New health update for Newyankee.

[PDX_Rover]

Sad sad news. If you know Derek, enjoy the memories of his company. A big man with a huge heart. I'm so glad I got to know him again this last 5 years or so. Enjoyed our phone chats immensely reminiscing about the Ridgewood, my Dad and some of the other regulars. Happy memories that I cherish.

[DearneValleyRover]

Very sad to hear best wishes to Donna

[Sammy Chung was King]

Sad news really sorry to hear it. He seems a great bloke i hope somehow they get a miracle.

[ballysbackin]

Just one apology about the Hospice, this is incorrect, he was going then there was a change of decision then it was remain at hospital as is the case but Hospice nurse in attendance. Typical Derek he phoned Donna and told her bring a can of Guinness and a can of Boddies, As she said last night "A typical Englishman, flaming awkward to the last AND a Yorkshireman at that too. " He had a drink of both.

There will be just one more announcement, it is imminent now and his suffering will be over. There are axes to be ground and I have been asked to carry out specifics. Donna also gave me permission last night to state that if anyone wishes to send a card to her and the family after the event then just PM me and I have been told I can release the address but not on the site. just to PM at my discretion (doubt any will be refused)

[The Red Baron]

I hope someone told him yesterday's result.

Thanks for the updates Bally. Sadly I fear that next time I see this thread updated it will be news none of us wants to hear.

[ballysbackin]

Derek John Blackham R.I.P.

Sadly my friends Donna phoned at 2pm to tell me that Derek passed away in his sleep peacefully at 01.00hrs  (07.00hrs GMT) today, although his last few days had not been so.

I had got half way through an article but lost it so not to tempt fate I shall be brief. Derek John Blackham was born on 2nd August 1946 in Doncaster and died today 31st August 2016 in Milwaukee, he leaves a widow, Donna.

Liam Scully had been in touch on behalf of the Club regarding the matter and we are working on something fitting. I have also contacted Carl Hall at The Dons as Derek worked there in Commercial Office before moving to Halifax RLC. Derek was again The Dons through and through and Carl has informed me that the club will seek permission from the RFL to hold a minutes silence before the game on 11th September at home to London S. I shall also attend this match.

I am grateful to who ever made the club aware of this sad matter and I will keep you informed of any updates.

DErek will be Cremated and Donna has told me that his scarfs and hats of both The Dons and Rovers will be in his coffin at the Commitment of Derek's body, there will also follow a service at his Catholic Church in a couple of weeks.

Thank you on Donna's behalf

[IDM]

Sad news indeed.  Rest in peace.

[bahrain rover]

Sleep well Derek.

[Dutch Uncle]

RIP Derek

[The Red Baron]

Very, very sorry to hear that. RIP Derek.

[darren61]

So very sad news, RIP Derek.

[Copps is Magic]

One of our own. Thoughts with the family.

[DearneValleyRover]

RIP Derek, thoughts and best wishes to Donna.

[Bentley Bullet]

Very sad news. God bless.

[tommy toes]

Very sad indeed.

[phil old leake]

Sad news RIP

[RobTheRover]

Once again, Mick, thank you for the update, albeit with such sad news.

RIP Derek, and my  deepest condolences to Donna

#RoversFamily

[PDX_Rover]

Thank for letting us know Mick. Rest in Peace Derek. Thanks for being a very good friend to my late Dad, and for your kind and wise words that helped me through the dark days after my Dad passed back in 2011. Hopefully you two will be sharing a pint of Sovereign and catching up somewhere in the ether. All the best mate.

[RedJ]

Very sad to hear. Best wishes to the family.

[roversron]

Always an interesting read on here. ..The loss of a rovers family member is always sad.
Condolences to the family and thanks bally for all the updates.
Sleep easy brother

[drfchound]

Deepest sympathy.
Hopefully, from above, Derek will be watching us get promotion

[ctay]

Really sad news, RIP my fella rover. I didn't know Derek but I have been touched by his updates.

Sleep well

[Copps is Magic]

Perhaps given that Derek was a regular poster on here and made a contribution to both the rovers and the dons it would be a suitable gesture if we were able to get a plaque in his name to go in the memorial garden at the keepmoat. I am sure plenty on here would contribute a small sum each to cover the costs.

Thoughts?

[Lesonthewest]

Rest in peace Derek, sad news.

[wing commander]

Whilst it's good his suffering is over,still sad news...cancer is a bas**rd....rip mate and RTID and after too...

[PDX_Rover]

Perhaps given that Derek was a regular poster on here and made a contribution to both the rovers and the dons it would be a suitable gesture if we were able to get a plaque in his name to go in the memorial garden at the keepmoat. I am sure plenty on here would contribute a small sum each to cover the costs.

Thoughts?

Great idea CiM. I'm in.

[silent majority]

That was very sudden. We were exchanging pm's only a few weeks ago. RIP Derek.

The VSC will definitely chip in.

[ROVERSBELLY]

R.I.P fellow Rover , thoughts with his family, God Bless.

[wilts rover]

Very sad news, the world, and this forum, are both poorer for his passing. I was glad to know his thoughts and read his posts, for too short a time though.

Thank you for keping us informed Bally.

[darren61]

Perhaps given that Derek was a regular poster on here and made a contribution to both the rovers and the dons it would be a suitable gesture if we were able to get a plaque in his name to go in the memorial garden at the keepmoat. I am sure plenty on here would contribute a small sum each to cover the costs.

Thoughts?

Nice thought, im in.