2 minute read
IN MEMORIAM
It is with our greatest condolences that we share the news of Ivan Adler’s passing. Ivan was a long time visitor, supporter and Friend of Derby Museum and Art Gallery. His family wish to extend their gratitude to the museum staff and Friends of the museum for making him feel so welcome and developing his love of the culture and history of Derby.
We are also greatly saddended to announce the passing of Evan Nice. Evan’s wife, Brenda Nice, reflects on his life and their time together...
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My husband Evan had a long life, dying in February at the age of 92. Born in Belfast in 1930, his father was stationed there. Evan liked to say he was English, born in Ireland with a Welsh name. His childhood was spent wherever his father was posted including Gibraltar, Catterick and York. When his father left the army, the family moved to Essex where they had family connections. Nice is an East Anglian surname.
Following national service in the RAF, Evan started working in London while studying Accountancy and Management.
It was at this time we met and married in 1957. Evan took a post working for the Nigerian Government in northern Nigeria. As a newly independent country it was a very interesting place to live.
On return to England, we moved to Derby with Evan’s work. We ended up settling here and Evan worked for various companies in and around Derby.
Always a keen visitor to museums, Evan soon found his way to Derby Museums and there encountered Joseph Wright who became an obsession for him! He spent many interesting and happy hours in the museums with our children and then grandchildren. I am not sure who enjoyed the log boat, the children’s trails and the Easter egg hunts the most.
After Evan retired, we decided to join the Friends of Derby Museums, and enjoyed the talks and outings in the company of the other members. Sadly, Evan was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia, however he still enjoyed the coffee mornings, loved the glorious self portrait by Joseph Wright and was looking forward to the Hogarth exhibition. Maybe that is a good way to end your days, still looking forward.
