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Derek Blevins (Rotary Booty)

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Artist
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Derek Blevins (Rotary Booty)

Post by Artist »

Just found out that Derek Blevins has passed away. He was one of the first to join this site when it first kicked off.

Derek served in both the RM's and the RAF. He came up from the ranks in the Corps achieving the rank of Captain. He was one of the first SNCO's within the Corps of Royal Marines to earn his wings as an Helo pilot in the sixties. On leaving the Corps Derek joined the RAF where he rose to the rank of Sqn Leader.

I never had the honour of meeting this wonderful man face to face but spoke to him on the phone quite a few times when he was in hospital in Poole a few years ago. My heart goes out to Stephanie, Clair and Mark.

RIP Derek, you were one of the best Oppo.

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Post by HarryAVFC »

Rest in peace Derek.
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Post by JR »

Knew Derek for many years his service goes back to the day's of Suez as a young bootneck a man of many talents HW and chopper pilot Aden and the Far East he also served with the Sultan of Oman's Air Force regardless of the many cap badges he wore throughout his time he always returned to his roots at the RMA reunion w/ends and could always be found waiting under the Globe & Buster to meet his Oppo's.An Officer and Gentleman and Legend within the Corps,I am honoured to have counted him has a friend,Sleep Well Derek.
Condolences to Stephanie and Family.Aye JR
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Derek 2nd from right with the old and bold
Who needs the World as your Oyster,When you've had the world as your cap Badge
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Post by Rover »

Crossed path's with Derek over the years but eventualy met via both MF and OAMOAM and the found we lived not far apart.

An Officer, Gentlman and very much a Legend.

A friend who's wit and banter will be always be remembered.

http://www.flyingmarines.com/Dits/What_Wings_dit.htm

RIP Derek

Condolences to Stephanie, Clair and Mark.

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Post by owdun »

A Bootnecks Bootneck to the end.A Gentleman,And a fine soldier.RIP.
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Post by Wholley »

Rest easy Derek.Condoences to his family and oppos.
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Post by Hyperlithe »

Derek was a great help when I was joining up, so sad to hear he's left us.
RIP Derek, you'll be missed.
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Post by Sully »

I was lucky enough to have met Derek and to have shared a tot with him. A true gentleman and I doubt that I have met a man with such poise. I don't think there is much else I can say other than to offer my sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Rest in peace my friend.
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Post by Pilgrim Norway »

Well said Owdun - A Bootnecks Bootneck

Derek was always a gentleman - and a Geordie gentleman at that.

He carried my name on the first Thirty Miler in 2003 when it was held
at a time I couldn't make it.

I'll miss the banter.

I'm posting something that Derek wrote - always appropriate -
and the details of the funeral.... all from Once a Marine.

---

Derek, who had been poorly for a couple of years suddenly took a turn
for the worse on Saturday morning, he remained at home and passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning surrounded by his family.

His funeral is on Thursday 30th July.
St Catherine's RC Church,
Lewens Lane,
Wimborne,
Dorset.
BH21 1LE
12:20 Fly past by 847 Squadron
12:30 Service
13:30 Cremation at Poole Crematorium.

The location of the wake has yet to be arranged.
All are welcome to attend both services.

The following poem was written by Derek Blevins..
And is dedicated to all those who wait and hope.
Derek Blevins March 2003.

The radios on,the TV as well,
It's having to know,the news that they will tell.
It's a fear that she bears like a constant bad dream
She's a mum,with a son,who's a Royal Marine.
She's proud,oh so proud of the things he has done.
From a child to a youth,to a Corps,matched by none.
She has cried as his skills have been held in esteem,
From Kings Squad,Green Beret,a trained Royal Marine.

She tries to keep busy,her mind on a chore,
But her nerves are all tensed for the 'Knock on the Door'
Her hand trembles slightly,as she knows it might mean.
There's a padre stood there,with a sad Royal Marine.
She writes endless letters of trivial events.
Send parcels of goodies,and sweaters like tents.
But she knows it may end with that 'Knock on the Door'.
He has travelled the world,and she well knows the score.

But now he's at war,and the risks are extreme,
Yet he chose this profession,that of Marine.
She gave her support,now she waits like the rest,
Kept firm by the fact that he serves with the best.
Now,a glance at his photo,from days that have been
His facing smiling down,his eyes all a gleam.
The look that they all have,these Bootnecks,these few.
And their loved ones just pray that their time is not due.

However,this mother has been here before
Her father, a 'Royal' in the second world war.
She ran with her mother to answer the door.
But the words, 'We Regret'changed their lives ever more.
Bravest of brave are the ones who wait home
They carry the that burden,sometimes alone.
No honours for them,just the tears they have cried
But their son is a 'Royal'and their 'medal'is pride.

She straightens her dress,and pats at her hair
For the sound of a vehicle has trembled the air.
There are steps to her door,then comes the first knock
Through stained glass,she sees two,and her mind starts to rock.
The walk to the door,as she holds back the tears.
Takes a lifetime of memories,of dread,and of fears.
She opens the door,misty eyed,cannot see
'Hi Mum,this is Bob,just got back'-Whats for tea?'

Thanks for that Derek.
Aye Fred

-----

Thank you Fred for posting that on OAMAAM -

----

Rest well oppo
best 'aye,
Alan
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Post by timex »

RIP Derek, a real pleasure meeting you...
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Post by Obi Wan Kenobi »

I never met Derek and only 'knew' him through this site and OAMAAM, but he appeared to be a chap of the highest calibre. He was clearly highly regarded by his colleagues and friends.
RIP Derek.
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Post by sneaky beaky »

I spoke to Steph on Sunday. She is bearing up remarkably well.
The wake is at the Hamworthy Social Club on Queen Annes Drive, Merley, near Wimborne. It will obviously be after the Church Service and the crematoriam.

I wil miss Derek. Like Dave D. I met Derek through Military Forums and then found that he lived close by. We became firm friends and used to attend the Poole RMA together, often picking up Rover on the way. He really enjoyed his evenings with the boys.

I know he hadn't been too well in the last couple of years but his spirit never failed. He always had a quip to anything you said.

Once a Marine - Always a Marine.

I will be there on Thursday and with a tear in my eye, I am sure.

See you up there Derek

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Former RM of 23 years.
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Re: Derek Blevins (Rotary Booty)

Post by Chester »

RIP Derek, only just learned of this - He wrote some good dits on here... this was my favourite

"41 Commando, Support Troop, 1964ish, Bickleigh, and we headed 'Up North' in a huge convoy to Otterburn Camp, Northumberland for field firing. We stopped overnight at RMR Tyne and as my parents lived only 12 miles away in Ashington, they came to collect me for a night at home.

In the morning the traffic in Newcastle was horrendous and they only just got me back in time for the convoy moving off. The OC spotted me and told me that as I was a local lad, I could lead the convoy to Otterburn! We left RMR Tyne into the morning rush hour with 'panic stricken local lad' in the lead landrover, followed by 20 vehicles including 4 tonners towing trailers. I was lost within seconds and blindly gave directions based on nothing realistic. We travelled down backstreets where the washing was draped across from one side of the street to the other, lifting it over the vehicles as we went! From there we eventually ended up out of the Newcastle suburbs but whether it was North, South, East or West was anyone's guess. including mine. I was really sweating by now but kept up the appearance of knowing what I was doing as visions of my stripes being torn off crossed my mind. To my horror we ended up travelling down a country road, just wide enough for the 4 tonners, that had grass growing up the middle of it! If a tractor came out of a field we were doomed! After what seemed a millennium we arrived at a cross roads. I peered at the worn sign which read 'Otterburn 3 miles'!!

After we parked up in the camp car park the OC came up to my vehicle. "Thank God you were leading us Sgt Blevins, we'd NEVER have found this place."

You see, there is a God that looks after Geordies!!
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Re: Derek Blevins (Rotary Booty)

Post by Rover »

Thanks for that Chester.

Only seems like yesterday. Never forgotten.
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Re: Derek Blevins (Rotary Booty)

Post by Chester »

There was some brilliant posts on here from Derek, Rob Prez, Bert, JR, Owden, Kev Sea Soldier, Artist and many others long before the days of Facebook, I still like looking over the old posts, they still make me smile, espcially dits lie the one above by Derek :drinking:
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