The Colton ‘boys’, Paul, Gary and Andy, have announced the death of their father Derek on Tues 21st March aged 75 years.
Derek was known throughout the world of Roller Hockey as a great player and a supporter in the later years. He is recalled by everyone as one of the nicest people and was universally liked for his warmth and humour.
He played for the Birch Park RHC of Manchester and played for England in 3 World Championships and 1 European Championship - 1952 in Oporto, Portugal, 1954 in Barcelona, Spain, 1956 in Oporto, Portugal. The European Championship he played in was in 1959 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Derek was an outstanding hockey player of the 1950s era, who was also an excellent artistic skater, known in those days as roller dancer. He played mainly as a forward but was very versatile with superb skating skills and could play in any position. He was one of the most popular players ever in the history of the game.
Derek won the NRHA Challenge Cup in 1961 as Captain of the Birch Park Team and he also played for England in Coupe des Nations in Montreux, Switzerland in 1953.
The NRHA Executive Committee send their condolences to all the Colton family on their sad loss and add that for many years Derek was a great ambassador for England and the sport throughout Europe which was very much appreciated.
