Derek enjoyed a long and successful career in audio sales - his extensive product knowledge was paralleled by an enduring personal interest in computing and a garage full of everything you would ever need to fix anything. His years in audio included positions with beyerdynamic, Hayden Labs, ASC (with his famous Skoda company car) and Alice (Soundtech). In 1998, he joined Nagra (GB), where he approached the role of sales and marketing manager with typical self-effacing humour - often adding that he had only himself to manage, which was quite enough!
As a long-standing and active member of the Institute of Broadcast Sound, Derek accepted honorary membership in December 2002 'in recognition of his contribution to broadcast sound over many years'. He was also a well-known face at trade events, including attendance at all but one SBES show (and this only last year's because of his hospital treatment for cancer), and will be remembered by many as one of professional audio's true gentlemen.
Derek leaves his wife Ann, son Steven, daughter Deborah and grandchildren, to whom his friends at Nagra extend their sincerest condolences. His funeral will take place tomorrow and his family have asked that donations be made to 'St Catherine's Hospice' or 'Cancer Research UK' via the Funeral Directors - R Medhurst, Vine House, Hartfield, Sussex, TN7 4AD. Tel: 01892 770253, 01342 315880.
(Ruth Rossington)
