Before quoting from the professor’s own biographical notes, his friend, John Savin said: “The number of people here is a sign of the love and respect in which Derek and his wife Pat, were held.”
Work colleague, Andy Pickard, spoke about Professor Woodrow’s time at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU).
He joined as a lecturer in 1983 when MMU was Manchester Polytechnic, before running the maths department.
In 1992, he became the university’s first Professor of Education and in 1994, when MMU amalgamated with Crewe and Alsager College, set up their Department of Education.
One of only two members of his large family to attend a grammar school (Hanson High, Bradford) he later studied mathematics at Manchester University.
During his life, Professor Woodrow visited 78 countries and attended 250 operas and 400 plays.
In 2011 he accompanied Pat on a St Mary’s Mothers Union visit to Helmshore Mills Textile Museum.
Coming home the coach got stuck down a country lane. He donned a high-vis jacket and told the queue of impatient motorists what was happening. The coach eventually backed out.
A Manchester United fan for 27 years, his name was put on his regular seat two years ago.
Only a month before he died, the Woodrows celebrated his 78th birthday with a three day visit to the Hague.
Pat said: “It was magical.”
Besides Pat, he leaves two children and three grandchildren.