The obituary notice of Derek Keith EMERITUS PROFESSOR ALSOP

Derek was the reason I joined University of Chester in 2012 -- he was so inspiring at the Open Day that I knew there and then Chester was the uni for me. Luckily for me, Derek was my tutor for 2 classes in my first year and we bonded over a cigarette break during the 2 hour seminars. Derek went on to supervise my dissertation in my third year. I hold Derek very close to my heart, and he will forever be in my memories. The news of his death (only today when I googled him for news) has shocked and saddened me. My heart goes out to his wife and family.

I met Derek in 1989 - he was my tutor for 3 years at St Mary's in Twickenham. His enthusiasm, intelligence and humour have stayed with me and inspired me ever since - I always believed I would meet him again one day and be able to thank him. Ah - the conversations we had about Beckett, Sterne and all manner of subjects. Thank you, Derek - you were a great teacher and a fine fellow.

Derek Alsop was one of the most inspiring lecturers, tutors and human beings you could ever hope to meet. His passion for Literature was so contagious and infectious. But my most prominent memory of him was at my sister's graduation, several years after my own, when I ran into him outside Chester Cathedral, and he remembered me, despite me having not been back to Chester in several years. A brilliant person.

I would just like to say how truly wonderful Derek was. I graduated in 2005 and have gone on to become a teacher of English. Derek was passionate, quirky, inspirational and kind. Thank you Derek, you are missed xxx

It's two years to the day that Derek passed away, and after learning of his death not too long ago, I felt it fitting to delay my thoughts until today. Derek left a deep impression on me during my time at the University of Chester - never had I met someone so enthusiastic about the idiosyncrasies of human culture, someone so committed to disseminating knowledge, someone so unapologetic of their existence. Life cascaded through him, his words and his actions. He inspired me to pursue what I think is right and instilled in me a certain confidence that has yet to fade. I won't forget Derek or the unabashed effervescence of his wit and wisdom, for the world is a weaker place without it. Rest in peace, and please forgive this final indulgence.

Can't believe I've only just found out he'd passed, Derek was a wonderful man who made every seminar a joy, I am grateful to have known him. Love to all his family and friends.

How do you describe Derek? I've been asking myself this since I heard the news and nothing seems to touch the sides. I know I wouldn't be where I am without him. He was so supportive and encouraging during my first year at Chester; I failed my first essay in Dereks class and he was wonderful with me. I loved my lectures with such a warn and wacky, mad as a box of frogs, inspiring lecturer that could hold a room. He'll be a great miss!

Fantastic bloke, incredible teacher and a proper poet when the feeling took him. RIP Derek, thanks for the unforgettable lectures and also for walking me home that time after an open mic night. He helped me finish off a litre of gin and then half carried me back to halls.

Truly saddened to hear of the passing of Derek. Derek was pretty much the main reason I attended University of Chester after being at his talk at an applicant day back in 2007. His energy and enthusiasm for his subject was contagious and his controversial one-liners were often the source of bursts of laughter from my fellow students and I. A very sad loss, Derek will be remembered fondly by so many.