True gentleman, great leader and stalwart of Newark Richard Derry mourned following his death
A true gentleman, great leader of commerce and stalwart of Newark is being mourned following his death.
Born and bred in Newark, Richard Derry was described as a great leader by colleagues and friends.
He was born in 1947, the eldest surviving son of Sam and Nancy Derry. His early childhood was dominated by hospital trips as he was born with severe talipes, which meant much of his education was interrupted.
The adversities Richard went through in his childhood helped shape his character, making him kind, considerate and determined to succeed, however hard things were.
At 17 he joined the family plumbing firm, R. I. Derry and Son, as an apprentice. He progressed through the business, eventually taking over from his father, one of Newark’s foremost war heroes, on his retirement. Richard became the eighth generation of the family to run the business, first established in 1734.
In 1988 he became operations director of London-based, Heat-save, playing a key role in its success and growth over 20 years.
One employee said: “I worked for Richard for many years, and he was a true gentleman — always kind, thoughtful, helpful and fun to be with.”
Heatsave was taken over by GDF Suez and Richard became chief executive of its UK building and energy services operations, leading it to become one of the top UK energy firms. He was there for 26 years and widely respected for his inspirational leadership.
He became a director of EDF energy, responsible for negotiating takeovers world-wide, including the acquisition of Imtech, at the time one of the largest ever deals in the mechanical and electrical sector.
Richard was a town magistrate, Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers.
Another great passion was rugby. He was player, coach, administrator, vice-chairman, chairman and sponsor at Newark Rugby Club.
As a back-row forward, he played in the 1st XV in the 1970s and early 80s before coaching the team in a period when the club won the Notts, Lincs & Derby’s Cup.
Club chairman Andrew Fearn said: “He worked alongside his great friend John Coles who was president of the club.
“They both played in the same first team and it is very difficult to believe that we have lost them both inside a few short months. They were a great double act at the club, always wanting to see rugby — the sport they loved — flourish in Newark.”
Richard was a family man, devoted husband to Rita and their children, Sophie and Robert. Family always came first and he instilled in them all the love and values he held so dear.
For many years, his children and their partners. Sophie and Toby Bland and Robert and Alice Derry, had homes in Hong Kong. Richard and Rita were regular visitors playing a major part in the upbringing of grandchildren, Jemima, Lucy, Jordy, Fergus, Emmy and Freddie. He is survived by four siblings William, Andrew, James and Claire.
The funeral is a week today at 12.30pm. Covid restrictions apply so join on Zoom here.
Meeting ID: 830 005 4322 Passcode: 2fjzbk
Donations in memory of Richard are for the Amyloidosis Research Fund.
