Deryk was born on September 24, 1939 to Harry (or Henry, never sure of the correct name) and Bessy Hill nee Evans at the begining of World War Two. His father was a carpenter / joiner who, as far as known history reveals at the moment, worked at the colliery for the NCB. His upbringing was in Brown Street. Pentrebach with his younger syblings, a sister - Bernice and a brother Eric. His mother, who had been a wheelchair user for many years, passed away in 1979. His father passed away, quite unexpectedly in 1985. This was a massive shock to Deryk and it could be true to say, he never fully recovered from the shock. His married life, along with his children, was spent in Ash Road in Troedyrhiw. Where he remained until he passed away in 1990 - by which time, he was a "single" man of about three years.