The death has been announced of a former Lord Mayor of York and long-serving Labour city councillor.
Derek Smallwood died peacefully at his home in Market Weighton on Monday (4 September) following a long illness. He was 82.
Born in Salford in 1940, Derek moved to York in 1964 after meeting his York “lass” and wife of 38 years, Marion.
In his early years in the city, Derek was branch secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) at the York West Yorkshire Bus Company.
He was elected a North Yorkshire County Councillor in 1985 and York City Councillor in 1990.
Derek became a councillor for City of York Council when that authority was created in 1996.
He was Lord Mayor of York from 1998 to 1999, and regarded one of his most notable achievements as reviving and revitalising the Christmas lights in the city.
He became an honorary Alderman on retiring through ill health in 2007.
Having lost his wife Marion in 1999, Derek married Gwen in 2003. In later years Derek was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and spent his latter years in Market Weighton with Gwen.
He leaves behind Gwen, children Debbie, David, Chris and Jennie, as well as stepchildren Jonathan and Danny, five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.
The funeral will be held at York Crematorium on Thursday 21 September at 12.20 pm.
City of York Council have announced that the flag above the Mansion House will fly at half mast on the day of Derek’s funeral, as a mark of respect.