Colleagues Remember Life Of Doctor Who Drowned On Oologah Lake

Coworkers are remembering an Owasso doctor who drowned on Oologah Lake Tuesday. 

They said Dr. Dale Derby dedicated his life to helping others through medicine and even in the state legislature. 

Dr. Derby worked as an anesthesiologist at Bailey Medical Center since it opened its doors in 2006. 

"He was integral in putting the hospital together, the original kind of founders for the hospital," said Dr. Mark Birdsong. 

Dr. Birdsong said he worked with Dr. Derby for 13 years. He said had a huge personality and had a smile on his face all the time. 

"Just a huge smile every morning when he got into work, just always happy, always smiling," he said. 

Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Dr. Derby and his wife launched their boat at Oologah Lake Tuesday, but had trouble starting it up.

Troopers said the boat started drifting, and Dr. Derby tried to swim after the boat without a life jacket. 

Related Story: OHP Recovers Body Of Former State Rep, Owasso Physician Dale Derby In Oologah Lake

"Everyone here is still fairly in shock about what happened, and just how sudden it was," Dr. Birdsong said. 

Dr. Birdsong said Dr. Derby spent his life serving others. He was involved in his church and was once a member of the House of Representatives. 

"You name it, Dale was always right in the middle of everything, and always happy to be there," he said. 

Dr. Birdsong said Dr. Derby was a man who was strong in his faith, always leading by example, and he will be missed every day. 

"Just a giant hole for the staff here, you get used to walking in every day, seeing the same face, same good morning, you take it for granted that it's going to happen again the next day," he said. 

Funeral arrangements for Dr. Derby are still pending. He was 72.