So I started a little before 2020, but the beginning of our story is critical to the 2020 story arc. Our first date left an impression on us both. It was just so amazingly easy and comfortable from the initial moment we met. One of those rare experiences where everything seems to come together and time stands still except in the space we were in and enjoying each other’s company without another care in the world.

FEB' 20

8

My words mean little here other than I wish I could have met this wonderful man who meant so much to you. So I will use your words instead:

Today brings together people from near and far to celebrate the life of Derreck Paul Carter, who left us too soon, on August 13th, 2020 at the young age of 76.

Derreck, known as Del, was born on June 9th, 1944 by his mother Dorothy.  He became a big brother several years later to Colin and the family, including William Carter, lived in Ramsgate Kent.  Del’s childhood was spent galivanting along the coastlines of Kent, including the beaches of Ramsgate and Margate.  The young boys spent many of their active days around their protective grandmother Thurza Varney and his aunts and uncle Myrtle, Jean, Ruby, and Walter.

At the incredibly young age of 15, Del felt a sense of service and enlisted in the British Army through their boy’s club until he was old enough to join the Military Police.  Throughout his 19 years of service he served in Borneo, Singapore, Germany, Northern Ireland and Hong Kong. He was awarded medals of service in both Borneo and Northern Ireland.

During his early years in the force, Del had the opportunity to play darts and promptly fall in love with a beautiful, well dressed, educated lady named June Anne Gates.  Their budding courting years were tested with long deployments away from one another.  However, frequent letter writing, kept them very much connected in a world before texting was even conceptualized.

On June 12th, 1965 the couple wed at the quaint St Nicholas's church in June's hometown of Canterbury, Kent. The happy couple had two daughters together; Colette Suzanne in 1967 and Tracy Nadine in 1971.  The family unit continued to travel across the globe with the different postings of the Military Police.  In 1978 Del had to make a hard decision between the brotherhood of the service versus keeping his family together.  Del chose to leave the Army and move back to the UK to keep his family intact.  It was with this move that he found himself in the position of Head of Security for the Sultan of Oman, and the Sultan’s immediate family.  Continuing his calling to serve and protect, he worked at Wargrave Manor until he retired in 2005.

Retirement was an adjustment for Del, but he made the most of it.  His spent this time with his beloved grandson, Robert Armstrong Rogan (his mate) and travelling around the UK in the caravan with June.  On occasion, they could be seen popping on the ferry over to France, using the Daily Mail offer of the month, with friends to pick up stinky cheese and good red wine.

In more recent years, around the time of their 50th wedding anniversary, loved ones noticed that Del’s active years in the military had taken its toll on his body, This had begun to slow him down, with even the simple task of walking becoming challenging. 

Do not fear though, one thing that always remained sharp was his wit, sarcasm, and intellect.  Some of his favorite things to talk about was food, TV programs including Military documentaries, drama series on BBC and of course navigating teletext watching the price of his stocks and shares rise and fall.  Other topics of conversation included world travel, food, DIY projects and technology concepts.  As a lover of music he was often seen sitting in his recliner with his headphones on listening to artists such as Dionne Warwick and Johnny Mathis.  Oh, and did we mention he loved food?

Some of Del’s favorite foods included seafood platters, pepper pot soup, smoked oysters and June’s Sunday roast ,especially her lamb.  Del’s love of bread and dripping was well known to his family.  So much so, that once he even tried to convince his vegetarian daughter to try it, selling it by saying “well the bread’s vegetarian!”

He was the patriarch of a female dominated family unit, and yes, he was often opinionated and sometimes stubborn.  But, he was always the first to listen, pause before talking and then share his thoughts on the situation at hand. Now, of course, having 3 women in the house they did not take his advice, thinking they knew better, but at least he tried.

His sharp mind served him well over the years, but maybe not so much his family.  There was not one item that he did not remember using and putting away in a particular drawer or cupboard.  Despite many attempts from June, over the years, to clear the house of old clutter including a growing collection of screwdrivers and spanners, Del would respond "No keep that, you never know when we may need it."  This familiar saying would evoke the unanimous eye roll from the family.

It is because of this simple response of Del’s that this particular group of people are here today to honor him.  Del created a loving family that he kept close because he knew we would need each other when it came time for him to go.

Derreck Paul Carter - son, brother, husband, father and friend.  Your family and friends around the world want to say thank you for being you and for allowing us to grow into who we are under your watchful eye.  I know we all agree that we are comforted to know you are no longer in discomfort and pain.  Our hearts are broken with the realization that you are no longer by our side.  It brings us peace knowing that you now watch over us; continuing your duty to protect us, very much like your motto in life.

May your body be at peace.  May your mind be at rest.  And, your spirit remain forever playful.

We love you.

After months of waiting, it’s finally time to join forces. The house of Mirleau is finally a reality. Thank you for joining me on this wonderful journey of ours.

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