On Sunday 7 June, Councillor Lawrence Fisher passed away at his home.
Lawrence had been a Conservative Councillor for Cumbria County Council since January 2007, representing the Brampton division, and during his many years of service was involved in a wide range of council meetings and activities as well as being an active member of the Conservative group.
Tributes are now being paid to this dedicated and long serving member, including the following tributes from Cumbria County Council’s three group leaders.
Councillor James Airey, Leader of the County Council’s Conservative Group commenting on his recent passing, said: “It is with great sadness that I am paying tribute to one of life’s true gentlemen. Lawrence was without doubt totally committed to serving his community and it was for this reason that he became a councillor. He wanted to make a real difference to people lives and this is an ambition that he achieved. Lawrence was hardworking, trustworthy and someone who could be always be relied upon. He was also a great character who filled a room with his personality and sense of humour and he will be sorely missed.”
Councillor Stewart Young, Leader of Cumbria County Council and the Labour Group, continued: “Despite his age and long service to the county council, his passing has still come as a shock as he acted as a man much younger than his years. Lawrence was always full of energy and he provided real balance and objectivity to any debate he took part in. He made a real difference to the community he serviced and I know that he will be missed by many.”
Councillor Peter Thornton, Deputy Leader of Cumbria County Council and leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, added: “It was a genuine pleasure to have had the opportunity to work with Lawrence. In my experience he always wanted to do something positive for the community he served. He was committed, a great listener and someone who always saw things through. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”
Over the years Councillor Fisher has been a member of a number of the Council’s committees, including a term as Chairman of the Development Control and Regulation Committee. Lawrence was also a member of the Audit & Assurance Committee, Carlisle Local Committee, of which he is currently the Vice Chair, Carlisle Highways & Transport Working Group, County Council, Cumbria Pensions Committee, Cumbria Pensions Forum, Lowther Street Trust, the Scrutiny Advisory Board – Adults and the Standards Committee.