Ipswich: Family pays tribute to taxi driver Derrick Holder

Derrick Holder died on February 5, aged 91. However, he was known to many by his nickname Speedy. 

“This was a nickname that taxi drivers gave him,” explained Derrick’s brother, Nigel. “When the Americans were over in Bentwaters, he would drive them back to the base.  

“When I used to talk to some of the taxi drivers about Derrick, they’d say, ‘Ah - you mean Speedy!’” 

Derrick was born in Colchester, the second of five children. However, the family soon moved to Ipswich, settling in Stratford Road which was where the siblings grew up. 

When they were young, Nigel explained, he and Derrick would go out and catch newts in the river and play in the nearby fields, cutting corn and catching rabbits. 

He and Derrick both went into the army when they left school, Derrick entering the Royal Signals, while Nigel signed up for the Suffolk Regiment. 

When Derrick left the army and started work as a taxi driver, the job, Nigel said, became his life. 

He became part of the ‘family’ of Ipswich taxi drivers, amongst whom he was popular and well-liked. 

Derrick was an independent man, and lived his own life. However, in his later years he did enjoy spending time with Nigel and his family. 

Derrick Holder was well-known and popular among taxi drivers in Ipswich. Pictures: Family of Derrick Holder / Archant (Image: Family of Derrick Holder / Archant)

In 1990, he travelled with them to Florida on his first and only holiday. 

Together, they spent an enjoyable fortnight visiting the Busch Gardens and the Magic Kingdom theme park.  

Derrick continued working until his late eighties, only retiring when the pandemic hit in 2020. He remained popular among taxi drivers, who would sometimes give him lifts around the town.  

Derrick Holder died on Sunday, February 5, after a short illness.  

A celebration of his life will take place on Tuesday, March 7, with a procession of taxis to escort him on his final journey.