It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Derek Rea, 

a very special friend, and friend of reform.

He was diagnosed with a rare and acute leukemia in January of this year, 

and just finished another round of chemotherapy last week.  

Monday June 16, 2008, his wife, Eileen took him back to the hospital, but 

he could not overcome the pneumonia that developed the day before.

Derek was a crucial activist, and was a cannabis patient for decades. 

Every week, he read all relevant Letters to the Editor to choose the 

letter of the week for DrugSense Weekly.  In addition, he was an 

inspiring member of the Board of Directors of Illinois NORML.  After 

being diagnosed with leukemia, he became even more passionate and 

outspoken about medical cannabis.

Derek is survived by 4 daughters and Eileen, who he described to me 

as his soul mate.  She has been extremely supportive of his activism, 

and was overwhelmed by the support she and Derek received after news 

spread that he had fallen ill.  She previously had not had any idea 

how well-known and respected he was in the movement.  She has sent me 

many thank you cards since January, and each one mentions how 

heart-warming the response has been from around the world.  She had 

no idea how active and loved Derek was in the fight for cannabis reform.

Derek also was pleasantly surprised by the outpouring of letters and 

gifts he had received since January.  I've talked with him countless 

times since his diagnosis, and he has repeatedly talked about how 

humbled he was by the support.  I always responded by reminding him 

he deserved the support, because he has encouraged and inspired so many.

Derek was a key volunteer in the efforts of the Media Awareness Project of DrugSense. 

Just a few months ago DrugSense wrote this 

about Derek in their Insider newsletter:

"We could not possibly list all that Derek has done as a MAP 
activist, from supporting other activists in need, to helping with 
evening gatherings at conventions, to visiting the MAP team on 
Vancouver Island. Derek keeps DrugSense organized in our "Letter of 
the Week" and "Letter Writer of the Month" recognitions. He, also, 
has had a direct hand in the archiving of over 12,000 news clippings."

Derek was my dear, dear friend and I must thank Steve Young for 

introducing me and subsequently the rest of the Illinois NORML Board 

to this wonderful person.  Derek was deeply caring, honest, and 

hard-working.  He labored intensively in construction management, and 

often feared failing a drug test at work.  He also feared discovery, 

due to the conservative area where he lived near the 

Illinois-Missouri border.  Despite his and his families fears, he was 

able to help many patients in his area over the last few decades.

Every time I talked to Derek while he was in the hospital for 

treatment, he would lament about how guilty he felt for having the 

only medicine that works, while everyone else on his floor suffered. 

He said it was so horrible to hear their suffering, and some days he 

would lose two or three roommates.  Nurses and doctors flocked to his 

room for respite, because he is the only patient they have ever seen 

live through the treatment.  Often, he and I would be shooting the 

shit and he would laugh and then feel terrible for laughing out loud 

on such a sad floor of the hospital.  I would yell "Oh no! No 

laughing allowed!" because I knew it would make him laugh harder and 

help him and those around him feel better.

His type of leukemia is almost impossible to overcome,  however, he had gotten 

back to work and was otherwise doing great, 

and his doctors were totally amazed at his recovery.  They are all 

aware of his secret medicine by now, so I'm sure he made a huge impact on them.

Derek Rea will deeply missed by many.  He was one of my biggest fans 

in the sense that he went out of his way to encourage me to write and 

persevere, and I will do my part to keep his spirit alive by thinking 

of him every day...

Danielle Schumacher

A photo of Derek is at http://cannabisconsumers.org/gallery.php?gal_id=61

Visitation for Derek's funeral will be from 4 to 8 p.m. this 

Thursday, June 19th at:

Irwin Chapel, P.C.

3960 Maryville Road

Granite City, IL 62040

Phone: 618-931-8000

Those wishing to send flowers should have them arrive 

at Irwin Chapel at about 2 p.m.

Condolences may be sent to:

Eileen Rea and Family

2405 Jerden

Granite City, IL  62040