Derek Wilson was born on the 10th day of December in the year of 1943, in the town of Eccles in Manchester. He was one of 3 children to James and Lillian Wilson, having an older Sister Beryl (who is with us today) and a younger sister Doreen, who sadly has predeceased Derek.

Beryl tells me that as a youngster she was away from home for around 6 months through illness. When she returned home, Derek, who was all of around 4 or 5 years of age, came running to greet her, full of excitement and emotion. He ran with his arms wide open, crying out "Berlie, Berlie!"

Even at such a young age, he remembered his sister, and loved to be with her. And the quality of this relationship has lasted right throughout their lives.

As a young lad he was always a good student, an intelligent boy with a good future ahead. However, his intelligence was combined with quiet a mischievious and adventurous streak. He never really knew about fear, always looking for something exciting to become involved in.

There are many stories about his younger days, such as the time he and another boy were caught stealing pears by the local police. They had done pretty well until that moment, with a large bag of pears to show for their efforts. They were escorted down town to the local jail cell, pears and all.

Fearful of the consequences they were delighted when the police officer told them to eat the pears. However, their smiles were soon to disappear when they realised they were expected to eat ALL the pears. These two boys had to stay in the jail cell until they had eaten the lot... and became very ill in the process.

A lesson well learned!

There were other occasions he brushed shoulders with the law too. Such as the occasion when he went rock climbing and got stuck. Once more it was the police who were in attendance, this time helping him down to safety.

But this was the nature of the boy. He simply loved adventure, involved regularly in hiking, rock climbing or exploring new caves and underground tunnels (potholing).

Derek also had a love of dancing in his younger days, and was extremely good but his real passion was soccer, being a passionate lifelong supporter of Manchester United Football Club (MUFC).

After leaving Winton Senior High School, Derek settled into his trade of Electrician, following in his father's footsteps.

At the age of 16 he was to romance a young Pauline and these childhood sweethearts were to remain by each others side for the past 40 years, which of course included 36 years of marriage (they were married on 24th July 1965 at St Andrew's Church in Eccles, Manchester).

When they were blessed with their son Lee, and daughter, Karen, Derek was in his element. These children were so special to him. He always made time for them and was involved in so much with them. He played cricket, he took them fishing. In fact, he took them everywhere and did everything with them.

In 1971, seeking a bit of adventure once more, and new opportunities for their family, Derek and Pauline made the decision to leave their home country for a new life overseas. It was first decided to move to Canada where Derek had a job already lined up, but Pauline couldn't cope with leaving everyone and everything behind. So they let that opportunity go and rethought their future.

With Derek's sister already in Australia, it seemed that the best solution was for them to move to a country with at least some familiar faces... so a new adventure began with a life in a country so vastly different from the life they were so used to. And while Derek could adapt easily and settled into their new surroundings, Pauline found it hard. She was homesick and missed her family and friends. So after 5 years they packed up and headed back to England, arriving in December 1976 intending to stay.

However, upon return, they realised Australia was now really their home... and as lovely as it was to enjoy being amongst people who were special to them, they both knew in their hearts that they would never be able to settle in England without regret. So rather than unpack and get on with life in England, they simply told the carriers to turn around and take everything back!

But Derek took all this in his stride, and I guess that with his sense of humour, there were many funny stories he told to his family and friends about this time of turmoil in their lives. But people were used to that with Derek. He loved to be around people, enjoying a laugh... and looked at everything in life with a positive viewpoint. His sense of humour was a wonderful quality and he could bring light and laughter into the most challenging of situations.

He was a man who also had a wonderful love of music, enjoying such a wide range of music styles (particularly the Beatles, Deep Purple, Phil Collins and Enya). He followed our Queensland Bronco's, loved a game of pool or working in his garden, but of course, the passion was saved for Manchester United.

Christmas was always so very special too. This was the time of the year which he truly loved. This was the time that all the family came together and they would enjoy such a lovely time, catching up, sharing a lot of laughter and love.

But really, Derek was an entertainer in so many ways. He loved people, parties and socialising generally. He was a wonderful host, always with a Fosters, of course. And then there were those wonderful fancy dress parties, where he would spend his time creating the most outrageous costumes.

Lots of good times with special people in his life.

In fact, he was always a giving and sharing person, except with his lollies and cakes, which he wouldn't give to anyone, and he was never known to complain about anything... well, perhaps once or twice when Ray pinched his beer.

But other than that, life was good and life was to be lived.

But of course, you all know that Derek wasn't all light and laughter. He was a workaholic too. For a long time he had a dream. He wanted to build a particular home for his family. He knew just what he wanted. He had carried a model of it for years. And when the block of land caught his eye in Burpengary he knew this was the time, this was the place, and this is what he would achieve.

And Derek, being the man he was, built the home of their dreams... build around the bar, of course.

And justifiably he was proud of the end result (pictured left).

But as time went on the home really was too big for just Derek and Pauline and, with his love of the sea, they looked for something else to channel their energies into, eventually finding their final piece of paradise in Longland Street.

But by now Derek was facing other challenges in his life, with his health starting to let him down. In May 1999 he was diagnosed with Advanced Stage Cancer. Derek faced his illness with great optimism, a positive attitude and together with incredible courage he defied the odds... and lived for a further 2 years.

Derek always showed more concern for others than for himself and it was important to him that he provide well for Pauline, making sure their home was finished, making sure she was settled, leaving her with no unfinished business. So, as sick as he was, he completed their beautiful home, making sure the bar was just right!

But he kept himself busy doing other things too... rather than let his illness dominate his life. Of course, he read the newspaper from cover to cover... and I guess you all learned the hard way, that you never touched the paper before Derek had finished it!

But he also enjoyed spending many hours on the internet, exploring a new world... and for the past 2 years he has been an active participant with a world wide on-line support group (the Lighthouse)... and through this association with so many wonderful people, Derek has earned the respect and admiration of a world wide audience... so much so, that a verse has been written for Derek. This verse, sent to his family, from the support group, I'd like to share with you now...

[Reading of Derek's Poem" written by Terri]

Derek has had an impact on many lives throughout the years. He has been inspirational in so many ways... and despite his chauvinistic tendencies, which caused many debates over time (he loved to stir everyone up).. he was a good man, a man of integrity, a man who lived his life with pride and with honour... a man who loved his family more than life itself.

And as he faced his darkest hours, he still never uttered a word of complaint. When asked "how are you today?" the reply was always "I'm good".

He only ever wanted to share laughter, smiles, good times and love. He never wanted others to share in his pain.

But as he slipped away from those he loved, it was his family who were by his side holding his hand, sharing in all that his life represented... knowing he had found his release from the greatest challenge he had faced.

And today, as we say farewell, you all know how lucky you are to have learned from the influence Derek has had on your lives. We know he will be missed dreadfully but today we give thanks for his life.