In reply to Dave Douglas: Awesome Walls:
Hi Dave,
> the smile saw me home and stayed with me for ages...
I think you've come as close as any of us ever will to capturing what was so special about Derek. His decency, his humanity went far beyond the norm.
The last time I met Derek was at a funeral in Bangor. A terrible day, the worst of my life. I'd been buttonholed by a well-meaning character who was banging on about climbing ethics. Not what I wanted to hear! I was too poleaxed by grief to politely extricate myself. And I didn't want to cause offence to someone I've always liked and admired by telling him well... you can guess what.
Derek came over and, as with you, instantly realised my predicament. Without the slightest hesitation, he acted, adroitly steering the conversation towards harmlessness. I was - am - so very grateful.
It was as though Derek had a moral compass that showed True North. And he didn't just look at it, he acted on it - in situations like yours' and mine, straight away.
I always yearned to know him better and foolishly was too shy to do anything about it. How many people were inspired by his quiet example? We'll never know, but I'd wager - a lot.
Rest in peace, Derek.
Mick