Following a long career in sales in the UK, Derek and his wife Rhona decided to settle in the Algarve in 2001. It was not long before the cut and thrust of selling, which coursed through Derek’s veins, encouraged him to apply for a position with the sales team at The Resident Group.
Our very own Del-Boy was honest, tenacious and arguably the finest salesperson that The Resident Group has had the pleasure of working with. He enjoyed a debate and was seldom without an angle with which to sell advertising space – or something else that had come along!
His drive and enthusiasm was also reflected in his personal life and specifically on the golf course. Derek was the driving force behind a small group who played each Wednesday at Salgados Golf. Losing in a golf match did not figure in Derek’s psyche; when losing did occur, the challenge for the following week was all the greater.
Derek loved his life in the Algarve; he loved good food and wine – whether at a five star restaurant or at an all-in tasca special.
But above all Derek loved his wife Rhona whom he had married nearly 18 short years ago.
Whether we knew Derek as a friend, a colleague, a supplier, an organiser or an adversary on the golf course, we will miss him tremendously.
Derek is survived by his wife Rhona, his father, a son from his first marriage and three grandchildren of whom he was immensely proud.
God Bless You Derek.
S.R.
A celebration of Derek’s life will be held at a date yet to be confirmed
Thank you all for your kind emails. To say we have been inundated is an understatement. Here you will find just a few of the messages received in The Resident Group offices.
I’m shocked and saddened to hear that Derek Douglas passed away recently. His great advice (laced in humour) has been wonderful to me over the years and he will be missed. RIP – Trish, Just White
Terrible news. I am really shocked, it is very very sad. I liked him a lot. He was such a good guy – Stefan, Yellow Homes
Condolences to Derek’s wife and family – let us keep joking like him – Juan Khoury, Visão Plus
I am shocked to hear of Derek’s sad demise. I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to his family – Kelly Roberts, Directora-Geral, Centro Auditivo
I’m very sorry to receive this e-mail. I just want you to know we also agree that Derek was a great ambassador of The Resident Group – Nuno Santos, Candilamp
What a shock. What terrible news. Derek was a very nice guy and I always enjoyed working with him. He will be a sad loss to the Resident – Alan Brown, Browns Sports & Leisure Club
This is tragic news! Derek was always a very happy person like everyone else on your team. I’d like to pay my respect to him and send my condolences to you, his family and friends – Gustavo Lima, British-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce
I am deeply shocked as when I met him last time, he looked well and happy.My sincere condolences to the family. Jit Mohan, Rusoi Restaurant
We are both so sorry and shocked to hear of the sad news about Derek. Life is so strange at times and words are just not enough! Please pass on condolences to his wife and we know he will be missed by you all at The Resident Group. Tim and Sylvia Lewer, Quintalake
Our sincere condolences.We wish you and your team a lot of strength in this difficult time – The Casa Curiosa Team
Very sad news. He will be missed by all, a true gentleman! – Peter, Brazmaq
This is really awful news. I am very sorry to hear this. Please pass on my thoughts to Derek’s family and friends – James, MiniSom
That’s really sad and shocking news. Please pass the regards of all our team to his partner.All of us remember Derek as a great guy – Ricardo Chaves, Portuguese Homes
I am so very sad and shocked, mortified in fact. I am going to miss him too. He was indeed an asset to the Algarve Resident, as he so enjoyed his work and sales achievements. My thoughts and prayers are with Rhona right now. Georgete Klisiaris
Sorry to hear about the passing of Derek. Please pass on our condolences to his family and colleagues – Chris Barton and all at the British-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce
I am so very sorry to hear about the death of Derek – a terrible shock for everyone. My thoughts go out to Rhona and his family back in Scotland – it’s impossible to imagine what emotional turmoil they are experiencing – Pia Cross, Guys & Dolls
I know he is going to be sadly missed. It will bring things suddenly and sharply into focus, I think, for many people – Shirley and Eddy, Crystal Beauty
What sad news. Of all people, Derek showed health, charm and brought professionalism with him and always had time for a chat. That is why it is a real shock to hear of his passing. We shall miss him greatly. Please pass on our condolences to his wife and family – Inky and Wolfgang, Salagua
What a shock to receive your sad email. As we don’t have a direct contact for him, would you kindly send his family our deepest sympathy at their tragic loss? – Geoff and Carol, Fires of Portugal
Just heard the so sad news about Derek. We are in shock. He was such a character in the Algarve, and supported Bar Bacchus most weeks for seven years, sparring with Andy over golf and bemoaning the chocolate cake. My thoughts are with you as his friend, my sincere condolences to Rhona, and all at the Algarve Resident who will miss him as we will – Morag Richardson
We were very sad to learn of Derek’s death and will remember him as a very friendly and helpful man, who was a credit to your company and would like to send our condolences to his family and colleagues – Portugal Property Experts
Derek was a great chap – it is a tragedy – Edward Everitt, Minisom
In the name of our team, I would like to express our deepest condolences for the sudden death of Derek Douglas. From the short moments we met him, I remember the gentleness he demonstrated – Cristiano Soares, Aquasom
We are all sorry to hear about the loss of Derek. We had heard he was unwell last week, but nevertheless this comes as a great shock. I would regularly give him a ‘hard time’ (in a friendly way) on his visits to the office to sell some advertising space with the Resident, but he was always in a good humour no matter what – and usually ended up with a contract! Always conscientious and reliable, I know you and his colleagues will miss him at the Resident. We offer our condolences to his wife and family at this sad time – David Hills and Staff, David Hills Insurance
