John Beecher Derek

What a lovely send off for Derek,
An amazing man with a huge heart,
May the Lord bless you in this time Av

Dear Avril, my deepest sympathy and condolences at the loss of your soul mate, Derek. He was a one-off, and a gentleman. I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ, will comfort you, grant you peace and comfort, knowing the Derek is safe in heaven, and we all will meet again, where God shall wipe Away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things have passed away. Rev 21 : 4.
Love and prayers from Uncle Wally, xx

I am Derek's younger sister living in Australia and I am sorry I cannot be with you today. I visited Derek and Avril for their 40th wedding anniversary in 2023 and will treasure that last hug we shared. I had really grown to love my brother over the years. As kids Derek was a bit naughty. He threw my teddy bear into the fire one day and Mum had to knit him new paws. Derek loved British comedy like the Goons, which he used to tune into with Dad. Derek inherited Dad's musical talent, unlike me. I had been given a guitar but was hopeless. Derek however quickly taught himself to play on it and went on to become a good bass guitarist/vocalist in several bands.

Over the years, Derek and I have been separated by distance, but he and Avril came to visit me, and we stayed in touch via my community radio show. Every Saturday without fail he and Avril would listen in from New Zealand through the live-stream. I would dedicate songs to them and they texted me when I got home "Great show, Margaret". I cannot tell you how much that support and love meant to me, and I think the music brought him joy. So thank you, Derek, for your devotion for all those years.

It has been hard to say goodbye. You have left a hole in my life that nothing can fill. But I am glad you are no longer suffering. Your body is dead, but I believe your spirit lives on. Here is a poem for you dear brother:

"His Journey’s Just Begun"

By Ellen Brenneman

"Don’t think of him as gone away
his journey’s just begun,
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched…
for nothing loved is ever lost
and he was loved so much."

Goodbye dear Derek.
Love always.
Margaret

Dear avril we are saddened by the loss of Derek and our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time x

We met Avril and Derek a while ago on a visit to New Zealand. We are the adopted family of Avril’s uncle Wally. We couldn’t have met a more welcoming couple and were amazed to be offered a bed for the night and a wonderful meal plus some more family arrived later to meet us. You have all been dear to your hearts since then and we were devastated to hear Derek has been lost to you. We send our deepest sympathies to all the family and especially to Avril. Our hearts are with you all with love and prayers 🙏🌹 Jenny and David Winter

Dear Avril,
My heart is deeply broken to hear about the passing of our beloved friend Derek.
It is hard to find words at a time like this, as the loss feels so heavy and painful. Please know that you are not alone in your grief, and you are held in love and prayer.
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” – John 11:25
May this beautiful promise give you comfort in the midst of sorrow, and may the cherished memories you shared bring gentle peace to your heart in the days ahead. Sending you my deepest sympathy, love, and prayers. 🙏🕊️💔

Avril. We are very sorry about the passing of Derek. Paul has very fond memories of working with Derek on the railways for many years. More recently we enjoyed holidays at your batch in Foxton. Of course the many times we met with the "Gang" for social activities and birthdays. Derek will be sadly missed. Love and prayers to Avril and family. So sorry that we won't be able to attend the service but will watch on livesteam.
Much love from Paul and Ruth

Thanks Derek for all the good times my wife and have had with you and Avril like the Saturday night dinners in Wellington and the music yes we had some great times miss you my best friend and thanks again for being our best man gone but never forgotten So sorry can't be there on the day