Tributes have been paid to a well-known south Cumbria solicitor and community stalwart, who has been described as a “local legend”.

Ken Fisher, 91, of Ulverston, died on October 14 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was a distinguished and highly-respected solicitor, a partner in the firm of Kendall and Fisher, which later became Livingstons, with offices in Ulverston, Dalton and Barrow.

Mr Fisher, who was born in Dalton in 1927, was educated at Uppingham School and St John’s College Cambridge before joining his father’s practice of WC Kendall and Fisher where he became senior partner later in his career. In a professional context Ken was a past chairman of the Agricultural and Land Tribunal(North), a member of Furness NHS Trust and a past president of North Lonsdale Law Society.

His involvement in the community was equally wide and varied, calling on his excellent communication skills and a talent to engage , understand the nature of a challenge and a commitment to find a solution. Mr Fisher was chairman of governors of Chetwynde School in Barrow and for many years was involved in the St George’s Society, serving as President.

As chairman of the Dalton Leisure Centre he organised its formal opening by Princess Margaret, and was also a president of both the North Lonsdale and Cartmel Agricultural Shows.

Mr Fisher had a great passion for sport both as a player and spectator. He was an outstanding sportsman at school and university in rugby, hockey and cricket and post university he played cricket for Dalton and rugby for Furness. He was an honorary life member of both clubs.

Mr Fisher, who lived in Springfield Road, Ulverston, for more than 50 years, leaves his wife, Mary and was father to John and the late Anne. He was very proud of his five grandchildren, who all have careers in London.

Son John said: “My father was a very kind and fair man who had a professional respect for all his clients, irrespective of their backgrounds or scale of the advice which they sought from him.

“He was passionate in his support of local causes and his ability to articulate a point of view was impressive – whether he he was addressing a judge in court or the referee from the touchline.

“He took great pleasure following my early rugby exploits and he was a real party animal whether on skiing holidays, at Twickenham or the great parties he hosted at home.

“A generous and supportive father and grandfather and in some ways a legend in the local community, he will be sadly missed by family, friends and business colleagues."

Mr Fisher's funeral will take place on Friday November 2 at St Cuthbert's Church, Aldingham at 11.30am.