Nigel William Birch

Nigel was educated at Ecclesbourne School, Duffield near Derby and his Loughborough University of Technology years were spent in The Holt. Nigel studied Electronic and Electrical Engineering and graduated on 11 July 1979.

Nigel was initially employed by the National Coal Board but as the coal industry declined he was made redundant and then worked for Rolls Royce. Nigel was able to pursue his boyhood passion for aviation and gained his commercial pilot licence and worked for Maersk Air Freight then became a Captain with easyJet flying routes across Europe.

Nigel was passionate about football and a lifelong supporter of Derby County.

Nigel had taken early retirement on medical grounds and died suddenly and unexpectedly from a heart attack, leaving his family and friends deeply shocked and saddened.

His funeral was held on 3 December at Markeaton Crematorium and was attended by many ex-colleagues including Loughborough friends. Nigel will be fondly remembered for his outgoing and mischievous character.

He leaves his wife Lynne and step-daughters Charmaine and Jasmine, also his mother Mavis, sister Susan, nephew Christopher and niece Katherine.

Ay up me duck! as Nigel used to (frequently) remark.