Obituary: Derek Easton, of Easton Coaches, dies aged 72

From its humble beginnings in Norfolk, Easton Coaches has gone from strength to strength with a family-run ethos remaining at its heart.

Now, one of the faces behind the well-established company has died aged 72. 

Derek Easton, whose father founded Eastons Coaches in north Norfolk in 1953, was immensely proud of the business. 

Described as ‘a giant of man’, he frequently said he did not need the business to be the biggest, just the best. 

Derek Easton in front of an Eastons Coach (Image: Courtesy of Easton family)

Born on November 28, 1951, in the Ratcatchers Inn in Eastgate, near Cawston, he lived there with his parents, Alfred and Dorothy Easton, who ran the pub for many years. 

He attended Cawston Primary and later Reepham High School, watching from the sidelines as his father built up Eastons Coaches following success with a local taxi operation.  

Derek did not know then that he would go on to become ingrained in the family business, moving up to become company director and partner. 

From its purpose-built depot in Stratton Strawless, the family-run business continues to offer coach holidays and day excursions.

This is where Derek’s love for the industry began, as a coach driver travelling into Europe at a time when coach holidays were still relatively new. 

Derek Easton has died aged 72 (Image: Courtesy of Easton family)

With his brother, Robert, the pair worked tirelessly at the company, and Derek’s proudest moment was when both of his children followed in his footsteps.  

His son, Ben, has become a mechanic, while daughter, Claire, took the reins becoming a qualified transport manager. She also oversees the financial and marketing aspects of the business. 

Self-taught, his family described Derek as “an incredible engineer and mechanic” who would advise people across the UK about coach engineering and steam engines. He was also committed to lowering emissions. 

Generations of children who are now parents and grandparents themselves would also have been driven to school by Derek when he used to do a school run. 

Derek Easton with his wife (Image: Courtesy of Easton family)

While Derek was happiest at home with his family and in his workshop, his main hobby was steam traction engines.  

He owned three steam traction engines, a full-size Burrell agricultural engine, a half size super scenic Burrell showman's, and a 4.5-inch Burrell road loco miniature engine. 

He was often at steam rallies throughout East Anglia and beyond, or even seen trundling around Reepham on his miniature steam engine with his grandchildren, Joshua and Lucy. 

With his wife, Lorna, who he married in 1979, they shared countless coach journeys across the UK and Europe and thousands of hours on a rally field. 

His family paid tribute to him following his death. 

They said: “Derek had the ability to put people at ease from the moment he met them, and people would say they would instantly feel like they had known him for years.  

“It didn’t matter whether you had known him for five minutes or five years, people loved being in his company as well as the fact he had no airs and graces. 

“He was a giant of a man at 6ft 2ins tall, hands as big as spades, and a personality to match.  

“Quiet, but incredibly funny, and had the ability to tell a joke, or drop an amusing comment mid conversation and keep a straight face. 

“His handshake was his word, and he would offer words of advice and encouragement to anyone who needed it.  

“He was also incredibly hard working and proud of what he had achieved in life.” 

Derek Easton with his family (Image: Courtesy of Easton family)

A modest man, many who met him at the depot assumed that he was an employee rather than a director. He lived in his overalls at work and was covered in soot on the rally field. 

Straight talking, he was always the first to say, ‘just give it a go as it doesn’t matter if you get it wrong, at least you have tried’. 

His family added: “He was calm in any situation, and whether family, friend, or employee, he told you to aim high and do your best. He would never expect anyone to do something that he couldn’t. 

“He also had a dry, Norfolk sense of humour and the accent to match.” 

Derek Alfred Easton died on June 28 at his home in Reepham with his family by his side. He had been diagnosed with cancer six years ago. 

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