Oliver Francis Derby

He was born in Keene, October 4, 1919, the son of Robert C. and Marietta I. (Willoughby) Derby. He graduated from Marlborough High School and went on to earn an Associates degree in Accounting from Bentley College.

Mr. Derby served for several years in the US Army serving in the US, North Africa and Europe during WWII.

He married Patricia L. Reekie on July 20th, 1952 in Marlborough and they lived in a house they built on a hill on part of the Derby homestead overlooking the town. They lived there all of their married life.

Mr. Derby worked for many years in retail sales for Chase Inc. which eventually became Kendall Office Products, here in Keene.

He was very active in the Boy Scouts with the Daniel Webster Council for many years. He also became a registered Girl Scout leader with the Swift Water Council when his boys were no longer active in scouts.

In the local school district, he served as School District Moderator, Clerk and Treasurer. In addition, he was the Town of Marlborough Auditor and Trustee of Trust Funds.

Mr. Derby served in the Federated Church of Marlborough in several capacities including Sunday School Teacher, Treasurer and President.

Mr. Derby and his wife traveled extensively on six continents, visiting many out of the way destinations. They sampled all kinds of local cuisine, including Witchy grubs, rode elephants in Nepal, camels in Australia, a jet boat in Fiji, white water rafting in Alaska and a hot air balloon in Wyoming. Some people called them the "Crazy Derby's".

Mr. Derby is survived by: his two sons: Richard E. Derby and his wife Alexandra of Bayside NY., and William R. Derby and his wife Regina of Hammonton NJ., two daughters: Mary D. Leatherwood and her husband James Dennis of Emerson GA and Margaret D. Tousley and her husband Charles Derek of Marlborough; thirteen grandchildren, and step grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His wife, Patricia Derby died in 2011.

Services for Mr. Derby will be held Sunday afternoon, January 25, 2015, 2:00 PM at the Federated Church in Marlborough. A reception will follow the service at the Marlborough Community House. Friends are invited. There are no public calling hours. Burial will be private in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be sent in Mr. Oliver Derby’s name to the Federated Church of Marlborough, 16 Pleasant Street, Marlborough, NH 03455.

Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 33 Marlboro Street, Keene is in charge of the arrangements.