Dear All

It is with great sadness that we say our dad, Derek Gladwin, born 28th August 1931 in Winster, Derbyshire, passed away on 2nd January 2022, aged 90 years.

He leaves behind his daughter Alison and son Simon, their partners Andrew and Christine, granddaughters Natasha and Carla, 4 great grandchildren Charlie, Kaylem, Nathan and Koby, his sister-in-law Marilyn, 8 nephews and nieces and a large group of friends.

Dad was born, at home, in the village of Winster, son of Harry and Florence Gladwin, twin to his sister Maureen and younger brother to Ron.  He went to school in the village, where he also had jobs as a telegram delivery boy during the war years and butcher's boy. He did his national service both in England and Egypt during the Suez crisis, and during this time showed his talent as a sportsman, particularly as a cross country/long distance runner.  Once he started full-time work he had a varied career, starting with, as anyone who knew him would know, his favourite as a Fireman on the steam trains based at Rowsley loco.  He then went on to run the village shop and post office in Elton, with our mum, Beryl, for 13 years, before we all moved to Darley Dale and he started work in the dry cleaning industry, first with Sketchley, Bakewell, and later in Lincoln, and then for many happy years with Jacksons. As a couple, even in retirement they provided holiday cover at Abbeyfield supported housing which they enjoyed making sure residents had many lovely meals and social activities and on occasions were looking after people younger than themselves. 

Dad and mum were married for over 62 years and had a full and happy family life. As a couple they supported each other through thick and thin and he was a fabulous dad to us.  He lost mum in March 2020 after having been her full-time carer for their last few years together.  He missed her very much and sadly had to spend time alone during the initial covid months until we were allowed a ‘bubble’ and covid restrictions eased.  He always enjoyed spending time with family and his many friends.  He was an active member of his church and any community he lived in throughout his life, and was always willing to give someone a helping hand or do a good turn. He managed to look after himself at home right up until the last few months and appreciated the support, company and care given by family, friends and Ambassador Homecare, and in the last few weeks by family and staff at Eastholme Nursing Home.  

As you will know dad had a number of medical conditions and rather than single one out, we have decided any donations made in his memory will be gathered and sent to St Barnabas Hospice in Lincoln, where no matter what has brought someone to needing their support, they will be cared for, and we think he would like that.  We will have only family flowers at the funeral. After the funeral there will be tea/coffee and light refreshments at Mill Lodge a couple of minutes from the crematorium.

If you are unable to attend the funeral then there will be a live stream at 12.30pm, 26th January 2022.  The webcast will available just before the service starts.

Link to the webcast https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view

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Webcast Login PIN 936-9598

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Many thanks Alison and Simon