Madam, – Your reports on the death of Derek Crozier were so apt and moving that, as one of his goddaughters, I wish to thank you.
However, your eulogy only obliquely alluded to Derek Crozier’s integrity and courage which led him to a principled stand in 1963 that has characterised him for my family for over 50 years. He was completely opposed to “white-only” rule in Rhodesia, and not only stood against Ian Smith’s party as you reported, but also said he would stop farming in protest if Smith won the election. Smith did win, causing the country 15 years of pariah status in the world – and Derek sold his successful farm as he had said he would. Fortunately for his pupils, who later included the son of Zimbabwe’s first black President, he then turned to teaching.
His principled stand in 1963 deeply affected my parents, who are widely known for their own courage and integrity, characteristics now inherited by my son, the third generation to be influenced by Derek Crozier. – Yours, etc,