SADLY, there will be one familiar face missing at Gargrave Show tomorrow (Saturday).

Derrick McRobert was a regular attendee, but died suddenly but peacefully at his home in Knaresborough on August 2. He was 77.

Derrick was the younger son of John and Florrie McRobert. He was born on July 9 1946 at the home of his grandparents,who lived at Airebank Terrace, Gargrave.

The family later moved to the Gardens Cottage at Gargrave House, where his father was head gardener for the Coulthurst family. He attended the village schools until he went to Ermysted’s grammar school, where he avoided as much sport as possible but did love playing the trumpet in the school brass band.

His connection to Gargrave Show began in his youth when he enjoyed helping out his uncle Donald McKell with the secretarial duties. The legacy of the family lives on as an annual trophy donated by the McKell family is presented to the highest placed local runner in the fell race.

Derrick joined the amateur dramatic society in Gargrave when he was 16-years old and it was where he first met his future wife, Eleanor Grimshaw. Derrick liked to regale the story to his friends in later life that he had caused a village scandal as Eleanor was then the grand old age of 24.

The couple enjoyed performing with the likes of Annie Townson, Winifred Hemingway and Elizabeth Bulmer, all village stalwarts.

Aged 18, he left Gargrave to attend the London College of printing, from where he qualified as a graphic designer.

Derrick and Eleanor married at the Methodist Chapel in Gargrave and they moved to live in London.

Derrick enjoyed visiting the art galleries, exhibitions, and theatres. Both took up bell ringing, and Derrick enjoyed returning to St Andrews church in Gargrave to ring the bells in his old church where his mother Florrie had been a Sunday School teacher and a member of the choir, mothers union and church council.

The couple left London in 1999 after Eleanor retired and they settled in Knaresborough. They both enjoyed been closer to their surviving parents and they looked forward to their return visits to Gargrave.

18 years ago Derrick and Eleanor became socialiser/trainers for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, often bringing their puppies to Gargrave to play on the green.

Derrick never lost his links with Gargrave. His regular visits were always looked forward to and he seldom missed the show.

Derrick and Eleanor had no children, but Derrick will be sorely missed by “his two girls” Livvie and Millie who he has known and loved since their birth. He will be sadly missed by his wife Eleanor, and both their extended families and their many dear friends.

The funeral service will take place at St. Johns church in Knaresborough on August 31 at 11.30.a.m followed by refreshments in the Hall opposite the church. An internment will take place at Tarn Moor, Grassington Road, Skipton for family and close friends.

Donations for Hearing dogs for deaf people. Further details please contact Whiteley and Leachman 01423 863263.