Derek Robert Farrer, 76, of Trona, CA, passed away on January 27, 2026 after a prolonged stay at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital.

Derek was born February 14, 1949 in Edinburgh, Scotland, the son of Robert Farrer and Alice Forrest.

Derek became a permanent resident of the United States in 1964, when his father sent him to live with his sister and her family residing on the Naval Ordnance Test Station China Lake. He graduated from Burroughs High School in 1966 and went on to Bakersfield College, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree.

Derek was drafted in the United States Army in 1969 and served as a helicopter mechanic in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1971.

Derek settled in Trona first working in the chemical plants as a bricklayer in the Westend kilns. He earned his journeyman carpenter certificate while working for Kerr McGee. It was in Trona where he and his former wife raised their two girls, Alice and Josie. Derek also served as a volunteer fireman for the Searles Valley Fire Department. Later, he was a school custodian for the Trona Unified School District, eventually retiring from that position.

Derek enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and camping on the southern Oregon coast, which reminded him of the Scottish coastline. He also enjoyed off-roading in various 4-wheel drive vehicles he owned over the years. We all learned to “read the road” when going out into the desert with him in search of old mines or wildflowers. He was a creative person who loved drawing and music. Whether strumming the guitar or playing vinyl, cassette tapes or CDs, he was never without his tunes. Derek was a voracious reader, who loved historical novels and books about the natural world. He had a quick wit and a wry sense of humor.

Remaining to cherish Derek's memory are his children, Alice (Bill) Gilmartin and Josie (Marvin) Cordova; grandchildren, Emma, Cole, Phoenix, and Scarlet; and his partner, Sharon Nelson. He is also survived by his former spouse and mother of his children, Kathy Cozad.

Derek will be taken home to Edinburgh, Scotland, where he longed to be all his life.