Last updated at 12:12, Monday, 30 July 2012

TRIBUTES have been paid to a farmer who was the ‘life and soul’ of the community.

JOHN PHIFER

John Phifer died at his Baystone Bank Farm home, in the Whicham Valley, on Tuesday, aged 58.

He leaves behind wife Carol, his sister Anne, daughters Donna, Caroline and Michala and his three grandchildren Tyla, 13, Chloe, 11 and Abbie, four.

Mr Phifer was a popular member of both the farming and wider community.

In tribute, his daughters said: “We would like to thank friends, family and the community for their support. It makes us feel really proud of what an outstanding figure he was.

“It shows what a close community it is and is a source of strength and support for us. Everyone will remember him as a fun-loving person. He was the heart and soul of everything.”

Mr Phifer was brought up on the farm, before eventually taking over the running from his parents, Joan and the late Harry Phifer.

As a farmer, Mr Phifer won numerous awards from the British Limousin Cattle Society for his prized herd and kept a flock of fell sheep.

Along with wife Carol, he also opened a campsite at the farm two years ago. He enjoyed attending the pub quiz at the Punch Bowl pub, in The Green, flanked by his ‘harem’ of lady teammates.

And he was also a keen windsurfer, who, in his earlier years, could often be spotted on Baystone Bank Reservoir on a nice day – joined by his dog on the front of the board.

Mr Phifer was also a valued member of Millom Without Parish Council.

Chairman of the council, Jack Giles, said: “He was an excellent councillor and will be greatly missed. He was a man with so much to offer and so well known and well respected in the community. It’s absolutely shattering that he has gone.”

Mr Phifer died just two weeks before his 59th birthday of heart disease.

His funeral service will be held at St Anne’s Church, in Thwaites, on August 2. The service is due to start at 12.45pm and family say all are welcome to attend.

First published at 13:15, Sunday, 29 July 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk