Just thought I would share a short but positive quote on Mr Light from the book, "Ad Augusta A Centennial History of Auckland Grammar School 1869-1969" ..... "The devoted efforts of D.C. Light are as much in evidence on the tennis and badminton courts as in the Mathematics Department." I recall one year, on the last day of the school year, some of the boys lifted his wee car (I think that it was a Fiat 500) and put it in one of the hand ball (fives) courts.

I knew Derek when he played badminton for the University club in the fifties and we have remained friends since then. He was a wonderful contributor to badminton administration at provincial and national level. We will all miss you Derek and you too Denis. I enjoyed your hospitality at Scott’s Landing several times at your beautiful home. Great memories! Jill

I would like to acknowledge what a great teacher Derek Light was in view of the amount of time he invested in ensuring at least nine of our classmates passed their School Certificate particularly bolstered in maths. Sometimes teachers do the unheralded and often thankless tasks over and beyond the already heavy demands made upon them and he was no exception. We were amongst the bottom classes in the school and to be perfectly frank "the no-hopers." But through his efforts as form teacher we rose to the challenge. One of the hidden curriculum's vice he created was if we improved our marks, he would donate to the Auckland Grammar Centennial Project. Lord knows what he ended up donating but I do know teachers in those daze drove round in second-hand Morris-Minors or Rover 90s which quietly demonstrated his generosity of spirit. Observing him on another occasion participating in an open choir for Handel's Messiah gave me a further impression he was not narrow in his embodiment of a rounded citizen of this World. We may have interpreted his discipline as firm on occasions but he was fair. And in "Light" of the present education system we would have to agree that he has nothing to apologise for. If anything "Thank you Sir!"

There are so many special memories I have of being with Derek and Denis both at our house, my parents house and their house for Christmas and holidays. While they were all special times in particular I remember many amazing times spent playing at their house on Christmas summer days, hours spend going up and down the hill to the boat ramp swimming and playing, the old 12ft aluminum boat with a 15hp outboard that we spend hours buzzing around the harbor and the general playing in and around the water and house. Its was always with huge excitement that we would arrive at their house. Derek and Denis were a big part of my childhood and into adult life and I can't recall but we must have had something like 35 Christmas Days together. Sometimes they would be at my house and Derek would always come with home made snacks (its amazing the things that stick in your mind) and sometimes they would put on full Christmas Day lunches for us all. Many of my memories are of being young and the adults all chatting while my sister and I played and listened but I can recall long afternoons talking to Derek and Denis talk about things they did. Sometimes we would exchange different views on controversial topics. The sun would set and we would sit outside with a drink and chat. There was always an old chair or nice spot to sit and watch the sunset. As you grow up and get older you realize that friends and family are what life is about. Derek and Denis were part of my family and Derek has been a part of my life for a long time, he will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Derek

Derek was a Life Member of both Auckland Badminton and Badminton New Zealand. Badminton New Zealand President Ian Willans remembers Derek fondly and he and the badminton community express our condolences to friends and family of Derek.

Many memories of working with Derek at Badminton Hall over many years. He was a tireless advocate for Badminton in Auckland and held roles in administration. My wife and I were waiting to embark on the Cherry Blossom Cruise in Sydney in 2009 and happened upon Derek and Denis going on the same cruise. A wonderful long life. Rest in peace.

Derek was a very skilled, knowledgeable and dedicated maths teacher at Penrose High School (now One Tree Hill College) He taught me for several years there. Although maths was not my strength, he got me through University Bursary maths in 1974. He expected that students would give their best and coached us with extra sessions if we were struggling. I remember him fondly and send sympathy to his family and friends.

Goodbye Denis and thanks for years of friendship at Ridge Road, Mahurangi. We will miss our chats and evening drinks looking out over the harbour.. Rest in peace, love Dot and Garth

Thank you for the many years of being able to visit your magical place...... Many years of family fun with you & Denis, wonderful Christmas' too... you will be missed by all of us and your amazing neighbours & your lovely niece & great niece & Denis' family too. We have loved getting to know you more over this last year, sharing stories & me learning how to heat up your lunch & not putting it on a cold plate !!!! Rest in peace Derek what an amazing peaceful departure you had.....The best of wishes from Denis' family Ron, Els, Julie & David & Baxter & Louis Thank you ......