Derek Michael Benham, 29 SAN DIEGO, Calif. - Derek Michael Benham, of San Diego, died suddenly of an aortic dissection on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010. Derek was born on June 29, 1980, in Milford, Del., to Mary Elisabeth and Stephen Michael Benham. Derek attended Caesar Rodney High School in Camden, Del., graduating in 1998. While attending CRHS, Derek was active in the band, chorus and drama club. He was also a member of the 1998 State Champion Texaco Challenge Team. At graduation, Derek received an "All School Letter" award. After graduating HS, Derek worked at Burris Foods and Dover Downs before relocating to San Diego in 2003. After relocation, Derek attended UCSD in San Diego, and graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in Molecular Biology. While attending college in San Diego, Derek worked at Best Buy and remained employed with Best Buy on a part-time basis until the time of his death. After graduating from UCSD, Derek was employed by the FQubed Company, as a bio-med technician, for the past year. Derek was a well-rounded person who enjoyed every aspect of life. He cherished time spent with his family and friends, and he also enjoyed traveling. Derek was an avid reader, he was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan, and he liked to play golf, and listen to various types of music. One of his favorite TV shows was Jeopardy. He got a real kick out of the Maury Povich show. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Robert M. and Joan Benham; and his maternal grandmother, Mary F. Coppage. Derek is survived by his parents, Stephen M. Benham and Mary E. Benham, who reside in Camden; his maternal grandfather, Howard Hurd of Louisana; and a host of family and friends throughout the United States. Among these are April Baldrich of San Diego (formerly of Delaware), lifelong friend/"sister," Teresa Johns and family of Milan, Ind., Marcia Wetzel and family of Moores Hill, Ind., and Bonnie and Gary Walstead and family of Georgetown, Del. Services will be 2 p.m., Sunday, March 7, at Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, where friends may gather beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will be 11 a.m. Thursday, March 11, at Cravens Cemetery, Milan, Ind. The family strongly encourages donations be made in lieu of flowers to the following foundation: National Marfan Foundation, 22 Manhasset Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050. Letters of condolences can be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.