DEREK Langford died peacefully at home in Romsey on June 1 2024, after a short battle with sarcoma cancer, surrounded by his loving family. He was 79.

He was buried in Woodley Cemetery on June 14 and a memorial service took place in Romsey Abbey on July 5. 

Derek was a brilliant man of great intellect, passion, and generosity. Born and raised in Manchester, his engineering journey began early; at 12 he designed and built a transistor radio from scratch, demonstrating his natural curiosity and passion for problem-solving—traits that defined him throughout his life.

Derek was educated at Manchester Grammar School, where he achieved the highest 11+ score in his year group across Manchester. He later graduated in 1964 from the University of London with one of the highest marks in his mechanical engineering degree. He was known for his incisive mind and debating skills, sometimes engaging in discussions at Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park. During his whole life, he never shied away from sharing his views, believing that conflict could spark meaningful dialogue. But he believed in the principle that people should be able to disagree, without being disagreeable.

Derek Langford with the Romsey Male Voice Choir (Image: Contributed)

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Derek was a chartered engineer and a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers for more than 50 years. His illustrious career spanned continents and he was considered by all who worked with him to be the best engineering manager in the North Sea oil industry. 

He worked for Brown & Root for 40 years and was the engineering manager on numerous multi million dollar oil and gas projects. Major North Sea projects included Hamilton ESMOND, BP Andrew and BP ETAP projects and the Conoco Southern Basin Gas Development. He was the engineering manager for the Petrobras Barracuda-Caratinga project in Brazil and the Exxonmobil Hibernia project in Canada. 

From left: Alf Mulholland, Marie Langford , Genevieve Langford, Derek Langford, Rosine Mulholland, George Langford (Image: Contributed)

Towards the end of his career, he worked as a self-employed engineering consultant and advised on the TANAP Turkish pipeline project and Chevron Gorgon Australia project. Derek was integral in designing a 5,000-tonne topside gas platform deck that could be lifted in one go - a world first at that time. He was renowned for his systematic and meticulous approach to problem solving, and developed a unique numbering system for drawings and documents which massively increased efficiency. Derek’s dedication, quest for innovation and passion for engineering were an inspiration to a generation of engineers.

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Retiring at the age of 72, Derek and his wife Genevieve moved to Romsey, where he immersed himself in community life. Derek joined various local committees applying the same commitment, passion and desire to bring change to these causes as he had done in his career. He was a member of the Romsey and District Society planning committee, helping in the redesign of the market place.

Derek Langford (Image: Contributed)

He was on the executive board of the 4th Romsey (Bramshaw) Scout Group, and was chairman of the Mill Lane neighbourhood watch association and was central to the organisation of La Ronde and the National Garden Scheme in Romsey. Derek was a member of the Romsey Male Voice Choir, singing baritone - a group he deeply treasured. When he could find the time, Derek also enjoyed playing golf, was a member of Paultons Golf Club and was the treasurer of the Brown & Root Golf Society. 

Derek enjoyed hiking his whole life, climbing all the major peaks in England and Wales as a young man. At the age of 72, he proudly completed a ten-day trek in the Himalayas, reaching an elevation of 17,500 feet - equivalent to Everest Base Camp.

Derek leaves behind his cherished wife of 52 years, Genevieve, his daughter Anouchka, his son Oliver, and his beloved grandchildren, Caspar and Giselle, to whom he was a devoted and inspirational grandfather.

Derek was warm-hearted, community-minded and a friend to many. He lived his life with passion, energy and positivity and he has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world. He will be remembered for his brilliant mind, his kindness, his unfaltering integrity, and his belief that every problem has a solution. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Derek Langford - March 5 1945 – June 1 2024