Derek McCormick was a familiar face as he went on his daily runs around the Lighthouse Beach area.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He would wave and say hi to passersby.
Derek, with a distinctive running style, completed a 10 kilometre circuit around the Lighthouse Beach area each morning.
The running route was even longer when Derek was in training for events.
Derek competed in his first marathon when he was about 40-years-old and went on to complete 42 marathons and well over 100 half marathons.
The events took him as far as Sydney and Canberra.
The half marathon at South West Rocks on the June long weekend was his last running event.
Running was Derek's passion but his greatest love was his family.
Derek, who died on July 24, is remembered for his big heart and as a selfless man who would do anything for his loved ones.
Born in Greater Manchester in the United Kingdom, Derek served in the Royal Air Force before moving to Australia in 1966.
On retirement, Derek and his wife Audrey relocated from Sydney to Port Macquarie. Derek and Audrey were happily married for 60 years.
Derek was a lifetime supporter of Manchester United and keenly followed St George in rugby league.
Derek was devoted to his wife Audrey, daughter Dawn and her partner Bill, daughter Michelle and her husband Matt, grandchildren Karina, Jessica and Aidan, and great-grandchildren Kristal and Teara.
The 84-year-old was farewelled at a service at Innes Gardens Chapel on July 30.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
Bookmark our website
Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
You can support us with a subscription
Follow us on Twitter: @portmacnews
Follow us on Instagram: @portmacnews
Follow us on Google News