Hundreds of mourners turn out to wish cult hero DJ Derek a fond farewell

Tributes: Hundreds of mourners attended DJ Derek's funeral
Claire Hayhurst/PA Wire
Jamie Micklethwaite22 April 2016

Hundreds of mourners gathered to bid a fond farewell to Britain’s oldest DJ.

Pensioner Derek Serpell-Morris, known as DJ Derek, worked with the likes of Massive Attack and appeared in the music video for Dizzee Rascal single Dirtee Disco.

The 73 year-old DJ became a cult figure on the reggae scene and played hundreds of sets at local bars and clubs, and even at Glastonbury.

On July 23 last year, he was reported missing and his remains were discovered in Woodland on March 10.

Mourners lined the streets of St Paul's in Bristol, where DJ Derek had lived since 1978, and his floral tributes included a set of turntables.

Morouners: DJ Derek's funeral was held at St Agnes Church in Bristol
Claire Hayhurst/PA Wire

Groups of people danced, drummed and sang as Mr Serpell-Morris's coffin was brought out from the church.

DJ Derek's brother Gerald Serpell-Morris, and great-niece Jennifer Griffiths gave eulogies along with his friend Aiden Larkin.

Mr Serpell-Morris said: "Throughout his whole career, he actually remained as he had always been.

"The increasing fame amazed and somewhat amused Derek.

"What mattered most to him was that it meant more people shared his love of music.

"His celebrity status did not make him rich and nothing really changed in his attitude to possessions or lifestyle.”

Mr Serpell-Morris said his brother owned nothing of value and did not have a working television or a car.

Miss Griffiths added: "Derek was remarkable in so many ways.

"He lived his life to the full and touched so many people during his time here with us.

Missed: DJ Derek
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"The saying goes that everybody dies but not everybody truly lives but Derek's journey has been a full and happy one.”

She added: "Derek left the world a better place than when he found it and for that we will always be grateful.”

The DJ, who left his job as an accountant for Cadbury in his 30s, was well-known for playing a blend of 1960s rocksteady, reggae, ska, dancehall and soul music.

Following the funeral, mourners were invited to the Commercial Rooms to sample a pint of Derek, a special beer brewed in his memory.

Mr Serpell-Morris was a big fan of Wetherspoon pubs and the beer, made locally, will be served by the chain.

Speaking after the service, Daddy G of Massive Attack described the atmosphere and number of people at the service as "amazing" and DJ Derek as an iconic figure.

He said: "This is just a testimony of what he brought to Bristol that we are all here to celebrate his life.

"He was a big part of my life. Derek embraced our culture - he embraced our music and our food.

"He was quite a unique character and to have an English person embracing West Indians when they came to England was quite a big thing.

"It was great that he was here and he was around."

Additional reporting by Press Association.

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