Some Sad News

6th April, 2010

The NW Counties 13-15 League are saddened to announce the passing of one of it's most popular Coaches, Derek Corless, of Ashton Bears.

Anyone who had the pleasure to know Derek would have instantly recognised his passion and dedication to both the sport and his group of young players both of which he was very proud to be involved with.

He had certain things which he and his partner, Kate, planned year in year out, and the rugby season was a massive part of this plan.  He loved the whole "pre-season" planning and anticipating the games ahead and relished getting on week in, week out, with each game . Without doubt, everything Derek did he did putting 100% effort in and his dedication will be missed deeply by all down at Low Bank Road.

Derek had just recently turned 49 and was a loving caring family man who lived life to the full.  He and his partner Kate had been together for six years and had planned to marry but never got time to fit it in.  He leaves behind two children Andrew and Stacey who he loved with all his heart and four step-children Louise, Ian, Greg and Danny who he was equally dedicated to.

Outside of his interest in rugby Derek also was a keen Greyhound man.  He owned three dogs. two of which used to take to Westhoughton and Ellesmere greyhound tracks weekly to race.  As with rugby he was the same with his dogs .... straight down the line.

Derek Corless12/03/1961-05/04/2010 

One of Derek's greatest attributes was his genuine personality which was warm, strong, friendly and very witty, indeed, his ability to walk into the room, sing a little rude ditty that he had just made up or his telling of his own "alternative" version of the story about Captain Pugwash and his crew, invariably had everyone in stitches.

Derek was many things to many people, a Father, a Partner, a mentor and a friend but mostly just a wonderful, special, warm man who didn't deserve to go so young and so suddenly.

His Partner Kate has been in contact and said she is "very touched by how many people are stopping and giving up time to write or say something or tell about their memories of him. 

Derek is now at peace back in the arms of his much loved parents Dorothy and Fred". 

Rest in Peace Derek, from all your friends at NW Counties 13-15's.