Deric Grant Walden

We celebrate Deric Grant Walden, whose joyful spirit departed from us on January 28th, 2025, at the age of 30. Deric had a heart full of love and a smile that lit up any room. Battling brain cancer at the age of 2 and all the medical aftermath from that never slowed Deric down, he not only beat the odds then, but he continuously fought and overcame any obstacle he faced throughout his entire life. Deric found joy in the world of Barney, always singing his favorite songs, or reading Barney books to anyone who would listen. His infectious laugh filled every space, especially with bubbles in the air or when it was time to sing “Happy Birthday”. He loved singing in the car to any music playing, and in warmer weather you could find him playing with his loved ones in the pool aka “Deric’s ocean”.

Deric was both ornery and joyful, a perfect mix of mischief and warmth. He loved being surrounded by his friends and family and had a way of making everyone around him laugh and smile. He offered his love freely and wholeheartedly. To know him was to experience the purest form of happiness and love.

His presence, laugh and endless colorful sayings will be deeply missed, but the love he gave so freely will live on in the hearts of many. May we find joy in every day just like our Dude did.

He is preceded in death by his Papa Michael, Nan, Papa Bill, Grandma Glenda, Papa Jerry and his Grandma Jean who we knew was waiting for him with a big hug and walked with him on his journey to heaven. 

Deric is survived by his momma, Anja Wilkinson, his daddy, Eric Walden and Eric’s wife Jamie. His “baby brother” Spencer Walden, his “Sissy” Kaitlyn Remington, his little sister Hevyn Remington, and siblings Jace, Molly and Cohl Sortore. His favorite Aunt T, Trisha Johnston, and her significant other Dennis Nelson. And his aunt Aimee Simms, uncle Bill Walden Jr., Braylin Sutton, and Deric’s many cousins whom he loved. Along with every friend he met that quickly became family to him.