Some may be more well known than others, but all had a place in someone’s heart and in our communities.
Here we make space to recognise those whose deaths have been announced in the pages of the Derbyshire Times this week.
For more details on how they will be remembered, including funeral arrangements, and how to leave your own tributes, go to legacy.com/uk/obituaries/derbyshiretimes-uk/browse.
1. Stephen Lismore, Old Whittington
Born in Toronto, Canada, Steve passed away in Cogne, Italy, following an accident on a winter climbing trip, aged 71. After moving to Aberystwyth in 1978 for university, he arrived in Old Whittington in 1983 with his then wife Jenifer. A Labour borough councillor for the Staveley North ward, he served as cabinet member for health and wellbeing, and led a range of services from community safety to parks and open spaces, and sport and leisure, with great passion and commitment. Prior to this, he worked for many years as a civil servant at the Department for Work and Pensions and was instrumental in programmes helping adults with autism to find employment. He was also the chief executive of the charity Touchstone, which worked to reduce poverty and deprivation and support to people from disadvantaged social backgrounds. A man of many interests, he loved gardening, grew a huge array of vegetables in his greenhouses, and turned his hand to many DIY projects. He loved adventures too, as an avid climber and hiker, alongside restoring and touring classic cars and motorbikes. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with friends and family and adored being a grandad. Steve leaves behind his partner Sue, children James, Robin, Rosalinde and Simon, and his four grandchildren. The funeral service takes place on Monday, March 23, 1pm, at St Bartholomew’s Church, Old Whittington. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/StephenLismore. Photo: Contributed
2. Alan Saunders, Matlock
Born in Loughborough, Alan came to settle in Derbyshire for half a century. He passed away at home, aged 76. In his working life, he was self employed and owned the business Matlock Cash Registers. When not tinkering with tills, he was chairman of local entertainment venue the Edgefold Club, a bingo caller, and enjoyed darts and dominoes and computers. Alan leaves his wife Irene, daughters Verna, Claire and Joan, five grandchildren and one great-grandson. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/AlanSaunders. Photo: Contributed
3. Kathleen Auton, Middle Handley
Born in Blackpool, Kathleen came to be a resident of North East Derbyshire for over 50 years. She passed away at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, aged 74. A career teacher, she worked at Jordanthorpe, Brook and Newfield secondary schools in Sheffield, before becoming deputy head of King Edward VII for 18 years. In retirement she was heavily involved as a volunteer with the Chesterfield Canal Trust, serving as a trustee and membership secretary, and often staffing the trust's shop at Hollingwood Hub. Kath leaves her husband Rod, stepsons Chris and Tim, step-grandchildren Emily and Lily, her sister Marilyn and wider family. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/KathleenAuton. Photo: Contributed
4. Michael Watson, New Whittington
Born in Sheffield, Michael came to be a resident of New Whittington for 60 years. He passed away at Morton Grange nursing home, aged 78. The founder of A1 Garage Doors in 1996, he built the company up to great success and handed over the reins to the next generation of his family in 2020. Away from work, he liked to hit the road on his motorbike or be with his loved ones. Michael leaves his wife Janet, sons Terry and Tony, and four grandchildren. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/MichaelWatson26. Photo: Contributed