It is with great sadness that we inform all members of the Association and ROC that Major (Retd) Derek Searby CBE TD passed away peacefully on Saturday 3rd Apr 21 aged 77. Our thoughts and condolences are with Derek’s wife Christine, his family and all of Derek’s many friends.
Derek had a long and distinguished legal career but found time to serve for many years in the Territorial Army with 5LI, 8LI and KOYY(LI). He was a Trustee of the KOYLI Regimental Association and later became the Vice Chairman of the Trustees as well as the Chairman of Branches, and Chairman of the Association’s Pontefract Branch. Derek was also an important member of the KOYLI Memorial Committee where his legal knowledge was invaluable throughout the entire planning and unveiling of the memorial. He will be greatly missed by all members of the Association and those who served with him.
Derek your duty done with honour and pride; Rest in Peace as the Bugler sounds No More Parades. Cede Nullis.
The funeral will be held on Tue 13 Apr 21 at 1430hrs at All Saints Church, South Baileygate, Pontefract WF8 2JL. The service is being held under Covid Restrictions which only allows for 30 people inside the church, therefore attendance in the church is by invitation only. Members who are not invited but wish to attend may do so but will have to remain outside and socially distance; face masks will have to be worn. Buglers and Standard Bearers will form a guard of honour outside the entrance to the church.
The service will be live streamed on Zoom by the funeral directors, they have requested that if you wish to view the service via the Zoom that you join the session at 1415 hours. The session details are:
Topic: Derek Searby CBE TD funeral service
Time: Apr 13, 2021 02:15 PM London
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 984 8529 0197 (There is no passcode).
Anyone wishing to send cards or letters of condolence is requested to send them to the Rifles Regional Office at Minden House marked FAO family of Derek Searby. Office staff will then forward them to the family. Derek’s family have requested no flowers but donations in his name may be made to the Prince of Wales Hospice Pontefract or The Former KOYLI Regimental Association. Enquiries to R J Burgess Funeral Directors (01924 894017).