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Derksen, Clifford (1944-1962)
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Mar 29 p. 3
Birth date: 1944
text of obituary:
Winkler, Manitoba. — A gasoline explosion and fire at Derksen's Garage here March 17 claimed the life of 18-year-old Clifford Derksen and injured five other persons.
In fair condition with serious burns were Laverne Derksen, 11, Cornelius Peters, 20, and Peter Peters, 19. Less seriously burned were Dave Derksen, father of the boys and owner of the garage, and Jacob Enns, Wm. Peters, 19, escaped injury.
Mr. Enns, driver of a tank truck, was filling gasoline into underground tanks when it was noticed that gasoline had overflowed and was spreading across the floor of the garage. He shut off the gas and moved the truck away.
The men and youths were attempting to mop up the gasoline when the fumes were ignited by a coal-burning furnace. The Derksen youth suffered burns over much of his body and died the next morning. The garage was burned to the ground.