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Derek died peacefully at his home on 3 June 2024.
Derek trained for ministry at Tyndale Hall, Bristol. He was ordained deacon in 1969 and priest in 1970, serving as a curate in Canterbury diocese before becoming the General Secretary of the Inter Collegiate Christian Fellowship from 1971-1975. Having ministered in St Albans diocese and Bristol diocese, Derek came to Peterborough in 1992. He was the Parish and Mission Coordinator at St Giles, Northampton from 1993-1997, before becoming the (wonderfully titled) Diocesan Millennium Officer from 1998-2000. This was followed by five years as Diocesan Communications Officer and then five years as the Bishop’s Administrator and Press Officer. During this time, Derek was also honorary curate of the Spencer Benefice. Derek retired in 2010, but nevertheless used his skills to organise the 2014 Minsters’ Conference.
Derek spent much of his life in various forms of Christian communications. He was Communications Officer for the Diocese of Europe and founder-editor of Third Way Magazine. Since then he edited many other journals. Derek wrote, edited or contributed to over 20 books and acted as editor and media and PR adviser for a variety of Christian Organisations, including working in the communications team for Billy Graham in the 1980’s. Derek was the author of the excellent “An idiot’s guide to the Bible.” Just two sides on each book of the Bible: the context, main message, key characters and where Jesus fits in.
Derek was a patient, kind and gifted man – full of faith. His hope was in Jesus, the resurrection and the life. He is survived by his widow, Susan, and his children and grandchildren.
Derek's funeral will take place on Thursday 20 June at 10.30am at Great Glen Crem, London Road, LE8 9DJ (optional black, and family flowers only).
The service is being streamed online. Please use the following login details 5 minutes before the service:
link: https:/watch.obitus.com
username: baxa5914
password 830292
Should you wish to make a donation in Derek's memory to one of his chosen charities, the MND Association or Loros Hospice, these can be made online at www.jstampandsons.co.uk or sent to J. Stamp & Sons, Funeral Directors, The Chestnuts, 15 Kettering Road, Market Harborough, LE16 8AN.