Derek Ellis

Gus was a man who knew his own mind and lived with care precision and purpose. His life was marked by immaculate record‑keeping, unwavering loyalty to friends and family and a deep pride in doing things properly. His lifelong engineering affection for Rover and Jazz, together with his fondness for a well‑kept Fuller’s beer, spoke to both his practical spirit and his quiet enjoyment of life. These loyalties, like his long association with Rover and Fullers, were constants he valued greatly. It was a privilege to have known him as a client and to have earned his trust in being appointed executors to carry out his wishes. He approached these matters with the same clarity and thoroughness that characterised his life. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

My condolences to family and friends on Gus’s passing. My lasting memory of him will be at the Brewery Tap, Brentford ,where he always sat at the same spot next to the bar. He enjoyed trad jazz much more than the modern stuff. KC

Message continued.. Gus and I shared many a chat over a beer about our 35mm film cameras, and he continued to take fotos the old fashioned way. I wonder if any friend or family member has access to the treasure trove/ archive of the many fotos he took over the years. KC

Foto from the Magpie and Crown acoustic jam session some years ago.

What a guy! I used to look forward to perching at the bar of the Tap next to gus chatting about Cajun music…he always enjoyed whistling along when I played me fiddle! much missed

Hello, I used to play at The Brewery Tap and Gus was a regular there at that time. Several times he would be explaining some mechanical thing through diagrams drawn on napkins and beer coasters. I would act as if I knew what he was going on about and the conversation would end with both of us thinking we’d done an admirable job. R.I.P. Gus. Honest Frankie

Years ago, Phil Leiwy Wed night Americana jam session at the Tap. A foto of Gus in his regular spot next to the bar. Simon Cohen and I were there too.

Gus it was in July 2019 who framed my first ever entrance as a new member to a Rover Sports Register weekend gathering. Three minutes later I turned round to find him magically seated in the passenger seat of my tourer beaming happily and ready for an immediate chocks away! . The winding and undulating journey through the Cotswold hills to the designated target of Transport Museum passed in a blur of new (to my ears) Rover engineering facts and valuable history about my new (to me) car. A very pleasant and charming introduction that I shall certainly never forget. Thank you and fond farewell, Gus!

I knew Gus through our love of New Orleans jazz. I met him several times at Studio 51 where Ken Colyer’ s Jazzmen would be playing and he always supported the Superior Brass Band parade at Covent Garden celebrating Mr Punch. My thoughts and prayers are with his relatives and friends who are able to attend his funeral. Ian Grant

I didn’t know Gus well but have missed him turning up at rallies over the last couple of years. He was a regular contributor of photos to Overdrive Magazine for many years and it was plain to see he had a keen eye. RIP.

I worked with Derek (Gus, Mouse) from 1967 till 1980 and kept in touch over the years, although it must be about three years since I last spoke to him. Im very sorry to hear of his demise. He certainly was a "one off", this term is used for many people but Derek really was. I remember asking him what he'd done on Christmas day, he said he'd fitted a new exhaust on his car, Rover of course. I used to pick him up outside the Grapes on the Uxbridge road and take him to Kingston where he would see a Jazz band in the Grey Horse, that was many moons ago. So sadly I say farewell to Derek, his like will not be seen again.....