Derek Fox, former owner of Fox’s Butchers in Market Place, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, aged 85.
Born on July 18, 1940, Derek’s mother Mary was living in a flat above the butcher’s shop, at the time of his birth on July 18, 1940.
The shop has been in the family since the late 19th century passing from Derek’s grandfather, George Stephenson, to his uncles John and Billy.
Derek started work there as a school boy getting up at 4.30am to link sausages for half a crown each day, and later becoming the shop’s errand boy. After leaving school he joined the business full-time and studied butchery.
In 1965 he married Gloria and the couple went on to have four children, Bethan, Shaun, Peter and Melanie, as well as 10 grandchildren and eight great-grand children.
When his uncles retired in 1972, Derek was given the opportunity to buy the shop, which became Derek Fox’s Butchers.
Derek ran the business carrying out a number of changes and modernisation until 2013.
The shop is now run by Shaun and Melanie continuing more than 180 years of history.
During his retirement, Derek enjoyed playing bridge and fishing. He has also been a member of Malton and Norton Rotary Club for 42 years and has been made an honorary Rotarian.
His wife, Gloria, passed away in January 2025.
Melanie, who now runs Fox’s Butchers, with her brother Shaun, said her dad had been bedbound for most of this year after a fall and getting sepsis and pneumonia in hospital.
She said: “The care team from Heritage Homecare we had were fantastic with him and a big thank-you to them
“He has taught me everything I need to know on butchery and dad will be remembered for his humour and deep love for his family. Our hearts our broken.”
Comments made by Derek’s customers said Malton has lost another great character.
They said: “Derek has been a big part of Malton for all of us
“One thing you got with Derek was a lot of banter and a lot of laughs and Derek was a lovely character , full of humour and knew just what to say to cheer us up.”
Derek’s funeral will be held on Monday, July 6, at St Michael’s Church, Market Place, Malton.