Obituary – Nigel Defrates

In recent years Mr Defrates had suffered some health issues but was recovering well when complications set in and he sadly passed away on September 29.

He’ll be remembered as a longstanding member of the trade with a lifelong career and friendships established in Finland, Russia, Sweden and Canada. He worked for companies such as agents Wm Brandts, Swedish shippers Boras and more latterly Balfour Timber managing a range of different softwoods. He joked he’d worked for all the “Bs”.

In his younger days Mr Defrates excelled at hockey, playing club games at Bromley and moving through county ranks to represent England B. He still played veterans’ hockey at a good level well into later life.

He was also an excellent speaker, developing something of a reputation as an entertaining raconteur with great tales to tell.

For many years he was the secretary to the London Softwood Club and a driving force behind it, becoming president in due course. One of his last duties in the trade, back in 2018, was when the London Softwood club celebrated 70 years and invited back past presidents as guests of honour. He gave an excellent speech thanking the club on behalf of the past presidents.

He and his pipe will be sadly missed by his many trade friends.

The funeral takes place at 11.00am on Thursday October 28 at All Saints Church, Onslow Gardens, Sanderstead, South Croydon CR2 9AB.