The British Steelies Society

It is with great sadness that I have to say that Derek passed away this morning. He had gone into the hospice earlier this week after a long illness , and sadly passesd away peacfully this morning.Derek was a lovely guy, quiet and unassuming but with a great sense of humour, everyone who met him liked him.Most years he went to the Dallas show and I know that everyone who met him there will miss him, most years came back with a new guitar, this year since he could not travel,I had the honour to bring back a new Justice steel for him.His daughter told me it had been great to see him perk up when it arrived, and that he had managed to sit behind it and play it a few times.Derek will be sadly missed by all us Scottish steelies and all the friends he made world wide through this amazing steel family.My thoughts are with his family at this time and to Allan Thompson to whom Derek was like a brother.Malcolm

Derek was a wonderful person and Ann and Myself were happy that we visited Him a few times in the last month.I even got to see and hear Him play His new guitar.He never once complained and was always thinking about others even during His last days.
Rest In peace dear friend.
Billy and Ann

My condolences to Derek's family and to his friends up there in Scotland. He was a good guy with a great sense of humour. Jeff Surratt will be devastated to learn of this news. Thanks to Billy and Malcolm for advising me of this sad loss. He is in a better place now.

Very sad to hear, condolences to Dereck's family and many close friends.
God bless ya Derek.

I got a phone call from Allan Thompson this morning telling me the very sad news. Derek Mc Donald was a wonderful human being and a great friend.
We spent many hours together at the Dallas Shows over the years, and he was great company. He will be sadly missed. My thoughts are with his family
and circle of friends. R.I.P. Derek

Derek was a lovely person,kind spirited, when he was down this way I would pick him up and take him to my gig or we would go and hear Mr Murdoch at the star bar.
at least he is no longer suffering and is now at peace.
Let us now celebrate the life of Derek McDonald.

He will be up there saying to John Hughey, Hal Rugg etc etc "what do you tune to,? My pal Allan Thompson says you should.........................................................

Go in peace my friend

Willie

I am really shocked and upset to hear this news. I met Derek in I think 1980, I was working for Springfield Guitars and Derek had ordered one, I delivered it to his home, a farm on the Black Isle, I was a complete stranger to him but he made more than welcome, I spent the afternoon with him, and when I left he filled the back of my car with a huge bag of potatoes, turnips & carrots. His enthusiasm for everything steel guitar was infectious and you would find yourself caught up in conversation with him regarding any aspect of steel guitar. In the early 80s & 90s I toured a lot in the highlands and if I could I would call in to see him, and he always had time. He came to see me when my father passed away, I won't forget that. He was one of the good guys. Goodbye Derek, RIP.

It has been a sad day for all who knew Derek, a one off a kind in every way, always fun to be around.Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
RIP
Spence.

We said a fond farewell to our good friend Derek McDonald yesterday, the sun shone brightly for him.

We had a lovely service of remembrance held in a local hall in Ardross, and thereafter we accompanied our friend to his final resting place in a beautiful spot on the Black Isle.

There was a tremendous attendance, and why not, for he was a very popular guy.

His best friend, Allan Thompson composed a bonny tune, which was played at the service, and dedicated to Derek, the tune was called "The Mannie"

Derek we will miss you, good bye my friend.

Willie