Staggering career of Derby may who made new life in Los Angeles

Derby but left at the age of 21 to pursue a career overseas, passed away aged 83 on January 25, and has donated his body to science. John has been described by those closest to him as an "amazing man" who loved Derby County and "had the habit of keeping up with his friends forever. " His niece, Elaine Dunnicliff, 57 from Melbourne, said: "He was an amazing man.

I'm very proud of him. "John sailed to Australia in 1962 alone, leaving behind what he knew in Spondon. Elaine added: “The whole family was crying at the harbour.

What three words would you use to describe Derby? Share yours here"I was six when he left. but we've always stayed in touch. He's always been there for me.

You know, he's just a special person. " John spent three years living down under before he sailed over to the USA to take on a role as a marketing director with an international textile company, DHJ Industries, based in New York and Paris. The job sent John around the world before he decided to settle for two decades in the French capital, Paris, before moving back to Los Angeles.

Outside work, John has been described as a giving man, who dedicated his free time to helping those less fortunate than him. Ulla-Maija Kivimäki, John's close friend, said: "He was widely known as a kind, generous and loving person by his many friends around the world and by those whose lives he touched. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

"He was a mountain and rock climber and scaled mountains in Europe, America, Asia and Africa, including Mont Blanc, El Capitan and many others. His caring, kindness and generosity were widely appreciated, especially concerning children. "In Los Angeles, as a nature lover, he was troubled to learn that many inner-city children