Sidney Wright (10 Jun 1923 - 14 Feb 2017)

In loving memory of the late Sidney Wright who passed away peacefully on 14th February 2017 at Derby Royal Hospital.

Born in Morton, Derbyshire, one of seven children, he left school at the age of 14 years and, following in his father and elder brother’s footsteps, began work in the local mine. Mining continued to be his occupation for all of his working life.

In 1944 he married Kathleen, his wife of 70 years, and moved to Nottingham. In 1961 he emigrated with his wife and three children to Australia, but Kathleen never really settled and was very home sick, so he returned with his family to England two years later. After several moves in England, he eventually returned to Derbyshire where he lived in Codnor until his death.

Having taken early retirement at 59, Sidney and Kathleen spent a few active years enjoying various holidays abroad, including long stays in Benidorm and several cruises.

Unfortunately Kathleen’s health then deteriorated drastically and for a number of years Sidney cared for her at home prior to her admission to The Meadows Care Home, when he loyally visited on an almost daily basis until she passed away.

He was a great boxing fan, having taken part in the sport himself as an amateur in his youth. He also enjoyed watching various sports and took a keen interest in his grandsons’ participation in grass track sidecar racing. He got great pleasure from working in his garden, where he spent many happy hours during his retirement.

His great sense of humour will be one of the things most people remember about Sidney. Whether it was playing a practical joke or one of his many amusing stories about his life, he was always keen to have a laugh. To his children he will also be remembered as a loyal, loving and supportive father and husband, who was always there in times of need.

Sidney leaves behind three children, David, Margaret and Janice, seven grandchildren, Steven, Gary, Jodie, Lisa, Jarrod, Carly and Emma and nine great grandchildren, Emily, Jacob, Ben, Joe, Fearne, Tegan, Caiden, Orla and Sennen. He also leaves a sister, June.