In loving memory of Derek Norman Sulley who sadly passed away on 17th October 2018
Derek was born on 08 April 1948 to Robert (Norman) and Winifred Sulley, growing up in Arnold, Nottinghamshire. At school Dereks reports state he excelled at English and technical drawing, as well as being a driving force in his local scout troop and singing in his local church choir. The scouts had a significant impact on Derek, leading him to complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award through to Gold level, and also take part in a number of outward bound courses. He would later pass on his love of the outdoors and camping to his two sons.
From an early stage in his life, Derek knew he wanted to be a Police Officer, and in 1967 joined Nottinghamshire Constabulary (later Nottinghamshire Police), training in Yorkshire. It’s evident from a large number of letters that Derek was very close to his Mother who wrote to him numerous times a week, keeping him updated on the local gossip and people their pet dog Bob had chased. Throughout his Police career Derek worked predominantly in the Mansfield and Ollerton areas, covering roles such as response, custody, firearms and traffic. Certainly the time he enjoyed most was spent on the Traffic Wing based out of Ollerton. He has maintained friendships with many people who he worked with in this field.
In 1978 Derek married Heidi, with Matthew being born in 1982 and Nathan in 1984. Despite the pressures of shift work, Derek always ensured he never missed a Christmas or one of his Sons Birthdays, and always made sure there was a family holiday every year, which often would mean towing a caravan to the West coast of France. Despite not liking the sun, Derek always ensured there was a cricket or football pitch marked on the beach and Matthew and Nathan would quickly wear him out.
Late at night on 7th December 1985, Derek along with two colleagues, entered a lake at Clumber Park in an attempt to save the lives of two women who’d become entrapped in a car submerged within the lake. Unfortunately one of the women could not be saved, but for his efforts and personal risk, Derek was awarded a commendation by the Royal Humane Society.
On retiring from the Police, Derek would help Heidi on her pig farm, and was always very proud of her winning pig breeder of the year. Life on the farm was tough, with massive fluctuations in the price of pork, but both Derek and Heidi always ensured their family came first. Derek served on the PTA at both Halam Primary School, and The Minster School, and supported both his sons through the Duke of Edinburgh award programme. He taught Matthew how to build, plumb and do carpentry, and showed Nathan how to fix cars.
After Heidi’s sudden and untimley death, Derek helped Matthew and Nathan care for her parents, and made certain everyone was brought together for Easter and Christmas.
From a very young age Derek had a keen interest in motorsport and cars in general. He had taken part in various rally driving stages, and always had something he was fixing up. He was very proud when Matthew graduated from Oxford Brooke’s Universtiy with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Nathan from Coventry University with a degree in Motor Sport Engineering, most probably because he thought somebody else would do the fixing! In later life in true retirement, Derek would put his efforts in to collecting and preserving retired Police cars and Datsun Sports cars, as well as running the club shops for both those interests.
Derek was 70 in April this year and enjoyed a wonderful family dinner in Oxfordshire (profile photo), and Catherine baked him a Police car cake to aid the celebration. He was extremely happy on this day. Despite passing far sooner than he wanted, his illness although severe was relatively short, and he’d managed any pain just with paracetamol. He was very lucky to have so many friends, be they old work colleagues, people from his various car clubs, or his kind neighbours. He also had a loving family who miss him immensely.
Derek is survived by his Sons Matthew and Nathan, and Matthew’s family, Catherine, and children Chloe (7) and James (4).
Matthew is a Police Inspector with Thames Valley Police. Nathan is a lorry driver, property developer, gym owner and continues his Fathers passion for sports cars. Nathan also looks after Rufus, Dereks dog who misses him greatly.
Remembering Derek from the 1960’s when he used to call and visit his Mum at the RAC Offices where she and I worked. I remember him as a tall, handsome, friendly young man and because we both came from Arnold there was always something to talk about. His Mum was a lovely person and thought the world of Derek. I am very sorry to hear of his passing and my thoughts are with his family.
I am sorry to hear of Derek’s passing. Sending comfort to his family at this sad time. I am the lady who bought his farm from him all 19 years ago, thank you for letting me do that, rest assured I have loved and treasured this place ever since and will continue to do so in your honour for as long as I can. RIP x
Derek became my brother-in-law when he married my sister, Heidi, in 1978. I enjoyed his sense of humour and his willingness to always help out with anything that needed doing. He was always so proud of his boys and was a really good father. After my sister died, he always made sure to watch over my parents and let me know how they were doing, as I was not living in England. He was a good person and I know Matt and Nathan will always have their good memories of him.
I met Derek through the Datsun Z Club and always enjoyed his company and sense of humour. He did a tremendous amount for the Club and will be remembered most for the 'gatherings' he organised and the sterling work running the shop, where he was known as Arkwright. He was a gentleman and I would imagine he made a fantastic policemen. I have read that his neighbour enjoyed the same hobbies
and that must have been very useful for Derek with his collection of cars, vans, caravans and dogs - quite a character. Derek will be missed by us all.
To me Derek was my special' Cuzzy'. As a youg child I spent much time staying at his home in Arnold, along with Thumper the rabbit and Bob the dog. Each day I would sit at the window waiting for him to return from school. We had such fun ..... getting covered in smoke from the steamtrains passing at the bottom of the garden and encouraging the driver to pull the horn - what a NOISE !!! We idled away many hours in the nearby park feeding the 'gooses' and ducks and running madly round the paths and ponds.
In later years whenever I phoned him - in his dry sense of humour he would say 'What do you want ......'
I will miss our chats and chuckles
I will just miss him.
Lots of Love from Cuz No 1 XXXX
Specical Cuzzy - Our chats and chukkles I will miss ; the fun we had at your house as kids I will treasure Lots of Love Cuz No 1 XXX
Special Cuzzy : our chats and chuckles I will surely miss : the fun we had as kids I will treasure! Love Cuz No 1 XXX
We have known Derek for almost 20 years and in this time, as well as being our neighbour, he became our friend.
His interest in cars/motorsport mirrored ours so, we got on very well from the start.
Derek's life experience was great. We would often sort and value his opinions also, we would get on our "soap boxes" and put the world to rights over a brew. Derek would often say, "right then, can you come again when you can't stop so long?"
We would both laugh.
Derek's sense of humour was very dry, it was also peace of mind to know that when were away from home, Derek could be relied upon to keep an eye on things.
Derek's passing has been a big shock and loss to us and we would also like to say that our thoughts are with Matthew and Nathan at this time.
Finally one of Derek's sayings was "cheery" when we would part so, with heavy heart, I say Cheery to our mate Derek.
Rest easy friend
Jill & Wayne
Special Cuzzy - Our chats and chuckles I will miss ; the fun we had as kids I will treasure Love Cuz No 1 xxx
Special Cuzzy - our chats and chuckles I will miss but the fun we had as kids I will treasure Cuz No 1 xxx
I was a Traffic Officer with Derek for many years and loved his sense of humour and straight talking so, it was a great pleasure to me when later, when I became a custody sergeant, at Mansfield Police Station, Derek became my cell duty officer. we had so many laughs and good times in the cells as well as stresses and hard work. He was never afraid to tell me straight when I was getting it wrong and his bulk was always a great support when I'd stirred up the inmates to revolt, as I occasionally did. As the years have passed we have only met at the funerals of colleagues who have passed and it is with great sadness that now the funeral is Derek's own.
God bless and may you rest in the peace you deserve
Derek in his shorts, never forgotten
Derek in his shorts, never forgotten.
A fitting tribute for a lovely man. First met Derek circa May 1966 when we were lifesaving partners. Shared some wonderful times together eg: Saturday 15 April 1978 - diary entry - Bingham Church and Strathdon, very nice do, Derek's wedding (and Heidi's of course). Glad I got the chance to say goodbye on 16 October. Sue and I are very sad.
Derek at one of the Zedfest events he organised for the Z Club
They don't make characters like Derek anymore! Always forthright in his views but tinged with that dry wit of his he will be sadly missed by everyone at PC-UK. Thank you Derek for everything you did for the club. May you rest in peace.
John Graham (Left) John Gready (2nd Left) Mick Holmes (2nd right) Derek on the right.
Over 50 years of friendship and comradeship ending with Dereks untimely passing on 17th October. Sadly the youngest of the four of us. Rest in peace Derek we will ultimately meet again at the Traffic Wing in the sky. John (Sgt1122)
You beat me to it, John. This would be around 2008 at a reunion at The Staff of Life, Sutton-in-Ashfield. Happy days!
I remember 999 KOP being purchased - Derek was very proud of it. I was on Panda 1 in NVO 896F at Mansfield and Derek was Panda 4 I think in NVO 899F; Ford Anglias. We enjoyed many laughs in the dark hours - fond memories. RIP Derek.
Derek on the left, Brian Dewing third left and I think Betty Scargill 2nd right. Oh and the first personalised plate I can ever remember, Derek's 999 KOP. Jim Smith
The A-Z drive visiting Police Stations in Alphabetical order raised £15000 for Harlow Wood Hospital and as always had fun .All the best to your family Derek RIP.
Derek at one of the Zedfest events he organised for the Z Club
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