I can still very clearly remember the very first time I met Derek 37 years ago. It was at Euston station, London, when he offered me the opportunity to work for Webcraft and then shortly after, Sampling Innovations. With Moira, we made an excellent team and a very successful company. Derek was a very generous person, larger than life and with a great sense of humour. We had some wonderful times at the villa in Val de Lobo and lots of Race Meeting here and in Paris. Great memories. That is apart from the great times we experienced with the various Customer Representatives, escorting them around our various suppliers in Europe. Business came first of course but we always made it as enjoyable as possible. A great asset of Derek’s. Lil and myself would not be where we are today without Derek, Moira and Sampling. Lil always said, Derek was always very nice to everybody, whatever their background. Very true and important in business. God Bless you Derek. You were a one off and will leave a huge gap in lots of people’s lives, especially your families. Sincerest condolences to You Moira and the boys. Tom and Lil Blackshaw