Derek was a member of Enfield & Haringey Athletic Club for over 40 years – and in that time he supported the club throughout – his incredible loyalty and never ending hard work as a volunteer was immense.
Derek was always seen at so many of the club’s fixtures, no matter where the competition was or whatever the weather – Derek would always be there ready to support and officiate.
Derek was a very private person, never looking for accolades – he loved his athletics – in particular officiating and whether it was in snow, rain, wind and sometimes in 30+ degrees of heat – there was Derek out there and always happy to help others.
Derek was himself a very good athlete which he kept very quiet and he ran many marathons and half marathons, competing for his charities along with his family. His greatest love and joy was his wife Joan and their beloved family.
Derek’s daughter Angela competed for the club for many years said ‘Dad was all about his Family, whenever we went on holiday if there was a fancy dress competition Dad was on it – he always made everything from scratch’. He loved everything he did – his love of football and Arsenal caused a few tough debates at home as Angie supported Tottenham ! ‘We had a lot of banter when our teams played, but we enjoyed every moment.’
Derek loved his family and was very proud of them all, his grand-children and great grand-children. It was only a few years ago in his mid eighties that Derek decided it was time to join his family in Somerset after years of giving his all to the sport and to the club.
Derek was a very special person, he deserved more from the sport after many years of volunteering, but he loved to help other people, he was truly one of a kind.
Derek will be sorely missed by all of us at the club, and we count ourselves very lucky to have known him. He was a ‘True Gentleman’.
