Derek Lambert
A Memorial

by Dick Mills
Until 1999 Dick was Editor of The Aquarist & Pondkeeper magazine (now Today's Fishkeeper)
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Derek Lambert, although taken from us so suddenly and at such a young age, nevertheless managed to pack in an awful lot of fishkeeping into his life.

He began around the age of 11, as a junior member of the Kingston Aquarist Society based in South-west London. After a few years on the competitive scene, he turned his interest to Livebearers - an aspect of fishkeeping that he was to make his own speciality.

He authored several books but his real forte was getting his hands wet, delving into the natural waters of his beloved fishes mainly in Mexico and, just recently, Cuba.

When I had to relinquish the editorship of "The Aquarist & Pondkeeper" magazine in 1999, there was no hesitation as to whom I could recommend for the job - Derek fitted the bill perfectly. He brought the same zeal and organisational abilities that he had refined whilst heading up the 'Viviparous' specialist livebearer Society to this 'office job' and quickly produced a magazine which was both authoritative and entertaining at the same time.

For such an eminent aquarist, Derek was still able converse with every level of fishkeeper - from novice to expert - yet was always ready to admit he was still learning.

We feel especially sad for his mother, Pat, his companion on many a field trip and constant support through the years. Can there be anything more distressing than for a mother to lose a child?

In today's 'instant' society where it seems that the younger person is not willing to get involved, Derek could be seen as an exception; his departure will leave a hole that will take some filling.