Tributes have been paid to Councillor Ian Stewart, SLDC member for Arnside and Milnthorpe, who died yesterday at his home.
Councillor Stewart, who was also the deputy leader of Cumbria County Council and a member of Beetham Parish Council, had been an SLDC councillor since 2001.
SLDC Leader Councillor Giles Archibald described Councillor Stewart as a ‘wonderful colleague’.
Councillor Archibald said: “This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with Ian’s family at this very sad time.
“Ian was a wonderful colleague and always worked extremely hard for the community. He will be sorely missed.
“He leaves a lasting legacy of achievement and his family should be proud of all that Ian did to help people.’’
SLDC Chief Executive Lawrence Conway described Councillor Stewart as a “dedicated and hard-working councillor.’’
Mr Conway added: “This has come as a terrible shock and I want to express our sincere condolences to his family.’’
Cllr Stewart Young, Leader of Cumbria County Council said: “I am extremely saddened at the sudden loss of my colleague and friend, Councillor Ian Stewart. Ian has been a passionate and enthusiastic public servant since joining the council over 17 years ago, and I feel very fortunate to have worked alongside him for many of those years.
“Motivated only by his passion to help people, he was a gifted listener and speaker. With his relentless ‘can do’ attitude, he was an effective representative for his local constituents, and also worked tirelessly on behalf of all the people of Cumbria through the County Council’s Network.
“Ian will be greatly missed, and fondly remembered, my thoughts and condolences are with his family and all those who were touched by his warmth and generosity.”
The flag at Kendal Town Hall has today been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.
