Derek Edward Parrish

FORMER Devizes Grammar School boy Derek Parrish who moved to the town during the Second World War from London has died aged 91.

Mr Parrish grew up in Islington as the youngest child of Alice and Fredrick who ran a dressmaking business.

He had fond memories of his London childhood and particularly enjoyed being a choir boy.

But with the outbreak of war Derek spent time between Wiltshire, Sussex and London before finally settling in Devizes with his parents.

He sat the 11 plus examination and gained a place at Devizes Grammar where he excelled.

After leaving school he joined Avon Rubber for a couple of years before he was conscripted into the Wiltshire Regiment.

He found army life to his taste and told family he thoroughly enjoyed his time on National Service.

After leaving the army he made a career with Newman and Hender in Trowbridge which was to span the rest of his working life.

He had a specialist and highly technical career dealing with the then infant nuclear industry and also the MOD.

There he met Margaret Tucker his life partner of 66 years. They eventually settled in Waterside Park and were there together until 2014 when Margaret died.

His nephew David Perrett said: “Derek, throughout his whole life, was his own man. Intelligent, articulate, humorous, always smartly dressed and without any doubt an English Gentleman.

“He was a loving uncle and great uncle.”

He died on May 24 and a private funeral service has been held. Donations can be made in memory of Derek for the Alzheimer’s Society c/o Charles S Winchcombe & Son, 37 New Park Street, Devizes.