Derek was a long and valued friend and even though we left the area many years ago, I would always call in if I was nearby.
I would have done anything for this lovely man, who set me on the right road to folk guitar that has lasted me now for more than 50 years.
A couple of tales that show what a lovely fellow he was:
A few days before the second Cambridge Folk Fesival in about 1967 or 8, where he was compereing, Del was walking trough an underpass in London, and heard the most amazing flamenco guitar being played.
Being a former classical player himself, he followed his ears and came upon a young spaniard busking and playing the most beautiful music.
He stood enthralled for a while, and when the guy stopped, he started to talk to him, but he spoke hardly any English.
That was never a problem to Del, who had that wonderful knack of being able to communicate with anyone, whatever their language or lack of it!
He told the spaniard that if he could get himself up to Cambridge, he would make sure he got a spot.
The young man did just that and got a standing ovation from the crowd when he finished.
That was the start of a glittering international career for the genius that is Paco Pena.   
On another occasion, I called at his house one day, and he was playing a tune I'd never heard called the Streets of London.
Ralph McTell had given it to him before it was ever recorded, and he, most generously, gave it to me.
I was singing it from the floor in clubs before Ralph's album came out!!
What a man. I hope they've got a guitar and a banjo up there for him.