Derek Hunter Rutherford (7 May 1935 - 13 Aug 2020)

In loving memory of Derek Hunter Rutherford who sadly passed away on 13th August 2020

Derek Hunter Rutherford was born on the 7th of May, 1935, at St Mary’s Maternity Home, Plaistow.

Derek had two sisters, Hazel and Sylvia. Their mum, Winifred, brought up the three children in difficult circumstances as her husband abandoned the family when Derek was only six. Times were hard and money was a constant issue.

During the War, Derek was evacuated to an area of Wolverhampton called Whitmore Reans. Here he remained throughout the duration of the conflict.

After the war, Derek returned to Plaistow where, despite his disadvantaged background and the interruption of his education, he succeeded in passing the 11+ to win a place at Plaistow Grammar school. Of course, times being what they were, Derek left school at 16 with his ‘O’ Levels and went to work at May and Bakers Research farm in Ongar. However, conscription loomed and so he decided to volunteer for three years and joined the RAF as a mechanic.

It should be mentioned here that it is while he was working on his Uncles Farm in Ongar at the age of 15, he met the love of his life, Madge. It seems that from then on, Derek was smitten.

Derek was stationed in Egypt during the Suez conflict but that did not stop him from writing to Madge every single day while he was away. At the age of 20, Derek and Madge were married.

Eventually,1958, they were able to afford their own house and moved in to Crow Lane, Chadwell Heath. In 1960 Derek started working for Ford Tractors and in 1961 they had their first son, Peter, and Ian came along in 1965.

Derek’s work ethic and technical know-how was beginning to show dividends and when the new Tractor factory was opening in Basildon he was one of the first staff members to start work there. His career culminated in the position of Production Control Manager. In 1966 they moved to Clarence Road North, in Benfleet, which was the much loved home in which to bring up the boys. The house saw it’s fair share of DIY and extensions and went on to provide a home for Madge’s dad.

It was as the boys were studying at University that Madge and Derek moved to Cumberland Avenue and made a truly wonderful set of friends.

Derek and Madge welcomed Peter and Ian’s partners, Sabine and Andrea, into the family. The grandchildren came along and these were, predictably, Derek’s greatest pride. He watched Stephanie, Sophie, David and Isobel grow into clever, competent and talented adults. He was an attentive and caring Grandparent. Always worrying about his family and ready to step in if help was needed.

Derek began to have health issues in his late fifties and, shortly after retiring from what by then was New Holland, required a heart by-pass. Once this was done, he was able to settle into a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement. His garden remained his chief pastime when at home. However, Madge and the boys noticed that ‘Gardening’ often consisted of chatting to the neighbours, Ray and Ian, and passing cups of coffee and tea (or wine) backwards and forwards across the fences. Derek and Madge had the opportunity to travel which they took advantage of. Another much enjoyed pastime was Derek’s membership of the Benfleet Probus Club of which he was the Treasurer.

Over the last few years Derek’s health slowly declined. Madge and Derek had to take a slightly reduced role in activities but were still involved with friends and family whenever they could. In May, however, Derek developed an infection and had to go to hospital. Of course, this was in the middle of the pandemic and the family could not go with him or visit.

Derek returned home on his 85th birthday to a plate of fish and chips which were devoured with gusto.

Unfortunately his health continued to decline. The family were supported by a team of carers without whom they would have been lost. These under estimated professionals were unfailingly polite and kind and caring to Derek. Not only this but they were supportive to Madge and the family, helping and advising where they could to ensure that Derek got the best care. The family were determined, if at all possible, to keep Derek at home where he was loved and these people made that possible.

Derek passed away on the morning of August 13th with Madge, Peter and Ian at his bedside.