He surely couldn’t predict he would die a few years later, but he did write until the very end. His final blog post is his own obituary – a true writer wouldn’t have it any other way. Indeed, through his blog he has chronicled his own painful journey as his health steadily declined to a point where he couldn’t leave the house – and barely leave his bed. But he still wrote.

I am greatly saddened by Derek’s death. He inspired me to stay on the path to becoming a writer. He has inspired so many with his willingness to help others and with his words. Derek wrote with a sincerity that is rare in a world full of people who are scared of writing the truth. Me included. So here’s to you Derek – your voice is now silent but you will never be forgotten.