This is the post I would never have wished to write.
Ever since I was fourteen months old, my brother Chris has been the companion and rival of my childhood, and lifelong friend.
Here we are posing for a studio portrait in the suits Mum made us for the
Victory Street Party in 1945
In 1947 he first broke his leg in the garden of 29a Stanton Road. Our grandmother in Durham dressed us in her pink petticoats before we returned home to
greet our new sister Jacqueline
who was toddling by 1949 when we wore fair aisle jumpers Mum had knitted.
In 1950 we had another holiday in Durham where we sat on our grandparents garden wall,
and again in 1951 where we had a trip to the seaside.
Even Mum doesn’t know where this shot was taken in 1952.
No self respecting budding guitarist in a University band was complete in 1960 without his Hank Marvin specs.
At my wedding to Jackie on 2nd March 1968 neither the groom nor the best man was free of embarrassment when the photographer required us jointly to kiss the bride.
When, in March 2004 Sam completed his epic Atlantic Row in Port St Charles, Barbados, Chris was there, with Frances and Fiona, accompanying Jessica and me on the welcoming yacht. 
Later that year the family celebrated the event with a special dinner. Chris, Frances, and Fiona were there with most of the family.
When Jacqueline celebrated her 60th birthday in Boston, Lincolnshire on 14th April 2007 he was his usual cheerful self.
He was the father of the bride when, in August of that year, Fiona married Paul. No doubt he was pulling my leg when Elizabeth caught us on camera.
Chris and Frances made several trips to Sigoules. Not far from there live his boyhood friend Mike Ozga and his wife Oona. We visited them April 2009, where Elizabeth photographed us.
Naturally he was party to my surprise seventieth birthday celebration in July 2012.
Chris was one of those very rare beings – a truly good man.
He died peacefully this morning after a short illness.
I’m so sorry to hear this, Derrick. The pictures led me through his life (and yours) so that I felt I knew something of him and what he means to you. Very sad news indeed. All the best to you and your family, Alex
Many thanks Alex
So sorry to hear this news Derrick. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Love Jessie and Helena xx
Thank you Jessie X
Hi Derrick, such sad news l have not really got any words,, its not been such a good year. Thanks for the insite into chris’s life, my thoughts with all the family. Rob
Many thanks Rob. Good to be in touch
Sorry for your loss Derrick ,, regards Graham
Many thanks Graham – it’s good to have friends
Beautiful history you and your family have. So sorry for your loss.
Love,
Rie
Thank you Rie. Good to hear from you. Love, Derrick
So very sorry. This is a very moving and beautiful tribute to your brother.
Thank you Cynthia
My sincerest condolences to you and your family Derrick. Take care. -Max-
Many thanks, Max
Chris contacted me early in 2013 as we were both researching the Evans family. He explained Annie Evans was his grandma (Hunter), I told him it was also my grandma and that he was my cousin. We continued to keep in touch and research the Evans family until he recently became ill. I will miss the contact we had, be it via emails, and send my condolences, along with my father’s to all the family. He was a lovely man and respected by me and my father. The tribute you have done for him was moving and brought back memories. Yvonne Burgess (nee Hunter)
You must be Ben and Ellen’s daughter. Thank you for your kind words
These wonderful photographs tell a story of a life shared. I send you my sincere and heart-felt condolences, Derrick.
-Ginene
Many thanks Ginene
Ah, to have a brother such as he. I feel your loss.
Thank you very much, Mary
Such chummy friends; you and Chris were! The laughter seemed plentiful. Darling photo of you three during your wedding to Jackie. A short illness is one which I would prefer when the time comes. Heartfelt condolences and warm thoughts, Sir Knight. xo
Very many thanks, Rose. I go for a short illness, too
A fine tribute. It must have been difficult to write, but you did it well.
Many thanks, Quercus. I had a bit of time to get my head round it.
I’m really moved by your tribute to your brother. I haven’t had to face this yet. All four of us still here. Allbest Derrick
Very many thanks, Pleasant. Mum, at 95, prays she will not be last to go (still 4 of us)
I have a friend of 94 who says the same, she says she does not know why she is still here
This is a beautiful tribute to your wonderful brother.
I’m so sorry for this great loss in your life. 🙁
It’s sad when we lose a sibling. And I know from my own experiences, it’s VERY difficult on our parents, too. 🙁
(((HUGS)))
Thank you so much, Carolyn X