A 'KIND' and ‘caring’ former president of the Cumbria Deaf Association has passed away at the age of 85.

Stewart Simpson OBE was husband to Valerie and was also a father and grandfather.

The Cumbria Deaf Association paid tribute to its former president in a statement. “Stewart was a kind, caring gentleman who was always interested in the running of Cumbria Deaf Association (CDA)," it said.

“On the day he died he had contacted the office to check on how the association, its members and staff were coping at this difficult time.

“CDA was indeed fortunate to benefit from such an enthusiastic and charismatic friend and supporter. Our thoughts are with Val and the family.”

Mr Simpson began his career improving communication between deaf and hearing people in 1979.

He was one of the founding members of the Council for the Advancement of Communications with Deaf People, now Signature.

Whilst there Mr Simpson helped create the first Register of Deaf interpreters and grew the organisation into a national examination board.

Signature paid tribute to Stewart’s work on its website.

“When he started work with us, the aim was to develop sign communication skills and establish training centres leading to qualifications as registered interpreters.

“Stewart’s inclusive approach to developing British Sign Language as a language, the organisation, the reputation of the qualifications and the register ensured he was widely respected in the field.”

Before directing the organisation he was a lecturer in social policy and administration at Moray House College, Edinburgh, and in business and social studies at Carlisle Technical College.

In 1999 he was awarded an Order of the British Empire(OBE) for his services in improving communication between deaf and hearing people.

He retired the same year, but continued with his charitable work, becoming president at the CDA and Vice President at Hearing link.

Mr Simpson died on April 21.