Felicity, I was so very sorry to read of Derek's passing and I send my love and condolences.  I will always remember how the two of you embraced my children years ago at St Marks, you truly made a difference in how they related to the "mature" members of the congregation. Derek was kind and gentle, always ready with a smile.
My thoughts are with you.

We were thrilled to welcome Derek into our family when he and Felicity married. His generous character with a marvellous sense of humour, his ringing laughter and great bear hugs to go with it.
Felicity and Derek were the perfect tour guides for our Canadian adventures with them and showed us every waterfall, lake and mountain in the Rockies and beyond and we are forever grateful for all the driving they did. Our fantastic trip to Fort St John will always be with us to see where Felicity spent a few years in this wild part of Canada.  Oberammergau was another special time enjoyed together, very moving and a wonderful experience shared. The laughs and hospitality were second to none. Peter and Derek often spoke about sport and especially cricket.
Derek was always so interested in all our family as they grew up and their visits back to England were really appreciated and enjoyed to the full. We will miss our Skype calls when we were often linked up to exchange all the family news. He and my sister were so happy and made for each other enjoying all their travels to their far flung families and socialising with their many friends everywhere.
Carry these memories, dear Felicity, to help you through this very sad time.
We were so pleased that Claire and Andrew were able to be with you for the Celebration of Life service and to represent us all.
Always in our thoughts and prayers
Fondest love   Angela and Peter xxxxxx


So sorry to hear of Derek's passing. I remember oh so well how joyous you were when you and Derek fell in love and you became Mrs. Smith. I can still recall your smiling face and laughter as your love began. Words just aren't enough to express the sadness now. Sending hugs and love to you dear Felicity.

It was lovely reading other memories of brother-in-law Derek on this page - we too have many but perhaps our most memorable ones are those of when we first visited B.C.   Felicity and Derek drove over to meet us in Calgary and drove us back through the Rockies to Parksville and then across to the west of the Island - the care and trouble they had taken to ensure we saw all the best sights (never complaining when we asked for yet another photo stop) and in the evenings the demon games of cards with the inevitable bar of chocolate on the side!)

Derek's infectious laughter and enormous bear hugs, his interest in all the family were doing, the holidays he and Felicity gave them and us and of course the discussions on sport - especially cricket - he had with Christopher are all part of our memory store of a lovely, kind, caring and happy man.   We will miss him.

With so much love as always Felicity and you are very much in our thoughts and prayers.

Christopher and Verity

I'm very pleased Claire can be in Canada to represent us, we have very fond memories of the time spent with Uncle Derek in Old Basing and here in Exmouth.  RIP.

Dear Felicity:  It was with great sadness I learned of your recent loss.  Derek was a fine man, and in the early days when we first knew you, we were very good and compatible friends.  I know he has suffered with various ailments over the years, and always put on a brave face - as did you Felicity, trying to cope with whatever was coming next.  We always enjoyed hearing about your visits to Australia/New Zealand, and it seemed we had a lot in common.  

I know when I lost David, what a big void is in your life.  Hopefully with friends, family, connections etc. you will get through this sad time and remember the good times.  My sincere condolences and best wishes for the future to you and the whole family.

Love Jean Booth

Dear Felicity,
I just saw this wonderful picture of Derek in the paper late this afternoon.  Carl and I send you our love and heartfelt sympathy.  Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
XO Dixie

Our deepest sympathy to you & your family, Felicity.

I am so so sorry for your loss Felicity and family,,,,,,,I think I have known Derek for over 20 years,,,,,between the Christmas program, and the Board, of Directirs, Of the SOS, we spent quite a bit of time together,   He was a delightful  man, ....always seemed to be calm and collected,,,,,,I don,t recall him ever getting his feathers ruffled,,,,, fun to work with and I will always remember him fondly,   My deepest sympathy to the family,   Joan LeMoine



It breaks my heart to say goodbye Grandad.

We have lots of great memories from all your visits and also our wonderful visits to you and Felicity.
As Katie and Fran have already said it was always great going on a Grandad led tour.
Although I had great admiration for your driving skills!! Julie may not agree.!

Thank you for always showing great interest in what I was doing it meant alot.

I will miss your cheerful chuckle and zest for life.

Love from Ben, Julie, Jack, Mckenzie and Charlotte. 



Dear Grandad 

I will miss you coming to see us. It was so good when you were able to come and watch me play cricket and whenever we talked on the phone you always wanted to know how many wickets I got.    We always made sure we had plenty of jigsaws on hand to do together and how you and I loved doing the plane ones.  We played lots and lots of dominoes and card games.  The last time you came to NZ you and Felicity  came up specially to see me sing in the choir all dressed up as a choir boy ...only I got sick.  The next day you came to my prize giving so you saw  me not only sing but get a couple of prizes. 
I will always treasure the memories of our times together.  Love Will 


Though Grandad left for Canada with Felicity not long after I was born, he ensured he remained very much part of our lives growing up. With bi-annual visits to NZ, frequent phone calls (especially the traditional Xmas day call & chat to each and every one of us), emails and skype meant that we never went without our Grandad. 
Even when you weren't able to be at family gatherings, you would provide us with great memories to laugh about - I will always think of you when beetroot is served at the table.
I know I will miss your enthusiasm at hearing about all our achievements in life, your ability to fill a room with your loud and jolly laugh and the big hugs that would almost devour us whole. 
Grandad has been frequently in my thoughts over these past few months. I know it was hard for him to be so far away from all of us in NZ, as much as it was for us to be so far away from him. I am forever grateful to Felicity who has given Grandad unwavering love, support and care throughout the latter part of his life.  
In memory to my Grandad, with all my love, Charlotte xx


One of my strongest memories of Derek, is conversation. I had many great conversions with him, on a huge range of topics. Often it would be around the news of the day, local or international, and we could debate them robustly. We may not have totally agreed all the time, but I was always aware of his very keen eye for injustice, or wrongdoing, and his intolerance of it. He provided a perspective to discussions, which I came to appreciate greatly. Of course, he and his family had relocated to NZ from England. This wider world view, often gave me cause, to think a little differently, particularly on issues within NZ.
There are many other memories, he really did enjoy cricket, and was always interested in how Will was doing with his cricket games. We did go to an international  rugby game in Palmerston North once, but it was never going to rate above cricket for him. He taught me how to wallpaper, so I could decorate our first home. When I first met him, I did have difficulty with his accent. But it didn't take long for me to catch on, despite some initial blank expressions from me. I think I now understand why some people look confused at my Kiwi accent.


Having Grandad and Felicity come to stay were some of the most exciting times from my childhood. Awaiting their arrival, I was always thrilled to get a big full-bellied hug from Grandad and be surrounded by his loving spirit. Often the most notable feature of having Grandad come to stay (apart from talking him into playing countless card games with me) was being able to hear the television going from any point in the house because he had the volume set at a minimum of 30. I remember finding this hilarious, with Mum being somewhat exasperated at having the sound system blaring, while Grandad was blissfully unaware. 

Visiting Grandad and Felicity in Canada for two weeks in 2014 was really special for me. I specifically recall feeling over the moon at having the chance to take a break from a busy travel schedule and spend some relaxing time in their home environment for a change. Driving with Grandad was always an experience. I’ll never forget driving around Vancouver with Felicity telling Derek that we needed to go one way, and Derek defensively proclaiming that he knew where he was going and there was no way we were in the wrong lane and going in the complete opposite direction!!! Being in Parksville, I couldn’t have been happier to drink tea, play cards and do giant puzzles with both Felicity and Grandad. It was the perfect opportunity to really learn about Grandad’s life story and pour over plenty of photograph albums (and get into some classic old-timer’s shows – Do you remember how we loved Last Tango in Halifax, Felicity??) 

Despite Grandad living so far away, I’m grateful to have made many wonderful memories with him. These won’t be forgotten, and I will miss him greatly xx 


It seems so strange that the world just carries on as normal when someone you love dies. It feels even stranger to know that Dad is no longer with us. He was full of opinions and sometimes quick to a flashpoint but also the Dad who helped me buy my first car (and tolerated the very long, painful and slow repaying of the debt), who built me a shop – GRHS Store – for my 9th birthday, who taught me enough about cricket to enjoy a one day match (sorry Dad never quite got the test match thing), who suffered years of ABBA songs, who brought Felicity into the family, who shared my interest in genealogy and who was immensely proud of each us. When I’m doing the dishes, hanging sheets on the line or hear a dog barking I always think of Dad.

Many things growing up with Dad come to mind.  I was always the one that was happy to do the more traditional "boy things" with Dad.     I remember one summer being up on the roof painting with him, getting me to go under the eves of the new granny flat that had been built for Nan and Uncle Jack  as I was little enough to squeeze in the tight space.   I went to Auckland with him to pick them up in the Golden Holden, lying on the back seat reading a book just keeping him company.    It was always great relief to go on  a trip where neither Maddy  or Gaynor were with us  throwing up and me inevitably sitting in the middle holding the sick bowls for them.  Another time the two of us  headed off to New Plymouth for a cricket game one of Dad's great  passions.  
As we grew older  both Gaynor and I took great delight at times singing endless  ABBA songs just to annoy him.  So,  I think it was a great relief to Dad when finally one by one the son in laws became part of  the family and he wasn't surrounded by a gaggle of girls anymore. 
When Dad went off to Canada we were all sad to see him go but it was always so lovely to see how happy and relaxed he was with Felicity.  He came back to NZ to see us every 2 years and took delight in meeting the latest grandchild.  He always took great interest in what they were doing.  When William  started playing cricket, wickets and run rates were eagerly discussed whenever he rang. 
 I know it was hard for him when his health began to deteriorate and he and Felicity  were  unable to come and see us anymore.  He never complained when we spoke although I know he really struggled not being able to do the things he Felicity loved doing together.   Thank you Felicity for taking such wonderful care of Dad.  
RIP Dad.   Alison x

Dearest Felicity,
My heart goes out to you and all of Derek's Family. May memories of all the happy days you shared together, help you through this sad time..  
I have so many lovely memories of the time we all spent together when you stayed with us. They are so precious.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Fondest love from Gill x

Happy memories of your visits to Bournemouth United Kingdom. With sincere sympathy to all the family for your loss.

While it breaks our hearts to say goodbye to you Grandad, the memories we cherish can never be taken away;

The enthusiastic, almost, in-tune versions of “Happy Birthday” recited down dodgy international phone connections.

Hugs that left us gasping for breath & struggling to make our arms reach to meet at your back.

The postcards that inspired me to collect stamps, you always delivered with the weird, unique or special stamps.

Your organisational skills have made it through at least two generations, I wish I could say I also had your memory or way with numbers.

I'll miss all those visits to the Island, so memorable with your mad driving and brilliant tour guide commentary. I loved meeting all your friends & it was very reassuring seeing the social life you and Felicity enjoyed there.

There is always more to say, but I just hope you knew that we loved you so much & we are very grateful to have had you in our lives. We will remember you most of all for your big heart, and those big, loving hugs.

Rest easy,
Katie
xxx

I will always remember Granddad's  love of cricket and how pleased he was when I started playing at the age of 7.  He always asked me whenever we talked how many wickets I got and  how happy he was when he managed to come and see me play.  
We always made sure when Grandad and Felicity were coming over to NZ and would come and stay with us that we had some jigsaws to do...something I always loved doing with him....especially the plane ones.  
The last Christmas all together was such a lovely one and I will always treasure that memory.   Its hard being so far away and I will miss you Grandad .  Love Will

It was as a nervous suitor to his youngest daughter, that I first met Derek, more than thirty years ago. He was kind to me, indeed at his most charming. He put me quickly at ease, coming across as chatty, well-travelled and urbane, albeit slightly out-of-place in small town NZ. I thought ‘here is the quintessential modern Pom’. Doubtless, he thoroughly enjoyed putting me ‘through some paces’, but (as this was his third daughter) was confident in his role and took some delight: ‘asking me about my prospects’. 
I later learned of the more private Derek. He was generous to a fault and I still have a strong image the morning after our wedding, of Derek laughing uproariously, as he held up a single fifty cent piece, chuckling “this is the last one Beaky, last one!” Indeed, I often saw Derek-the-lad in him: his delighted fascination with machinery and particularly planes; he frequently seemed like a lad ready for a boy’s own adventure. When I first knew him he travelled far and wide for his work as a management consultant, always seeming to be up and off, then later, quick to up sticks and relocate to Canada.
Derek had learned to drive when cars had slower acceleration and softer brakes. In 1988 he had a fastback Toyota Corona, which he drove with some abandon, fast into corners and always braking sharply at the last minute. I have only ever felt travel sick twice, once in the teeth of a gale on the Ferry across Foveaux Strait and secondly, I suspect ‘co-piloting’ the Corona with Derek as we ‘flew’ across the Pahiatua Track, a ubiquitous roll-me-own cigarette flavor to the cockpit and adding to his pleasant day out…
Another day I recall him particularly enjoying his car, was when we had given him a Pavarotti tape for his birthday, along with a few too many wines for lunch. I am not sure Feilding was ready for Derek, parked in the driveway, doors open, eyes closed, singing Nessun Dorma in tandem with Luciano, both at full volume! We enjoyed teasing him about that. Derek always tried to live life to the fullest, I am sorry to have to say goodbye to him but I will continue to think of him as simply away on his next adventure.


One of my earliest memories of Grandad was when we visited he and Felicity when I was seven. We went to Stanley Park and saw the Totems and a woodpecker; but my main memory is getting Grandad to drive around on a squirrel hunt. I was desperate to see a squirrel, and Grandad very graciously drove all over the park until we finally spotted one and jumped out of the car to watch it climb up a tree. When he and Felicity came and visited us in New Zealand, I mainly remember us going out and playing Mini Putt and bowling and many games of cards and Monopoly; the monotony of which they both tolerated with enthusiasm! In the last few years, Grandad became very deaf, so it was much harder to have a conversation with him but he still took a keen interest in everything his family were doing. I will miss him; but I hope that Felicity will not stop visiting us in New Zealand – many games of Monopoly await.

What a wonderful picture to remember Derek by - it captures his eagerness to engage, his love and interest in living life to the fullest, his ever-present smile and even includes huge trees such as the one in front of the house.
You are in our thoughts and prayers Felicity, all our love Gavin, Trish, Claire and Quinn

OBITUARY

Derek Edward SMITH

19 April, 1931 – 19 June, 2017

Yates Memorial Services

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