Derek was born in Rochester, Kent in 1932 and grew up in London but was evacuated during the war to the picturesque village of Laycock.

He did his national service as an RAF policeman in East Anglia where he met Jo, his future wife, at a local dance. They were together for 69 years.

Derek died peacefully in his sleep with his family with him on 18 October and is now once again with Jo who died a few months ago.

He is mourned and still much loved by his children Jayne and Tim and their families.