Clacton RNLI volunteers mourn loss of friend and colleague Derek Marshall
Long standing RNLI shop volunteer Derek Marshall will be surely missed by friends and colleagues after his unexpected passing over the festive Christmas period.
Derek passed away over the Christmas period on December 20 2018. A family
Member said; ‘It is with great sadness and disbelief that Derek Marshall passed away on Thursday 20 December. As a family we would like to thank you all for supporting him through the years as we know that he valued all your friendships. He will be greatly missed by everybody and the world will be much quieter place without his humour and laughter. He was a selfless, kind and generous man in every way. Derek is no longer suffering and is at peace.’
Derek joined the volunteer team running the charity’s gift shop at Hastings Avenue in August 2010. He rapidly showed his abilities, passion, and commitment, becoming the manager in a short space of time. Under his stewardship, the Hastings Avenue shop had its best financial results to date.
Derek was instrumental in persuading the Pier Company to set aside a small space near the aquarium on Clacton Pier to sell RNLI gifts and wares. With such a successful partnership it wasn’t long until the pier’s kiosk near the old RNLI boathouse was being used, which is still used today.
Close colleague and friend Sharon Felgate had this to say; ‘We had a great time working with Derek and had many laughs with him over the years. We always enjoyed the cakes that he made to bring in on a Friday. He was a good manager, and always gave 100%’
The entire team at Clacton RNLI would like to extend its deepest sympathy to Derek’s family and friends, for anyone who can make such an impact on us and their community in such a short space of time will be surely missed by their nearest and dearest.
It is planned that as Derek decreed that he didn’t want a funeral, in the near future the boathouse will be available so any friend or colleague wishing to join his family in paying their respects, or sign a book of condolence, can do so.
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