Derek R. Burt

OLD ORCHARD BEACH—Derek R. Burt, 83, died peacefully at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House on December 30, 2016. Derek was born March 29, 1933 in London, England. Derek’s childhood was spent growing up in an orphanage in London. After graduating high school, Derek joined the Royal Air Force, where he committed 8 years of service before joining the Canadian Air Force for several years where he was a concert trumpet player in the band. After his service, Derek attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston where he met his beloved partner, David Crowell from Falmouth Foreside. Derek’s love for music coupled with an investment from a life-long friend and mentor, Charlie Thomas, led Derek to have a successful business career. After four years working at Cressey and Allen in Portland, in July of 1965, he opened up New England Music on Center St in Portland selling audio equipment and musical instruments. He relocated the business to 713 Congress St in Portland and in 1984, moved to Scarborough where he built New England Hi-Fi, at 424 Payne Rd.. Derek sold the business to a longtime friend and co-worker, Andrew Keniston in 2001 and retired as a successful and well respected businessman at the age of 65. During retirement, Derek and David wintered at their home in Northport, FL, and spent the summers in Parsonsfield, ME. Derek was passionate about music; he played trumpet and enjoyed listening to classical and jazz, especially Louie Armstrong. He also enjoyed running and reading. Derek will be remembered as a quiet, yet friendly gentleman, who was very generous to others of financial need. A well-respected business man, he will be missed sorely by many friends and colleagues, especially in the musical community. Although Derek leaves no blood relatives behind, many lifelong friends, colleagues and employees are left to cherish his memory; especially Andrew Keniston and Guy Keniston. He was predeceased in December of 2008 by his beloved partner of 45 years, David Crowell. Derek’s friends would like to give a special thanks to Charlie Thomas’s family; Charlie’s generosity and confidence in Derek allowed him to begin his business and for that, he was forever grateful. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 20th at 1:00PM at Pride’s Corner Congregational Church, 235 Pride St., Westbrook, ME 04092. Per Derek’s wishes, he will be laid to rest privately with his partner David. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Derek’s name may be made to: American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Derek R. Burt

March 29, 1933 - December 30, 2016

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