An Open Letter From A Father To His Son

My name is Michael Derks. I am the father of Justin Kulhanek-Derks who was

recently shot and killed by Eagan Police Department. In my grief, I have found the
need to express a true picture of my son.
Justin was a generous soul with a golden heart. He gave of himself even at his own
expense. Many is the time he would stop mid stride to talk to a small child and bring
a smile to a face. His kindness knew no boundaries. He made me laugh.
He was a loving father to his daughter whom he adored, and she in turn loved him.
They were inseparable and bonded at all levels. Justin was a single parent with all
the responsibilities that entails. After graduating from Dakota County Technical
College his career path was that of a machinist, at which he worked full time while
maintaining a household for he and his daughter. He loved plants, and had a very
green thumb. Being mechanically inclined, Justin enjoyed being up to his elbows in
dirt and grease while working on an engine. To see the inner beauty of Justin
exposed you just needed to watch him four-wheeling in the woods. This was the one
activity he felt free to be himself. I am blessed to have spent those times with him
and will cherish the warmth and the smile he brought to me.
Justin had a strong sense of fairness and believed in honesty. His loyalty to those of
us close to him knew no boundaries. Even in death he was an organ donor so that
others may have a better life. My son loved me, and I him. My life will never be the
same again but I will hold his memories tightly and never let go. He had his
demons, as do we all, but he fought them all his life and I choose to acknowledge
them only for what they were and not allow them to define who he was. I will miss
him dearly and always will.
I can offer these words from this devastating event:

Gather your loved ones close to you

Hold them tightly
Tell them you love them often
Learn together
Grow together
Reprioritize your life
Listen to the wisdom in your children
Remember it will be all gone in an instant

Justin was a son, brother, father and a friend to many people. He touched many
souls and will be remembered by the goodness he brought to our lives.