OLD DERBEIAN SOCIETY
Obituary
Alan Sanders (Derby School 1947 - 53)
Left to right: Alan Sanders, Martin Tunaley, Trevor Skinner,
Russell Thomas, David White, Peter Smedley.
Alan Sanders was born in Derby and after attending Firs Estate Infant and Junior Schools he entered Derby School as a scholarship boy in 1947. At junior school Alan had kept goal and during his time at Derby School he was to become the 1st XI goalkeeper with the nickname 'Bluey' on account of the unusual colour of his keeper's jersey for those days. His entrepreneurial interest came at an early age and he enhanced his pocket money by being a paper boy in the Manor Road area.
On leaving School Alan went into accountancy within an industrial enterprise and, true to tradition, it was his reputation as an old Derby School boy rather than a string of academic successes which enabled him to succeed in the early days, however it was evening classes at Derby 'Tech' which finally opened the gateway to his business achievements. He served in the Royal Signals during National Service, spending most of his time listening to Morse code from the USSR, on our side of the Iron Curtain and he took great pleasure in recent years in telling friends that now the restriction of the Official Secrets Act was over he would have loved to have 'spilled the beans' but he could not remember anything that he had taken down!
Alan's business career was spent mainly on the accountancy and management side of the road haulage and warehousing industry and ultimately he became Managing Director at Storage, Haulage & Warehousing. With his skills and knowledge of the latter he enjoyed a national reputation which his management flair and excellent style in forming relationships enhanced considerably.
Alan had many personal interests and hobbies and he was lucky to have had his wife Thelma to support and encourage him. Membership of the RAC Club enabled them to visit London regularly to enjoy their musical interests and they both enjoyed cricket, being members of the Warwickshire County Cricket Club. Alan was a Rotarian, involved over the years with both the Yardley & Sheldon and Lichfield Clubs. He was also a Paul Harris fellow.
For the past 20 years ill-health dogged Alan but he did all that he could to prevent this state of affairs limiting his activities. He bore many treatments and operations with great fortitude and wonderful cheerfulness; he was a great example to others. He was a caring family man and leaves his wife Thelma, their five children and seven grandchildren. Our condolences go out to them.
Alan's delight and great interest was the Old Derbeian Society of which he was Hon. Secretary for many years and also the organiser, editor and producer of the Annual Newsletter which keeps ODs in touch. He was also the prime mover and major force behind the creation of the Old Derbeian Society website. His experience of life and his flair & personality ensured that the Society continued to prosper and develop. This was Alan's undoubted legacy to the ODs and all owe him a debt of gratitude for his work and efforts.
Alan Sanders was a cultured person; a great friend and a splendid companion; a most competent and reliable person and an excellent organiser; he was most kind and approachable, he was a real English gentleman and, a stalwart and distinguished Old Derbeian.
(The above text is a slightly abridged version of the eulogy delivered by John Booth.)
