OBITUARY: Derek Easton, 1951 – 2024
The funeral of Derek Easton, who jointly ran Eastons Coaches of Norfolk with his brother, Robert, saw his steam traction engine pressed into service as a hearse, and mourners travelling in the company’s vintage Duple Albion Victor coach.
Derek, who has passed away aged 72, was the son of the landlords of the Ratcatchers Inn near Cawston, when his father, Alfred’s, taxi business took a swerve and went into coach operation. Derek’s career began with a stint as a builder, but he started work for Eastons Coaches in 1976, trained as a driver, and travelled across Europe when continental touring was still in its infancy.
“I will miss those calls, of “Hello, it’s me here”, and seeing him sitting in his chair, with that grin that could fill a room”
Together with Robert, Derek grew the business into a highly respected coach tour operation although generations of Norfolk children remember Derek for taking them to school. Derek and his wife, Lorna, or sister Christine, were later to share many coach tours across Europe but, when he wasn’t under a coach or driving one, his other passion was steam engines.
He owned and restored three steam traction engines; a full-size Burrell agricultural engine, a half-size super scenic Burrell showman’s engine and a 4.5-inch Burrell Road Loco miniature engine. The engines were shown around the county and the miniature engine often used to give a ride to his grandchildren, Joshua and Lucy.
A giant at 6ft 2ins, Derek was every inch a Norfolk man, with a dry sense of humour but an endlessly positive outlook, said his family. He was unflappable and never expected more of anyone than he could do himself.
“Derek was a very capable engineer and able to turn his hand to anything. If we needed something, and it couldn’t been obtained, then he would make it on one of his lathes or milling machines,” said his brother Robert.
“Both myself and Derek are immensely proud of the business we have grown, and the fact that it now continues with the help of the next generation. Derek was immensely proud that both [his daughter] Claire and [son] Ben wanted to follow in our footsteps in the coach industry.”
“I know, that many will miss being able to pick up the phone to him, to pick his brains or just enjoy a chat with him, and hear that Norfolk accent that drew you in; and even for those who only knew him from afar felt at ease, like they had known him forever,” said Claire at his funeral.
“I will miss those calls, of “Hello, it’s me here”, and seeing him sitting in his chair, with that grin that could fill a room. Anyone who knew dad knew he could crack a joke at anything, and sometimes, had that mischievous way of dropping a comment, and looking so serious, with others around him in hysterics.”
Derek passed away on 28 June after a six-year battle with cancer. His funeral was held at Salle Church. A fund has been set up for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. You can donate at https://derekeaston.muchloved.com/