I READ with great regret of the death of Derrick Slee for whom I have always had the highest regard.

Derrick was in his day an outstanding Rugby Union player and then referee with the York Railway Institute. My knowledge of Derrick was with the latter where he was mostly called “Sir” and his decisions never questioned.

To be fair, I was a pretty useless player but notwithstanding, Derrick offered encouragement to me and many others of my ilk.

He joined in socially, when we were able to call him Derrick. He was all in all an excellent role model and well liked.

My sympathy goes out to his family as we bid farewell to a real good bloke.

Tony Wareham, Linton Road, Nether Poppleton, York.