Remembering Derek

On the 13th April this year it was the 5 year anniversary of the death of our previous Group Finance Director Derek Chick. We continue to miss him and every year we celebrate his life with our Derek Day, which we hold near his Birthday, in August.

A few thoughts from people who worked closely with Derek:

There isn’t a day goes by I don’t draw upon the things he taught me, I’ll be forever grateful for his patience (mostly at my impatience…somethings don’t change!). He was a great man, with a great sense of humour and a dry wit. He was much loved by all of us who were lucky enough to work for him, and I know we all miss him very much. – Jill Sparks

Derek was one of the most genuine down to earth people you could meet. Whoever he spoke with he left a mark on them and has certainly left a mark on me. We as the accounts department were privileged to have known him, he has guided us with his wisdom, knowledge and wit. Personally I can say and I am sure that I speak for the accounts department who will agree with me Derek’s main characteristic were- Kindness, Strong Willed, Determined, Fair, Understanding and an Ethical leader who is still missed considerably. - Collette Deladrier

Derek and I used to refl ect on the day and chew the cud most evenings aft er close of play, before we went home. He would pop his head round the door – oft en smile – and wander over to the window to look out towards the houses being built behind the offi ces. We would talk about business issues, how to play tricky conversations and usually fi nish with any special things happening at home - especially with his daughter, Alex, who is an accomplished equestrian rider and whom he was very proud of, and his wife, Laian who he always spoke of very fondly, and who kept their horses and made his home. Although Derek enjoyed our business, he was a home lover - an intelligent, kind and dry-witted man with a huge heart and a generous spirit. 5 years have passed since Emma, Sarah and I were driving back from France, when we received the tragic news that he had been written out of the script – ironically on the one day he left the offi ce early because he was going to cut his grass as it was such a lovely day. His spirit and wise counsel are still at the heartbeat of our Company and he oft en gets quoted in meetings to this day. – Lianne Firth