Derek Pluck Obituary
would like to sincerely thank
all relatives, friends and neighbours for their kind words of comfort and cards of condolence received at this difficult time.
Grateful thanks for the
generous donations received,
to all who attended the funeral
service and to Colette Saunders
for her kind and
thoughtful ministrations.
Special thanks to the
White Bull, Alston for their
warm hospitality and finally
to Anne and her team at William Houghton Funeral Directors.
15 Entries
Elizabeth Maynard
August 27, 2025
I was one of `Plucky´s Angels´, at Preston College in 1997-1998. We absolutely adored him and his teachings. An amazing man. Just thought about him tonight and sad to see he is no longer with us. God Bless and rest in peace Dr Pluck
Dr Mahmood Khan
June 24, 2024
Dr Pluck was my A Level Biology teacher (1981). I think of "Uncle Derek" often and still talk about him to my siblings and own children. He was a bigger than life figure who gave of his huge amount of knowledge and kindness unconditionally. Loved his wonderful humour and innovative teaching including how to memorise the map of the London Underground!!
Lots of lovely memories and lives touched for the better. Rest in Peace
Jacqui Hoyle PhD
October 16, 2023
Dr Pluck just sprung to my mind- sad to hear he has passed away. I learnt so much from him. He taught me A level Biology 1986-1988. His great sense of humour helped us all learn and he helped make Biology a very interesting subject. Even the microbiology was fun. I went on to complete 3 degrees in Biological sciences and I now work in Genetics. You believed in me Derek when others doubted my academic capabilities. Rest well Derek. You were the best Jacqui Hoyle PhD
Mark
April 18, 2023
Of all the teachers I experienced in my academic career, this wonderful, funny man was the best.
Derek was hugely Intelligent and a talented teacher with a very human side. I still tell one of the jokes he recounted.... some things don't need improving
Rest easy Derek, you changed so many lives for the better.
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Dr Tim Williams
June 11, 2019
Derek was a wonderful teacher and mentor to me during my A Levels in the mid-80's. I have often thought of him over the years and remain eternally grateful for all that he did for me. His wit and wisdom will be a great loss.
March 21, 2019
I knew Derek through U3A.He was a most remarkable man. His knowledge of music and composers was so extensive. I found him such an interesting person. I will miss him very much and my hope is that wherever he is, he is at peace.
Philip.A. Carter
Cheryl Hudson
March 19, 2019
Derek with students wearing his psychedelic lab coat.
Cheryl Hudson
March 19, 2019
Derek taught me 'A' level Human Physiology in the 90's as a mature student. Couldn't wait to get to his lessons. He was a fabulous teacher with a great sense of humour. Who could ever forget the Golgi body! My sincere condolences to his family and close friends. An irreplaceable soul. x
Azra Butt
March 15, 2019
Derek Pluck was born to teach and inspire a love of learning. He taught me and two of my siblings A Level Biology at Preston College. I still remember his imitation of the dissection process. He was a fun loving, kind and gentle man. God bless him and sincere condolences to his family.
Vivienne
March 6, 2019
As a member of Preston U3A, an association for older people,along with my husband we will miss Derek so much for all he did for the U3A, including all the interesting talks he did on a variety of different subjects. What a clever man he was and he put such a lot work into researching the subjects and I know he had more ready to present to us.So hard to think we won't see him again.
March 6, 2019
Derek will be sadly missed by his family in Bristol, his brother Bryan who always enjoyed their regular phone conversations will miss him dearly. Nephew Ashley and niece Elizabeth also have fond childhood memories of their uncle Derek. A lovely man who will be missed by many, sending our love to Christine and her family at this sad time and to all who held him dear.
March 3, 2019
I was lucky to work with thus wonderful man in my first teaching post. I learnt so much, not just about teaching but also how to be a better person. He was an inspiration in so many ways. Xx
K W
March 3, 2019
Dr Pluck taught me in the 90s as a mature student at Preston College. I I I remember he used to love his microbes and told us he had once been hunting for fungi in a wood in the very early hours of the morning and was arrested by the police because there had been a report of a strange man. I don't know if it was true but it made us laugh.
He was a lovely man with a great sense of humour and cared about his students. He is one of my inspirational teachers. I personally know many of his students have followed their chosen career path due to his help. I think he would be really pleased to know that I am also a Science teacher and will keep his memory alive in my classroom.
March 3, 2019
I have lots of lovely memories of the 17 years I worked with Derek. Who could forget the fabulous green and purple lab coat given to him by students hanging in the preproom and the whisky he was given for his birthday because he told his students he always had it on his Weetabix on Christmas morning. He was a special person whose knowledge on so many subjects was passed on to so many others brightening their lives. My love goes out to you Christine and all yours and Derek's families.
Mary Swindlehurst
March 2, 2019
Derek was an inspiration, cheerful, much loved tutor, helped me get to university aged 50. Wonderful man.
Love and hugs to his precious family
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
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