Heckmondwike family broken after dad dies suddenly as friends rally for 'All Day Decca tribute'

Thousands of pounds have been donated overnight towards throwing a huge send-off for a much-loved Kirklees ‘family man’ who passed away unexpectedly.

Derek Ineson, 63, was known as ‘All Day Decca’ as he used to spend all day with his local rugby team on match days, where he was exceedingly popular. Decca suffered a stroke in bed at his home in Heckmondwike on Sunday, April 28. He was later rushed to hospital but sadly died at about 10.45pm.

More than £4,000 has been raised towards a big send off for Decca, ever since a Go Fund Me was launched on April 30. His family plan to hold a ‘celebration of life’ party, following his cremation, as they say Decca was never mournful.

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Decca has been praised for his kind nature, great sense of humour (often cracking ‘proper dad jokes’) and passion for sport. He’s left behind a besotted mother, four children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

His daughter Kelly Taylor, 44, has been “overwhelmed and gobsmacked” by the support since she launched the fundraiser. Kelly said: “He was full of life. He was always looking out for people and never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was everybody’s mate.

“He would do anything for anybody, no matter how old, young or walk of life. If he could help, he would help. He loved his rugby league and his family.

“Very much a family man and a friend. He was the biggest character, he’d make proper dad jokes, had a good sporting knowledge and would give you a quiz about football and rugby players. He was a big Leeds United fan.”

He was popular in the community, having been a long-serving member of the Dewsbury Moor Sports Club (DMSC) and joiner for Actiform, where he built portacabins for hospitals. The 63-year-old loved rugby, having played for The Gallant Youths (now called the Batley Bulldogs), and football, he was a massive Leeds United fan.

His family still feel very ‘raw’ following Decca’s unexpected passing. Kelly said: “I feel broken. At 44 years old, I’m still a daddy’s girl. I could go to him for anything. Even though I’m married, he was my best mate, my confidant, my shoulder, he was everything.

“We’re all broken. He’s the first of my grandmother’s children to pass away, the first sibling. My father’s died and he’s not coming back.”

DMSC’s team Dewsbury Moor Maroons are dedicating their clash with Oulton Raiders on Friday towards Decca. The details of his funeral have not yet been decided.

Any money not used for Decca's send-off will be going towards the Rugby League Benevolent Fund and Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield: Fundraising for MND Research. To donate towards the send-off, you can access the fundraiser, here.

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