Kevin has such happy memories of growing up over the road from Derek & Pat, enjoying seeing his Dad & Derek spending time together having a good laugh, best mates from early days & later working together. A common joke between them was Derek was always perfect & Colin was always right! Deb will miss their little chats, always so interesting & full of a life well lived. Derek would say sorry to bore you Deb but….you could never bore me Derek. Such a true gentleman. Walking past your home most days when out with our dog, glancing to see if you are looking out the window…..miss you Derek.

As regular visitors to Throckmorton Road, we shared drinks, food and long, funny conversations with Derek at parties ‘over the road’. Always such good company, so kind and thoughtful, we loved a catch up with Derek. At one party (a royal wedding day - hence the strange attire in the photos), Derek proudly presented medals to the ladies who had just walked the Yorkshire Three Peaks. He was so proud of us. We will miss Derek and send much love to all his family. Helen and Terry xx

I will always remember Derek for his wonderful smile and contagious laugh. He was always genuinely interested in people, which was wonderful. He loved a laugh but loved a port and a chat even more. I enjoyed sharing a tipple with him on many occasions. A truly kind and gentle soul, I was lucky to have known him x

Many many happy memories if Derek, and also Pat stretching over many decades. My grandkids used to call him Mr Derek he always had a choice biscuit fir them!; Fondest memories of when he stayed with us in Cornwall, especially that meal on the moors at the Jamiaca Inn. Good night God Bless kind Sir x

This is something we knew would come one day but it's so hard to put into words what Derek meant to us. He was our neighbour and friend for over 20 years. He watched our children grow up, took them in or gave them a key when they'd locked themselves out, he checked when they were home from school when we were at work and he always cared about what they were doing and how they were. He met Martin on the rugby field before we were even married and was delighted when he recognised him as a fellow Rugby fan. Those conversations could go on for hours. An incredibly good gardener he gave great advice, a lover of food he'd welcome practice bakes - even the ones with a slightly soggy bottom, a social person he was always at the party. Oh, the parties. Friends have openly agreed to come only if Derek was there. Age made no difference. Any social gathering he would be there, front and centre with a drink and a story and everyone loved his company. Seeing him struggle the past year was tough. Regardless of his failing health he'd get up every morning and wave us off to work. We miss you so very much Derek. Rest in peace dear friend. With love from your friends, your neighbours, your Throckmorton Rd family. Martin, Ruth, Alice & Ben xxxx

Derek was such a nice, kind soul . Loved his trout i used to take around . I was hoping he was going to show me his secret fishing location. Unfortunately, it will remain a secret . God bless Derek. I hope he is fishing in paradise.

Thank you for setting up this memorial to Derek. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.