DERRICK Waters died recently at the wonderful age of 95 having lived for over 60 years in Winchester with his dear wife Jean who he had been happily married to for nearly 69 years.

Derrick’s family has expanded from two sport loving sons and a creative daughter to five grandsons, one granddaughter and the recent joyful edition of his first great-grandson. 

Along with the edition of supportive son and daughters-in-law and loving partners for his grandchildren, many of whom now live in different parts of the world.

Derrick shared many interests with his wife Jean, most importantly visiting lifeboat stations, at one time they had visited all off-shore lifeboat stations in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Fundraising for many years as members of the Winchester branch of the RNLI, Derrick especially enjoyed flag days wearing the full lifeboat gear.

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Along with Jean, he was a founder member of a church visiting group which took them to all the churches in Hampshire and beyond with the edition of a good pub lunch and a pint.

Derrick was a man of many interests and was fortunate to retire early and get involved with many local organisations, including becoming a cathedral guide for 25 years, Theatre Royal usher in the early days, helping out on the Watercress Line especially the Santa Specials and Thomas weekends.

He also annually actively helped in the organisation of the Royal British Legion poppy collection in Winchester.

He had a great love of sport especially cricket, rugby and football, eagerly supporting his sporting family and numerous other teams but primarily Sparsholt Cricket Club, Bath Rugby and Southampton FC.

He enthusiastically taught his family the love of nature, especially ornithology which has continued with his grand-children and his great-grandson.

Derrick was blessed to have had a long, happy and meaningful life well spent and will be sadly missed.

Derrick’s funeral takes place on Thursday May 9 at 3pm at Test Valley Crematorium, Romsey.