13 replies to this topic

[Cheater]

Derek Cooper in the UK has for many years been a respected vendor of collectible slot cars and kits.

Here's the notice he posted to his website on Oct 12:
 

Sadly, the time has come when I must tell all of my clients the present situation.

Over the next few months I will be closing the business and selling all of my stock to Phil Smith. I have a terminal illness. However I intend to carry on working as long as I can. Please bear with me if the phone is not always answered and email replies are slow as I have good and bad days.

I still have a lot of interesting items to add to the stock list and will add them when I can. For now, everything continues as usual.

Cheers,

Derek

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Derek.

[munter]

Sad indeed.

[TSR]

[Dennis David]

Let's pray that his toys and the friends that he has made in the world of slot cars can bring some measure of comfort.

[Victor Poulin]

Amen!!

I will be praying for our friend.
 
Vic

[Derek Cooper]

Hi All,

Thanks for all your kind words. Although the future does not look good, I have no pain at the moment and intend to keep doing this job that I have loved for so long until I drop!

I've met a wonderful bunch of people around the world, both from my selling, slot racing, and Retro slot racing. I'd like to thank you all for being a part of that fun.

Don't worry, It's been a total blast, I've enjoyed every minute of it and I've got some great memories.
 
Cheers, and Merry Christmas,

Derek

[Dennis David]

"... so long till I drop."

 

I think the same can be said for most of us out here.

[Cheater]

I am sorry to need to report that Derek Cooper passed away Saturday, July 13, 2013.
 
There are numerous tribute posts in this THREAD at SlotForum.

Russell Sheldon's assessment posted at Facebook says it all: "A fine modeller, a fiercely competitive racer, and a gentleman."
 
RIP, Derek. Your many friends will cherish your memory.

[TSR]

Derek was a great guy, a great slot car racer, and an enthusiast all the way to the end.

RIP, Derek. You will be missed by your friends.

[Jean-Michel Piot]

Here is the last car I purchased from Dereck Cooper and that will of course stay in my collection once completed: a rare complete Chaparral 2E with an IFC chassis and a hardbody, while there are so many "tupperware" ones.

 

 

That day in 2012, in the Safran Museum close to Melun in France, he told us that this would be his last swap meeting here in France. He wanted to say goodbye to all his friends and share the passion as long as he could... We were shocked.

 

He was always kind with me, notably looking with visible interest at the cars I was showing to friends and connoisseurs along the years during those swap meetings.

 

A great person is gone.

 

Rest in peace, Derek!

[Old Pilot]

By these days every year we did our vintage race in Madrid, always with the presence of Derek.

 

Last Saturday (13th) we were racing our cars in one of the most competitives we did. A little tribute to the man that passed away in that moments.

 

RIP Derek (1951-2013)

 

From all of your friends in Madrid.

[ajd350]

I first met Derek when he and Phil would make the trek all the way to the Midwest Swap back in the '90s. We had a few chats in the hotels pre-show. He was always pleasant and friendly as well as a fair dealer.

After 9/11/2001 changed the world forever, the trips became less practical and we missed the gentlemen from across the pond coming to sell. Sad that we will never get to meet again.

Best regards to his family.
 
RIP, Derek.

[edscars]

Derek was great to deal with, both through the mail and in person at shows. I still have many hand written letters by him from the '90s, listing his latest offerings and working out deals.  Always gentleman while sharing a good time and a laugh with his friend Phil Smith during hotel room trading before the slot car shows is how I'll remember him.