Page 16 - Jigsaw July 2020

Tribute ..........................................
DEREK EDWARD GUNN
1928 – 2020
Derek Edward Gunn, born on 28th November 1928, led a happy and successful life until on 31st March 2020, he, unfortunately, lost his life to COVID-19.
Growing up in Islip, Derek attended the village school, where we were told he was a cheeky young lad who then went on to work on one of the local farms. During his spare time, he played football for Islip and was an army cadet.
In 1949, Derek married Frances Beatrice Woodley, after they met at a local dance.
She had recently moved from Birmingham
to Titchmarsh where she was based during her time in the land army just after the war. Together they had seven children, who
they loved dearly, with Derek often working multiple jobs to ensure they were looked after.
He was an active member of the Thrapston Carnival Committee, spending much of his time organizing the annual event. Alongside this, he helped to fundraise for Thrapston’s very first swimming pool on Market Road and worked there for many years as the manager. It was here that his role in the community grew even further helping to teach many locals to swim.
In October 1979, Derek founded Thrapston’s Ben’s Chippy. Over the years, he built up a great reputation within the community and the family-run business
continued his legacy after he retired in 1990. He spent many years of his retirement
playing golf, spending time with his grandchildren, and travelling abroad.
Until recently, Derek suffered with his health but was carefully looked after by
his family and carers who worked around the clock to support him. The family would like to thank everyone who helped care for him, especially the wonderful NHS staff at Kettering General Hospital who looked after him during the last few weeks of his life.
Derek, you will be greatly missed. Thank you for being a wonderful dad, grandad, and great-grandad.
Lucy Tibbs
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