Derek and I were close class mates at Hogarth Secondary Modern School Chiswick between 1955 and 1959.

We were in the same class and were firm mates. We stayed close after we had left to do our first job , me in WHSmith and he at Trico the Windscreen Wiper company in Great West Road Isleworth Middx.He was a superb carpenter and did many jobs for my mum in our old house even replacing the house windows at 18 years of age ! He was a very keen motorcyclist and had an Aerial Arrow motorbike number 519 BXA (I even remember that) and he rode it like he was in a permanent TT race.

Our friendship endured to the point he was my best man twice - the second and more successful time was in North Wales where he came to ensure the deal was done properly to the lovely Red Head Maureen who has been my advisor and lover/wife  for 48 years - so far of bliss.

His daughter Helen was also at the wedding with her mum Marion who I have known since she was 14.

For me this the end of an era - a life time mate gone

God bless a good man ho worked hard and made great contribution.

your very old mate Rob.