per Derek's wishes, cremation followed his death. A memorial service will be held at St. Bruno Catholic Church, Pinckneyville, IL on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Augustine Ibezimako officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Pinckneyville Public Library, Perry County Humane Society or Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL is in charge of arrangements.
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