Derek Thompson

Derek Thompson went home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 1, 2024.

Derek was born in Miami, FL, on November 26, 1984. He grew up in Hyannis, MA, Derek excelled at sports at an early age. He played Pee Wee Football in his early years and soon found his way to the basketball court. Derek sharpened his basketball skills at Barnstable High School where he was team captain. He took his basketball skills to Bridgewater State College; now known as Bridgewater State University, where he was a standout player, but most of all, a great team player. Derek and his team members won the Conference Championship in his Senior year. He gave his Championship ring to his grandfather which he wore proudly.

Upon graduating from Bridgewater State College with a Bachelors of Arts Degree, he set off to the world of work, starting at ESPN in 2008. In 2010 Derek took his talents to the West Coast. San Diego to be precise. Derek was known by his many friends as the "Gentle Giant". Holding black belts in multiple martial arts disciplines, While getting settled in San Diego, Derek honed in on his bartending skills to pay the bills.

In 2012 the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) came calling! Derek knew he found his dream career. He loved his employment with the UFC. They are the largest MMA Promotion in the world. Whenever Derek spoke about his employment and his work family he would light up with a huge smile. He loved his work and his co-workers. To be closer to his employment Derek moved to Las Vegas in 2022. He worked in the Graphics department for the UFC Production Team.

Derek was predeceased by his grandmother, Helen Gould Kennedy, his grandfather Haskell! Odell Kennedy, Sr., and aunt Tina Marie Kennedy.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving mother Gayle P. Kennedy, two aunts, Brenda Kennedy and Ellana Kennedy, two uncles Haskell Kennedy, Jr. (Eunice) and Mark Kennedy (Brenda), as well as his cousins, Haskell il (Eunice), Shawm, Sr. (Niya), Tiffany (Kennan), Emmanuel Manny" (Michelle), as well as a host of relatives and loving friends.

A Tribute Celebration will be held for Derek on December 5th, 2024 at 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
El Dorado Cantina - Tivoli Village, 430 S Rampart Blvd #110, Las Vegas, NV 89145