In memory of Derek Burgess

Today Dad would have been 78! Not that he would have liked that very much. Thinking of him especially today and all the past celebrations we had. Ticky

I first met Derek & Moyna when they were managing the Red Lion Hotel in Luton. Many years later, Derek joined us on summer sailing trips to France. I can still hear him singing "what do we do with the drunken sailor" at a quayside bar, much to the pleasure of the locals! One year he had a bad knee, and by use of an ingenious bit of rope work, we used to winch him on board. That year he was known as "Captain Light Duties". Derek was always full of life and fun and will be sadly missed by his friends, family and Marina, who unfortunately I never met. Cheers Derek

A genuinely lovely man who brought joy to his lovely family and friends. Glad to have shared a few laughs. Rest in peace Derek.

The messages we have received both on this site and in person and from cards, show what an impact Dad had on everyone's lives, and how he was admired for his zest for living. Exactly eighteen years ago our Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer and she was deprived of seeing her grandchildren grow up. However, Dad went on to create a new life for himself and was able to enjoy his grandchildren, who will have fond memories of him. I miss picking up the phone and sharing news with him, and summer's won't seem the same without his visit's to the UK. We are so delighted the memorial service went off so well, and that friends and family had a chance to all share memories of their times together. Cheers Dad, we miss you but are grateful for all the good times we shared and the memories we have left. Ticky xx

Over the last few days I have been thinking about the wonderful times I shared with Derek and Moyna,which made me search for his whereabouts.What a shock to find this page in my search. I stayed with Derek and Moyna at the Red Lion for about 5 months and grew to know them as very good friends, and what good laughs we used to have - like the time the ceiling fell in whilst we were having a late night drink. We used to go for week-ends away particularly to the Isle of Wight, always to be remembered. God bless you Derek, you were a good friend. Robin.

My best buddies dad. Memories of Derek? Cuffawing laughter, lots of insppropriate things said at inappropriate times but delivered with a great big smile and feindish laughter. A truly great character whom i think truly enjoyed his life. Cheers Derek xx

Derek was such a happy go lucky kind and friendly man. I could not have wished for a better Uncle / Godfather. Some of my best childhood memories come from staying with Derek and his wonderful family.He had an early influence on my life, someone I always looked up to and admired - a special friend. If half of his great qualities rubbed off on me I would be very happy and proud! I miss you and will toast you on a regular basis !

For as long as I can remember my Uncle Derek was always such a happy, lovely and outgoing man with so many stories and jokes to tell. I can still hear the sound of his laughter which made everyone want to laugh as well. Deborah Ticky and Rebecca and their families must be very proud of having had such a wonderful father and grandfather.