9th Aug 1939 – 6th Aug 2022
Derek Fordham died peacefully in his sleep three days short of his 83rd birthday. He had had a stroke in 2018 and had been in a care home, but remained enthusiastic and hugely interested in Arctic expeditions and travel.
Derek was a longtime member of the Arctic Club. He served as Honorary Secretary for many years and the Club’s existence owes much to his persistence, commitment and the energy that he devoted to the Club. Derek also served as Secretary of the Gino Watkins Memorial Fund which decides on the recipients of the Arctic Club Award. He was awarded the Polar Medal by Prince William recognition of his many expeditions and outstanding service to the Arctic community.
Derek had a tremendous passion for the Arctic and particularly Greenland. His enthusiasm for, and vast knowledge of, Greenland and the polar regions will be sorely missed. However, his ability to take stunning photographs means that there is a great record of his trips, in addition to the tales from the journeys he made with fellow Arctic travelers.
Derek’s funeral is on 8th Sep 2022 at 11:30am Honor Oak Crematorium, Brockley Way, London SE4 2LJ.
