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the shizzle => news => Topic started by: andy popp on January 21, 2013, 04:57:14 pm

Title: Derek Walker dies
Post by: andy popp on January 21, 2013, 04:57:14 pm: I've just seen that Derek Walker, former BMC president, BMC General Secretary 1989-1995, Cheshire stalwart and all round really top bloke has died after a short illness. I only met Derek when I first move to Cheshire in the late 80s but like him immediately. He was always a pleasure to be around - and he was still cranking. I remember him following a new E6 of mine at Helsby when he must have been in his mid-60s. I'll miss seeing him out on the local crags.
Title: Re: Derek Walker dies
Post by: fatneck on January 22, 2013, 08:38:36 am: Yeah, very sad to hear this. Complete legend (http://www.thebmc.co.uk/former-president-derek-walker-dies-aged-76). Met him a few times at Awesome Walls and then most recently at the guidebook launch where I had a good (if rather drunken) chat with him....
Title: Re: Derek Walker dies
Post by: tregiffian on January 22, 2013, 10:09:24 am: A true gentleman.
Title: Re: Derek Walker dies
Post by: BenF on January 22, 2013, 12:34:31 pm: I'm really sad about this. Derek was everything that has been said of him. Quiet, unassuming, always fun and offering intelligent advice to anyone. As Andy said, he continued to climb very capably in his later years. He was one of a group of older climbers who inspired me, and I hope I continue climbing like they have when I'm that age.

He will be missed by many, many people.
Title: Re: Derek Walker dies
Post by: luckyjez on January 22, 2013, 01:09:02 pm: Very sad news indeed - he was a really lovely man.
Title: Re: Derek Walker dies
Post by: GraemeA on January 22, 2013, 04:47:03 pm: I worked for Derek one summer at the BMC as a work placement. Very nice bloke both to work for and climb with.

Roger and Derek both gone within a year - between them they shaped the BMC that we have today.
Title: Re: Derek Walker dies
Post by: davej on January 22, 2013, 06:26:18 pm: Didn't know Derek well used to see him at frodsham and the
wall really nice guy
Title: Re: Derek Walker dies
Post by: fatdoc on January 22, 2013, 07:59:06 pm: Quote from: GraemeA on January 22, 2013, 04:47:03 pm
I worked for Derek one summer at the BMC as a work placement. Very nice bloke both to work for and climb with.

Roger and Derek both gone within a year - between them they shaped the BMC that we have today.

Fully :agree:

Sad times
Title: Re: Derek Walker dies
Post by: andy popp on February 01, 2013, 05:18:01 pm: Delighted to see a much deserved full page obituary for Derek in The Independent today:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/derek-walker-mountaineer-and-climbers-club-president-who-helped-overhaul-the-sport-8476114.html (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/derek-walker-mountaineer-and-climbers-club-president-who-helped-overhaul-the-sport-8476114.html)