Derek John Heritage

Published on 29/05/2019

Derek John Heritage Died peacefully on Saturday, May 18. Born in Beckenham on October 23, 1932, he married his beloved Joan in 1955 at St John's Church in Penge and she remained at his side throughout his life, including when he died. Together they raised their sons Paul, a Professor of Drama and Performance at Queen Mary, University of London, and Timothy, a senior journalist at Thomson Reuters news agency. Derek began his professional life at Crofton and spent most of his highly successful teaching career in the Bromley area. He was head teacher at St Katharines Knockholt C Of E Primary School, the first head teacher at Scotts Park Primary and finished his career as head teacher of Pickhurst Primary School. Derek was a long-serving member of the choir at St Margaret's Church, Halstead, and played until very recently at Orpington Bowing Club. He was a supporter of Crystal Palace football club and a great lover of cricket. Derek is survived by his wife Joan, brother Peter, sons Paul and Timothy, niece Rosemary and Timothy's sons Alexander, Gregory, Donald and Robert, for whom he was a much loved grandfather. A memorial will be held at St Margaret's Church, Halstead, at 1430 on Thursday May 30. Donations may be made in Derek's name to St Christopher's Hospice in Sydenham

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