Sutton Poyntz

Derek Thomas Charles Dodge was born on the 2nd of January, 1930, during the war years.   He was an only child, and his parents were proud of him.
His story is that of a boy who knew, from a very young age, what he would choose to do in his life.

At a very young age, he was taken to see an air display, just outside Weymouth, and from that moment, he had no doubts about what he would be.  He would fly aeroplanes and go to Biggin Hill.  His parents were not very happy with this, taking into account the times in which they were living.

However, when he was older,  Derek was proving to be a very clever young man.  He attended Weymouth Grammar School, became Head Boy, and
left with Inter BSc Engineering in the sixth form.  He went to Westlands, under a Graduate Scheme, latterly attended Southampton University.  On leaving, he took employment at Follands, Southampton, in their design office.

He was called up to National Service, when he completed his training as a Fighter Pilot, and was posted in 41 Squadron at Biggin Hill,  fulfilling his ambition.  On completing National Service, he joined BOAC as it was then called, in 1953.  He flew a variety of planes, - Argonauts, Stratocruisers, 707s, 747s - and was promoted from 1st Officer to Captain in 1970.

Derek retired in 1981 as Route Training Captain. 
His career was over - he had accomplished his ambitions, but what should he do now retirement was before him?  Living at home and helping in the house didn't suit him although he didn't mind helping out.  Then, out of the blue, offers and suggestions of what he might like to do began to come.

He bought himself a lovely sailing vessel, called Red Barrel, because he had always loved sailing.  His wife Pat was glad, because it made him happy, and she enjoyed it too.  He took his Yachtmaster's Course and obtained his Certificate.  Not long afterwards, having joined the Royal Dorset Yacht Club, he became the Commodore, which launched him into a whole new world of meetings, functions and of course sailing events.  Both he and Pat were happy with this very pleasant social life.

The offers didn't stop there.  He became Public Relations Officer for Weymouth RNLI and enjoyed this very much too - it opened up another aspect of sailing and meeting more people as well.

In 1988 He stood for County Councillor for his area, was voted for and from 1988/1992, having won his seat became even more busy with his retirement.
He also joined the Police Authority as part of his new situation. 

Not content with all this activity, he then joined the Board of Visitors at Verne Prison, became Governor of St. Andrews School, and joined the CPRE (Council for the Protection of Rural England) and his wife Pat became secretary, so both of them were involved and enjoyed their membership.

Derek's life was never boring - it was full of happenings, interests and activity.  He loved his life and made it full and exciting.  Only old age and a stroke could put an end to a man of such character and ability.  On 31st October 2022 his life ended, but he will be remembered by all who knew him.