The saying goes that ‘the sun shines down on the righteous’ and boy was it shining hard yesterday afternoon.
There was standing room only at St Catherine’s Church as the vicar gave a very fitting service for former VentnorBlog contributor, Farmersboy, otherwise known as Derek Williams.
Derek was just 62 years old when he passed away suddenly at the beginning of last week, it was a great shock to his family and friends.
The packed church was testament to the level of respect that Derek had commanded over the years. Having served previously in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment, otherwise known as Farmersboys – he chose that name for his moniker on the VB forum.
Standard bearers from The British Legion, of which Derek had close ties with stood proudly at the front of the church and many members of the Island constabulary made up the congregation.
The vicar delivered his words with sensitivity and Derek’s two sons, spoke with great pride, raising a laugh or two as they fondly remembered their Dad.
Farmersboy was a prolific contributor to the forum, having joined not long after we first started it. His wife Helen told us that he loved going on the forum to wind people up, but it was always done in good humour.
The service was a very fitting tribute to Derek and it was clear that he will be greatly missed, not just in Ventnor, but beyond.
Image: Saital
