Derek Fergus Patrick Harris was born in Dublin on 25th June 1937. He was educated at Presentation Sisters, and Christian Brothers Schools, Dublin, at primary level and at Cistercian College, Roscrea at secondary level.
He came to Dalgan in September 1955 and was ordained priest on 20th December 1961.
In 1962, he was appointed to Korea, where after language studies he was assigned to Soyangro, Chuncheon and later as assistant in Inje, Kangwando.
From 1968-1969 he served at Kimhoa, Kangwando, then from 1969-1973 he served at Hyotjadong, Chuncheon and from 1974-1978 at Simkikdong, Inchon.
During the years 1978 – 1982 Derek was appointed to promotion work in the Region of Ireland and Britain.
He returned to Korea in1982 and was appointed to the District of Chuncheon. In 1986 he was appointed to the Korean Apostolate in the United States and served in several districts over the next ten years.
In 1996 he was assigned to the Region of Australia/New Zealand on Mission Awareness and Promotion, and this was followed in 1998 by an appointment to the Region of Ireland.
Derek was a keen sailor and was well known among the sailing community. He served as a crew member on several interesting voyages around Ireland and British and was always sought out to bless new boats.
As his health deteriorated in recent years, he was admitted to the Columban Nursing Home in September 2023 and he died in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, on 22nd of September 2025.
May he rest in peace.
