I remember Derek from Wood St Baptist Church in the 1960’s. He was always joking and making people laugh. My mum (100) has very fond memories of him as does my brother Mike who is his age . A good mate . Chris Thorndyke

From Evelyn - In loving memory of my kind, lovely cousin Derek, and of all the happy memories of childhood shared with him in Walthamstow, together with my sister, Eileen, who would have wanted to join me in sending her love.

I had great admiration for Derek and his quiet, unassuming and kind nature. I will always be grateful for the way he accepted me into the family, even after telling me off (jokingly) for not seeking his permission to marry his daughter before proposing! His strength of character was evident when, despite being very ill at the time, he insisted that Denise and I went ahead with our wedding. And not only did he attend but to our surprise he stood up and gave a moving speech at the reception. Thank you Derek. And I'll remember the little things, talking football (he always enquired as to how Leyton Orient were doing), laughing out loud as he watched re-runs of Dads Army, or just sitting listening to Helmut Zacharias records. Swingin'!! Rest in peace.