By Isle of Wight Observer
Well-known Island character, Derek Hunt, who was born on July 3, 1939, sadly passed away on Saturday, December 6.
He was a much-loved husband to Gail, and a devoted father to Jeremy, Leigh, Brendon, Wayne, Claire, and William. Derek was also a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren and a great-grandfather to three. A true Caulkhead, he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Derek crammed a great deal into his 86 years. A hard worker with the gift of the gab, he established his wholesale fruit and vegetable business, D J Hunts, in 1964. In the early days, many will remember him selling to shops across the Island from the back of his lorry. Often heard before he was seen, Derek was known for his chirpy whistle or his enthusiastically-loud greeting of “Alright mate!”
He was also known for his love of country music. Derek began singing in bars before going on to form the IW Country Music Centre, at Pagham, with Gail and his friend, Martin Chambers. The live country music shows ran from 1974 to 1986, sometimes attracting more than 400 fans and welcoming artists from across the UK and America. Derek and Gail later hosted a weekly country music slot on Angel Radio, drawing listeners from around the world.
Many will also remember Derek for his passion for vintage vehicles. Over the years he built up an impressive collection, including buses, coaches, cars, tractors and motorcycles. If it had wheels, he was interested! Derek spent many evenings restoring buses and coaches to their former glory, and was once chairman of the Isle of Wight Bus & Coach Museum. He would often be seen driving his orange and red Commer Avenger coach, named Lady Gail, on running days.
Derek’s larger-than-life personality, led many to say that ‘they simply do not make them like that anymore’.
All who knew Derek are invited to a funeral service celebrating his life at the Isle of Wight Crematorium on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 1.30pm, followed by refreshments at The Chequers Inn from 3pm.