Derek Bossuyt was born on June 12, 1992. As a young man with a big family, bigger heart, and many friends, his birthday celebration was one of his favourite times of year. He was well known by his friends (and neighbours) for hosting his legendary "Bossuyt Bash" in his backyard each year. He looked forward to that event, and Dauphin's Countryfest. Both festivities accomplished the things he loved most; bringing his closest family and friends together in celebration, laughter and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Tragically, Derek was killed in a motor vehicle collision on July 21, 2013 shortly after celebrating his 21st birthday, and after hearing Luke Bryan perform at Dauphin's Countryfest over the July long weekend of that year. Since 2014, Derek’s parents, Karen and Greg, have hosted his friends and family on his birthday, to carry-on "Bossuyt Bash" tradition where everyone continues to celebrate Derek's life, and keep his memory alive through continued story-telling, laughter, some tears, and of course country music, a few Budweiser, whiskey and Cokes.

The Derek Bossuyt Memorial Scholarship

In addition to celebrating with friends and family, Derek loved playing football, and he loved his job as a welder working at MacDon. In 2014, the Derek Bossuyt Memorial Scholarship was established at Oak Park High School where each year a graduating Oak Park student who has been involved with the Oak Park Raiders Football team, and who is continuing their education in a trade, is selected as a recipient of this award. Therefore, on June 12, 2019 Derek’s "Bossuyt Bash" will relocate to a new location and a new tradition begins.

The annual "Bossman Memorial Golf Tournament" will be where friends, and family will still come together to celebrate the "Bossman", "Eddie", "King Boss" "DB" (as he was affectionately known by loved ones) and also to contribute to the Derek Bossuyt Memorial Scholarship fund and carry on his legacy.