Tributes Paid To Much Loved Dunston Resident & Cafe Owner Derek Hurst

Tributes have been paid to a much loved Dunston resident and cafe owner, Derek Hurst.

Derek was a much loved member of the Dunston community, in Gateshead, and also ran the popular Crescent Cafe.

Sadly, Derek passed away suddenly at the end of December, which shocked and saddened the local community.

Karen Cutting, who worked alongside Derek at Crescent Cafe, shared some of her memories:

"Derek my friend my best boss. We always said working together was like a marriage, constant bickering and no sex involved! From when I filled your van with petrol instead of diesel to constantly coming to work to find my job in the cafe window - we laughed so much."

Credit: Derek and Karen, Crescent Cafe, Dunston.

"I was your stooge and the butt of your jokes for 20 years almost. I loved listening to your terrible renditions of songs from musicals constantly and I loved every minute. There is a legend missing from our village now."

She added "Goodbye my friend, love Karen".

A GoFundMe page has been set up by Derek's wife June and son James as members of the local community wanted to help pay for funeral costs.

June said:

"Myself June and my son James have set a GoFundMe page up as my husband Derek's friends and family wanted to help with funeral costs."

"The pandemic hadn't been the easiest time for Crescent Cafe, although nobody would have guessed this from Derek's ever present smiling face and kindness."

"We wanted to give something back, in memory of his love and generosity and to give him the best send off we could. It occurred to us that there are so many people's lives he has touched, so many friendships and connections he has made that there might be people who would also like to contribute. Whether this is financially or through help in some other way".

"We would like to thank everyone for all of your kind thoughts and gestures. This has been a great comfort at such a difficult time".

"Any remaining funds will go towards a permanent memorial for Derek to be decided at a later date in the form of seat/plaque etc".

Derek's funeral will take place on 13th January 2022, 2.30pm, at Saltwell Crematorium. There will be a buffet afterwards at Holmeside Hall Social Club, Dunston. The funeral cortage will drive past Crescent Cafe around 2.15pm.

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