Derek Blackshaw, who lived in Feversham Road since 1980, was for many years the Director of Nursing at The Old Manor psychiatric hospital in Wilton Road and he went on to hold senior positions with Wiltshire Health Authority still based at The Old Manor.

He then became one of the country’s leading consultants and expert witnesses in nursing, a role he continued part-time until only four weeks before his death.

Derek and Sue Blackshaw married at Sherborne Abbey on July 19, 1969, after they met during nurse training in Dorchester.

READ MORE: Couple watch moon landings to celebrate 50 years of marriage

As well as being extremely active within the Royal College of Nursing, from which he was presented with an Award of Merit in 2012, Derek also was a key part of the community in Salisbury taking part in U3A and he was chairman of Salisbury and South Wilts Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Derek Blackshaw was presented with an Award of Merit from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) during the opening ceremony of its congress in Harrogate.

READ MORE: Nurse awarded for outstanding contribution

His daughter Liz described him as a loving father and doting grandfather. 

The mother-of-two said: “People will always tell you that he was a bit of a joker. 

“He loved me and my sister and my mum absolutely. 

“My mum says that my sister and I had him wrapped around our little fingers, but he had us wrapped around his as well.

“He knew how to serve his community, which is something that my sister and I have both taken forward.”

Liz, 50, is a parish councillor in Leicester, and her sister Amanda, is an accomplished Health Administration Manager in New Zealand, where Derek visited a number of times prior to the pandemic.

Liz said that her dad passed away peacefully on the morning of February 3 due to complications associated with leukaemia. 

Rather than flowers, they have asked that donations be made in his memory to Leukaemia UK on this page: www.leukaemiauk.org.uk/fundraisers/in-memory-of-derek-blackshaw

Derek Blackshaw, nurse of over 40 yrs experience and holder of @theRCN Award of Merit passed away peacefully early this morning from complications associated with his leukaemia.
Donations in his memory can be made at https://t.co/53UAHogkjx@SalisburyNHS @DCHFT @journalupdate 1 pic.twitter.com/V47EyCxI5A

— Liz_M_Bee (@liz_m_bee) February 3, 2022

Get more Salisbury news. 

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date, as well as signing up for one of our newsletters.

If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.

Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.

From phil jones

Type your message or memory here:A truly great man, such a pleasure to know, great for a laugh, RIP Derek

From Liz Blackshaw

Type your message or memory here:My Daddy, drawn by my daughter

Add photos that you have taken yourself or have permission to share:

Derek's youngest granddaughter drew this sketch of him.

From Hilary Topp

Type your message or memory here:I worked as a Nursing Assistant wearing mufti on the rehabilitation unit. Upon starting my training my set were called into see Mr Blackshaw, he asked me what difference does it make wearing a uniform, my reply was I can remain in bed for 10 minutes longer as I don’t have to think about what to wear. Mr. Blackshaw gave me a rather wry look, but no matter what you could never take the twinkle out of his eye. A great boss and a good friend in retirement.