TRIBUTES have been paid to a former town mayor who was so touched by a tragic accident he helped form a coastal rescue team. 

Stan Lewis, 94, from Ulverston died at his home on February 18. 


The Ulverston Inshore Rescue team (l-r) Joe Wojik, Chris Wilde, James Nield, Bruce Chattaway, Paul Sullivan, Paul Wojik and Kirsty Frame, in front are Chairman Stan Lewis and Committee Member Derek Wilson. MILTON HAWORTH He helped form Ulverston Inshore Rescue with his son-in-law and Ulverston town councillor Jim Prosser in 2002, following the tragic deaths of Stewart Rushton and his nine-year-old son Adam.

They drowned off Priory Point, Bardsea.  

Mr Lewis' daughter, Patricia Prosser, explained that after the incident, her father and Cllr Prosser said they never wanted such a tragedy to happen again. 

Mr Lewis remained chairman of Ulverston Inshore Rescue until his death. 

Mrs Prosser paid tribute to her father calling him her "rock". 

She said: "He has always been a big influence in my life and I will miss him very much. 

"You're never prepared to lose a parent, no matter their age." 

Mr Lewis was awarded an MBE in 1989 for his work as chief engineer of the Ministry of Defence Proof and Experimental Establishment at Eskmeals.

He was also a preacher at Ulverston Methodist Church. 

He was married to his wife, Audrey, for 63 years before she died from a stroke in 2010. 

Mrs Prosser said: "They were like two sides of the same coin - he was heartbroken when she died."

Mr Lewis had an interest in politics and after being elected to Ulverston Town Council in 1979, he become mayor in 1981. 

He was also elected as chairman of South Lakeland District Council in 1991 for two years.

Mrs Prosser said her father was always most proud of his role with Ulverston Inshore Rescue. 

She said: "It was an organisation which he was particularly proud of and an organisation that has grown over the years to be the first-class rescue station it is today. 

"I am sure that he would want to thank his many friends for their kindness to him over the time of my mother's illness, and the years that followed. 

"To his carers, neighbours and friends - thank you."

Bruce Chattaway of Ulverston Inshore Rescue also paid tribute to Mr Lewis. 

He said: "He will not only be missed as our chairman but also as our friend. 

"He was an outstanding man and a true gentleman. He will be a big loss to the town.   

"Ulverston Inshore Rescue was his baby and he remained active and involved right until the end."

The funeral for Mr Lewis will be held on Friday March 4 at Ulverston Methodist Church in Neville Street at 11.30am.