Jeannie , after whom one of his books was named , died in February 1986 .
Derek lived on in the cottage for another ten years , dying at the age of 84 on 26 October 1996 .
Jeannie , after whom one of his books was named , died in February 1986 and Derek lived on in the cottage for another ten years , dying at the age of 84 on 26 October 1996 .