Herald Express (Torbay, Brixham & South Hams Edition)
Guard of honour for pall-bearer Derek’s fitting final journey
Funeral of pall-bearer Derek Ward
COLLEAGUES formed a guard of honour when funeral pall-bearer Derek Ward made his own final journey.
Derek, who was known as Del Boy, worked at the Co-op Funeral Home in Torquay’s Barton Road, and colleagues from there and from other local funeral directors turned out in his honour.
They walked alongside the hearse taking him to Torquay Crematorium for his own funeral service.
He died at the age of 65 at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital after suffering complications following an operation.
Kate Parsons, senior funeral director at Co-op Funeralcare, said: “Del Boy was a very much loved colleague and friend of many of us, a kind, genuine, caring man with a great sense of humour.
“Del was practical and organised. He left notes of his choices.
“He picked his ‘crew’, funeral director and ceremonial team, with the women driving the hearse and limousines and the men bearing his coffin.
“The music was his choice, in fact he put it together himself on a CD!
“Our Del was cared for by his friends and colleagues and rested with us until his final journey. We were looking after one of our own. He will be very sadly missed by us all.”
His wife Rosemary said Derek was born in Sutton Coldfield and moved to Torquay 30 years ago. He worked as a hotel manager at the Queens, the Sefton and the Nethway hotels.
Crash at Seaway Road, Preston
He started working for the Co-op a couple of years ago.
Ms Parsons added: “Unsure what to expect, he was looking forward to a change of career.
“He absolutely loved this job. He said it could be incredibly sad at times and also quite challenging.
“However the team and staff he worked with are so helpful and caring, he soon settled in.
“Derek was so proud to work for the Co-op Funeral service, as he said, he felt he was doing an important service for people when they really need help.
“Losing a loved one has to be the hardest time of your life. Derek felt that looking after the deceased and their families with care and dignity was the last good deed you can do for anyone.”