The Loss of Vance Derricott

Vance Derricott left his beloved Island Park for the last time when he died of natural causes last week. He was a colorful resident of the caldera. He was active in the community, served as a volunteer fireman and he learned how to provide for his family in the boom/bust business cycles of Yellowstone Country.  

Vance and his wife, Marie Derricott purchased Island Park Builders Supply in 1972 from Mel and Ethel Harris. The following year they packed up the store; logs, stock and barrels and moved it from North Big Springs Loop to its present location on South Big Springs Loop. They sold IPBS to their son-in law and daughter, Glade and Aleana Gunnell in 2004.

When I first met Vance three and a half years ago, he was already tethered to this portable oxygen bottle. Our first conversation was interesting. It began with introductions. Mine was brief. Sheri and I had just moved up from Pocatello and were leasing a cabin at Mack’s Inn. His had a little more meat on its bones. He made it clear that he was Island Park born and bred. He recounted several of his business accomplishments and those of his family, in whom he expressed great pride. Expressing my admiration at the life he had built for himself and his progeny in the mountain country, he nodded in appreciation of the acknowledgment and the subject never came up again.

Vance was like one of the volcanic boulders that decorate the caldera. Time does not smooth out all of a monolith’s rough edges and yet it is located in an environment in which it fits.  The last time I spoke to Vance was at the American Legion ceremony at the Island Park Cemetery last Memorial Day. He and Marie were clad in matching American Flag Shirts.

I’ll miss seeing Vance at the Post Office, the bank or just giving him an acknowledgement wave as he drove by. Condolences go out to Marie and all of Vance’s family. Sheri and I are truly sorry for your loss.