Tributes paid to the hard-working boss of a Portsmouth scrap metal yard

Derek Tilbury died at home in Havant Road, Drayton, on Tuesday, November 3, aged 73.

His son Darren said: ‘This has left my family and me totally devastated. I still don’t want to believe he’s gone.’

Derek, the hard-working boss of Tilbury Metals in Farlington, was born in Barking, Essex, to parents Miriam and George.

He was the second eldest of five children – Barry, Yvonne, Denise and Rodney.

He left his job on The London Stock Exchange and moved to Portsmouth to help his father when he took over the metal refining business in 1966.

He met and married Pauline in 1972 and they had daughters Amanda, Sally, Jennifer and son Darren.

Derek eventually bought the metal company – proudly naming it Tilbury Metals – and ran it for 31 years.

Darren said: ‘He lived and breathed the company. He worked relentlessly with a work ethic compared to none.

‘He was the kindest, most generous man you could wish to meet. He ensured his family had the very best of everything growing up and beyond. He was always determined to give far more than he ever received.’

Derek, who also had 10 grandchildren, almost lost his life to oesophageal cancer in 2002, however months of chemotherapy saw him pull through.

He also suffered a stroke in 2016 and epileptic seizures in 2019 and was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma cancer in July.

Derek spent his last 10 days at his home, as was his wish, surrounded by his family.

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His funeral is being held at The Oaks Crematorium on Tuesday, November 24 at 11.30am.

His cortege will leave Havant Road at 10.40am and travel past the Sunshine Pub and along Fitzherbert Road to Tilbury Metals on Old Reservoir Road.

Darren said: ‘I ask anyone who knows my Dad, who respected my Dad, who has time, to please wave him off one last time.

‘My Dad done so much for so many, I just want him to have a decent send off.

‘All my life my Dad has helped, bailed out and looked after anyone he could, however he could. Me included.

‘I am gutted beyond belief. I thank people in advance if you can spare 10 minutes out of your day to say goodbye to a magnificent gentleman. My Dad.’

A JustGiving fundraising page has also been set up in his memory and has raised more than £700 for charity Cancer Research UK.

To donate go to bit.ly/35JZv6t

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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