Last updated at 13:33, Thursday, 25 June 2009

Fun, caring and a man whose glass was always half full... Many kind words were spoken at the funeral of radio commentator Derek Lacey – but those phrases kept echoing out as mourners celebrated the happy life of the man thousands knew as the voice of Carlisle United.

Title
Author
Copyright

Description

Hundreds had gathered in the blazing sunshine outside Carlisle Crematorium to pay their final respects to the BBC Radio Cumbria personality yesterday, a week after his death.

Famous figures from the club’s past and present joined family, friends and fans in saying their last goodbyes to the man who had followed the Blues both home and away from commentary boxes around the country for the last decade.

Those present included current Carlisle United players Scott Dobie, Richard Keogh, Peter Murphy and David Raven, along with former Blues heroes Andy Preece, Derek Walsh, Paul Murray and Jeff Thorpe, some of whom had joined him in the commentary box as he detailed games with his trademark enthusiasm.

Carlisle United’s chief executive David Allen, director Steve Pattison and chairman Andrew Jenkins were also present – as were many of his colleagues from BBC Radio Cumbria.

Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton, who used to work at the Carlisle-based station, joined the mourners with her footballer brother Gavin, who began his career at Carlisle United.

Mr Lacey, 67, the station’s United commentator since 1998, died in Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary after a stroke. Tributes to Degsy, as he was sometimes known, have poured in from fans who said their Saturdays would never be the same again.

Mr Lacey’s coffin entered the church to Pachelbel’s Canon in D and during the thanksgiving service the congregation sang Now The Day Is Over and Abide With Me. The songs Make You Feel My Love by Bryan Ferry and Josh Groban’s You Raise Me Up were also played.

Leading the service, Reverend Eleanor Hancock, who was also a former neighbour of Mr Lacey’s, described him as “a very, very, special man and a very caring man”.

She said: “I remember the day when he moved to Hartington Place – my husband Michael was so excited. He was absolutely thrilled that Derek was moving in so they could talk football.”

Mr Lacey loved football, cricket and racing and often took his two children – Steve and Helen – along as spectators.

Mrs Hancock said: “Sport was part of the Lacey family experience. His family have great memories of days spent at cricket matches.

“He was a good partner, dad and grandad and was always good fun at children’s birthday parties. Derek did everything with enthusiasm.

“He met his partner Hillary eight years ago and they never looked back. They had a great relationship – socialising, going on holiday and spending time together reading the papers and listening to classical music. I used to bump into Derek and Hillary in Leonardo’s. They would be going in and we would be going out!

The congregation was told that Mr Lacey was a lot of fun.

Mrs Hancock said: “Hillary told me that every second with Derek was wonderful and so much fun. They had so much laughter, humour and much enjoyment. He was always supportive in Hillary’s jewellery shop – once persuading a customer to buy some ear-rings instead of knickers from Marks and Spencer. He was a great commentator and he made even greater gaffs but if you are passionate about your job then that is inevitable. He was so biased but that was because he loved Carlisle United.

“Derek was a top-notch commentator at the top of his game. He was a top-notch dad, partner and guy who was known and loved by so many. He will be very sadly missed.”

Mr Lacey’s partner Hillary said: “Derek was a highly skilled football commentator, nurse and counsellor. When Derek was a nurse he looked after a man with dementia. That man’s daughter told me that Derek gave her dad dignity where there was none.

“He had time for people and he made them feel special – he did this on a daily basis. He would get autographs for people and footballs signed.

“He had a good sense of compassion and sincerity. That was the very essence of Derek.”

Carlisle United manager Greg Abbott referred to the affection United fans had for the gaffes made by Mr Lacey on air as he followed the Blues.

“I’m going to do this in Derek’s way and make as many mistakes as I can,” he told the congregation. “It is a great honour to give a tribute to Derek because he was a good man.”

He spoke about the support Mr Lacey gave him through last year’s difficult season in League One.

“We would go for a pint and talk about football and family. Derek’s popularity was unbelievable.

“He registered me at the Harraby Club and we were due to go out for a drink. It’s tough at times being a manager and I was worried but I was going with Derek so I knew I would be fine. We walked in and the place was packed. Everyone spoke to Derek and no-one spoke to me! He was loyal, honest, popular and a good friend.”

After the service, mourners made their way to the Sunset Suite at Brunton Park for a reception.

At the ground yesterday afternoon fans laid tributes outside Mr Lacey’s commentary box. One was from United skipper Paul Thirlwell, who is on holiday in Dubai, which read: “To a top man. Sadly missed. Thanks for all you did for CUFC. Love Paul and Stephanie Thirlwell.”

A wreath in the shape of a Carlisle United shirt with 1 Lacey on it was sent from Carlisle United fans in the USA. It said: “To a good friend who will be missed by all your listeners in the USA. From Clare and Malcolm in Houston, Texas.”

There was a wreath from the club and flowers from Brenda Jackson, of Todhills, Emily Steventon of Dalston Road, Carlisle and David Smart of Aglionby Street, Carlisle.

Mrs Jackson said: “I used to listen to Derek’s blunders. He will be a big miss and I just can’t imagine who will take over from him.
“If you met him in the street he always had time for you.”

Donations collected at the end of Mr Lacey’s funeral are being forwarded to the Eden Valley Hospice in Carlisle.

• The News & Star attended Mr Lacey’s funeral with the permission of his family.

First published at 12:57, Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk