Derek George Gowers, 80, of Prospect, Connecticut, and Boothbay died peacefully on Oct. 28, 2014, at Paradigm of Prospect. He was the loving husband of Barbara "Tootsie" (Toth) Gowers.

He was born Jan. 12, 1934, in Southall, London, England, son of the late James G. and Lilian E. (Hensby) Gowers. He served in the English Army stationed in Egypt. He was an accomplished typesetter, having completed a 14-year apprenticeship in London working for popular European magazines. Derek came to the United States in 1969 as a licensed printer, and later became a professional wallpaper hanger. He was well known for his work.

Derek’s passions were his lifelong stamp collecting, his books, soccer and photography. He was happiest outdoors walking in the woods with his beloved dogs. Over the years, Derek coached middle school soccer in both Seymour and Boothbay, where he had many friends and fond memories. He was known by his friend as the “Mayor of Ryder Trail.” His love for both his homeland of England and the coast of Maine was unending.

Besides his wife, Tootsie, he also leaves his sister, Beryl Ward of Cotswold, England; his daughters, Xanthe Gowers of London and Nina Osbahr (Drew) of Tampa, Florida; and stepdaughters, Cynthia Merola (Andrew) of Prospect, Sharon Culley (Gordon) of Milford, Massachusetts, and Jody Vance of Bethlehem, Connecticut. Derek was also the proud grandfather of Chloe’, Barett, Cody, Trevor, Shannon, Danielle and Matthew; and six great-grandchildren who all will miss him dearly. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews here and in England.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Maurice and Bernard; sister, Joyce; granddaughter, Isabelle Merola; and his beloved brother-in-law, Jack Ward, who was his mentor and held a very special place in Derek’s heart.

Friends may call at the Prospect Memorial Funeral Home, 72 Waterbury Road, Prospect, Connecticut on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. with services immediately following. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Prospect Food Pantry, c/o Prospect Town Hall, 36 Center Street, Prospect, CT 06712, or to the Boothbay Region Humane Society, 45 Montgomery Road, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.

To share online condolences, please visit www.prospectmemorial.com.