Peter Derek Hults Russell, known as Derek, lived big, fun, happy, strong, and full of love. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly from a heart attack on July 31, at the age of 37. The outpouring of support since then shows how important he was in this community.

Derek was born in New York on August 22, 1987. His family moved to Humboldt when he was two years old and he lived here for the rest of his life, attending Jacoby Creek Elementary and Arcata High. He had a creative spirit, a welcoming smile, and he leaves behind a legacy of kindness, inclusion, and heart. His generosity, his love of bringing people together, and his mission to have fun every day touched everyone who knew him.

Derek had many passions. He was a talented artist from a young age, eventually majoring in fine arts at College of the Redwoods, where he specialized in ceramics. He was a musician, totally self-taught, and played the drums in bands all through his school years. He was incredibly handy around the house and with any vehicle (including his RC cars), preferring to fix things on his own and helping others do the same. He loved having fun outside everywhere Humboldt has to offer: rivers, forests, beaches, and mountains.

Derek was an avid disc golfer and a regular fixture at the Manila, Pump Station, and Redwood Curtain courses. Everyone who crossed his path was buoyed by his jokes and encouragement and impressed by his skill. He got his last two aces less than two weeks before he passed.

But Derek’s biggest passion was skateboarding. Derek was a powerful skater, yet graceful with plenty of style — a combination that perfectly fit with the treacherous concrete parks of the Pacific Northwest. He was skilled at transition skating in pools and loved to get big air. Thrasher Magazine once featured a photo of him and his dog Tuckknee, a legend in her own right. He was a familiar face at Arcata Skatepark for decades, and his fun, easy presence was a big part of what makes Arcata’s skateboarding community so special.

Derek’s proudest accomplishment was buying Ampt Skateshop in 2018. Ampt had opened in 2002, when Derek was in high school. He immediately found a home there, hanging out and working at the shop over the years, and being a counselor at the local skate camp. After taking over, Derek poured his heart and soul into Ampt, embodying the phrase “skater owned and operated.” Anyone who stopped by the shop was treated to his knowledge, patience, and infectious smile. A team is working to ensure Ampt will remain open for the community, in honor of Derek.

Derek is survived by his mother Barbara Russell, his partner Isabel Angell and their puppy Jibbli, sister Jessica Dalton, her husband Jason, and their children Emmett and Kennedy. He also leaves behind his former partner Cecilia and their dog Cosmo, and an incredibly deep and wide network of friends made over his entire life. He was preceded by his beloved and beautiful dog Tuckknee.

His passing leaves a massive hole in the lives of everyone who knew him. We will miss him forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 1–4 p.m. at Azalea Hall and the nearby skate park in McKinleyville, California. Family, friends, and community members are warmly invited to gather, grieve, laugh, and honor Derek in the way he deserves.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to keep AMPT Skateshop alive during this transition period at this link.