Testaments from villagers on WhatApp

• Deepest condolences to you all. Cracking chap and a brilliant artist
• So sad to hear this, he was such a lovely man - rest in peace Derek
• To reiterate what everybody else is saying he was one of life’s gentleman and will never be forgotten
  Love Best wishes and thoughts to the whole family
• He was a lovely man and friend, and I feel very privileged to have three of his beautiful paintings. He will be missed by us all.
• Such a lovely, gentle man with a real twinkle in his eye. RIP Derek
• So sorry 😔 the sweetest gentlemen. Rest in peace Derek.
• He was such a dear man and I always enjoyed our chats. He was a real Dumbleton legend and will be sorely missed. He will be some where now with his darling Nettie.
• I am devastated to hear of Derek’s passing. He was the first person to make friends with me in the village when I moved to Dumbleton. I would bump into him daily on our walks. He was a wonderful person who showed me such kindness. I will miss our chats which sadly we hadn’t had in a while due to his failing health. Gone but never to be forgotten. He will live on in my heart and memories. I will miss him so much. Sending his family and loved ones my condolences
• Sad news. He was a kind gentleman and lovely to chat to. He kindly painted a portrait of our dogs and gave it to us, he was so thoughtful and generous with his time. It was always lovely to see him helping at the village club. He will be missed. Sending love to family and friends
• Our condolences Jackie, Derek was a great character and lovely man, he’ll be sorely missed
• So sorry to hear about the death of such a wonderful man. RIP. Love and prayers to all the family.
• A lovely man who was most welcoming to us when we moved here. Sending condolences to you Jackie and his family.
• So sorry to hear the sad news. He was such a lovely man, as has been said already, he welcomed us to the village. I'll miss those conversations (often loud!) during his walks through the village. A true gentleman. Condolences to the family from Sue and me.
• The village has lost a true gentleman and a real character. He will be missed by many.
• Incredibly sad news. A real gentleman. He used to love Friday nights at the wine bar. A real character that improved everyone life.
• A great sadness for his family and great loss of a true gentleman to Dumbleton.
• Bruce and I were sorry to hear the sad news. We met Derek soon after we moved to Dumbleton and soon realised what a lovely guy he was. We'll always remember going on the Thursday bus (the party bus 🥳) with him !! Our grandson admired him hugely . Our love to all the family.
• So sorry to hear the sad news he was such a lovely man , we used to have many a laughs at the club when he help with washing up, thinking about all the family and sending lots of love
• Derek was a man of great strength and character whose good cheer and friendship was recognised by all who knew him. We will miss him as he now joins his dear Netty.
• Derek always had time to stop and chat. He was a village landmark! Commiserations to his family and friends. This chat shows how much the village will miss him.
• We will all come to an end at some point, but few will have given so much kindness, knowledge, friendship and humour to those around them. God bless you Derek. Enjoy being home with your wonderful wife you missed so dearly. Warmest thoughts to Rachel, Brian, Jacqui and family.
• From being a loyal customer in the shop to meeting on the hill with my dogs ( always knew their names!) and countless village events etc Derek was always such a gentleman and good for a chat. So many of the village elders have gone now. Derek will join them and be greatly missed.
  Condolences, Brian, Jackie, Rachel and Paul.
• RIP Derek - I will miss stopping to say hello when I saw you out in the village. Top man.
• Derek was a true gentleman and a Dumbleton legend who will always be remembered - may he rest in peace

Brian Lyes (Wife Jackie)