ROCKLAND — Derek M. Deabler, 46, died peacefully March 28, 2014, surrounded by his family at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta, after a hard fought battle with cancer.

Born in Grosse Point, Mich., March 3, 1968, he was the son of Michael D. and Barbara D. Knowlton Deabler.

At a young age, Derek moved with his family to Camden, where he attended local schools and Camden–Rockport High School.

As a young man, he learned the trade of stone masonry and was a foreman with Country Gardens Landscaping before graduating high school. He continued working in the stone masonry industry for more than 20 years. Most recently, Derek worked in the laundry department at Knox Center for Long Term Care, where he continued working through his illness, stopping only due to the debilitating effects of his treatments.

June 16, 2013, he married his soul-mate, Krista M. Pierce, after sharing their lives together more than 14 years.

Derek loved hunting and fishing trips, but especially being outdoors on the family property in Rockport. Even when he was too ill to get outside, he often had the TV tuned to the hunting channel.

Being with his children, especially watching them play sports, including basketball and football, was paramount in Derek's life. His family remembered that he was a dad to all his children's friends. They said that you couldn't meet him without being positively affected by his personality. He really touched many people.

Derek was predeceased by his parents; and a brother, Dennis Michael Deabler. He is survived by his wife, Krista Pierce Deabler; three sons, Nick Deabler, Christian Deabler and Noah Deabler; and two daughters, Autumn Deabler and Jordynn Pierce, all of Rockland; a special nephew, Devin Deabler and his wife, Tracy, and their children, Kloey and Melody, all of Rockland; three brothers, David Martin Deabler of Rockland, Daniel Deabler of Bangor and Daren Deabler and his wife, Katie, of Waldoboro; one sister, Daveen Bechard and her husband, Ron, of Fryeburg; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many cousins.

A memorial service will be held Monday, April 7, at 10 a.m. at Grace Bible Fellowship, 30 Sherer Lane in Rockland. The Rev. Michael Ferland will officiate.