I first met Derrick in September 1969. My Dad was a Company Representative and one of his customers was Bi-Rite in Lowther Street, Carlisle. They were short staffed in the warehouse for a week until a new storeman started and I had a week free until I started at the Technical College.  I got the job and turned up at 8.00 am on the Monday to be met by Derrick.

I was a shy 16 year-old but Derrick immediately put me at ease and showed me the ropes. He was really good to me and we hit it off immediately. It was a busy week and Derrick and I worked very hard but I absolutely loved it!  I was very sorry to leave at the end of that week.

But that was not the end of it.  I was asked back to help out at Christmas and was kept on as a Saturday job.  I worked at Bi-Rite in holidays and weekends until 1975. In that time I got to know Derrick, Norma and the girls very well.  They were a lovely family and Derrick and Norma were very good to us.  My then girlfriend (now my wife) Moira and I would babysit Fiona and Linda.  

Even after Moira and I left Carlisle, we would occasionally see Derrick at the Petrol Station on Wigton Road. He always remembered us and was always the same.

Derrick was one of life's true gentlemen! Always kind and generous. Although I have not seen him for many years I will always remember him and be grateful for what he did for me. 

Moira and I were very sorry to read of his passing.