First published on Friday 03 January 2003:
Devoted theatre boss dies at 75
by Kathie Griffiths

A former front of house manager at Bradford's Alhambra has died from cancer aged 75.
Derek Rose, who worked at the Alhambra and temporarily at St George's Hall from 1975 until the late 1980s, was diagnosed with the disease the week before Christmas and died on December 30.
His eldest son David said: "The cancer was only diagnosed before Christmas but I think he knew he was ill some time before that because he went to Toronto to see his sister in September and I feel now that it was to say goodbye."
He said his father, who lived in Church Fenton, had returned to the Alhambra a few times since his retirement.
He added: "He thoroughly enjoyed his time both at the Alhambra and St. George's Hall and had many fond memories.
"He often talked about the people he worked with and all the stars he'd met.
"The theatre was his life - it was everything to him - which was just as well because he worked such long hours and was dedicated to his job.
"He shared his love of the theatre with his family and even after his retirement kept up the passion for it by regularly going to see shows. He made more time for other hobbies like fishing and painting but it was always the theatre that he loved most."
Before taking up his role at the Alhambra, Mr Rose was manager at Leeds Civic Theatre.
During his time there he helped set up the (Leeds) Youth Opera Group which is still running.

As a young man in his native North East England he was an actor in repertory.
Later, as a theatre manager, he tried to keep up an active part in amateur theatre both as an actor and producer whenever possible, said his son who appeared on stage with his father a couple of times.

Mr Rose leaves a widow, Norma, four children and three grandchildren.
A spokesman at Bradford Theatres said: "We were sad to hear that Derek had passed away and our sympathies go to his family. He was a highly regarded front of house manager."