THE popular skipper of three iconic Lake District steamers has died, aged 64.

Family, friends, colleagues and passengers have paid their respects Keith Jackson who has been described a 'a true legend of the lake.’

Mr Jackson, who was born and raised in Ulverston, passed away at his home in Croftlands surrounded by his family.

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Hundreds of tributes have been paid in social media to Mr Jackson, ‘a much loved and popular character’, who worked for Windermere Lake Cruises for almost three decades.

In more than 100 tributes posted on the company’s Facebook page, Mr Jackson is described as ‘a true gent’, ‘an amazing person’ and ‘a true legend of the lake.'

His wife Karen Jackson (nee Armstrong) said: “Keith loved his job. His job and his family were his life. He would go out of his way to help everybody. He was always there for his work colleagues and passengers.”

Mr Jackson was born to his parents Bill and Edna on July 27, 1952, in Ulverston, where his brother, Bryn, still lives.

He met his wife at Ulverston Sports Club and after many years together they were married at Ulverston Methodist Church on March 25, 2006.

After more than 30 years together the couple had three sons: Paul, Andrew and Daniel, and six grandchildren: Tia, Lauren, Summer, Olivia, Willow and Jacob.

Mrs Jackson said: “I was drawn to his personality. He was so kind, considerate and attentive.”

During his career Mr Jackson had many highlights such as receiving an award for bravery in the 1970s and sailing the MV Teal when HRH Queen Elizabeth II visited Windermere in July 2013.

Having originally trained as a chef, Mr Jackson started his career with Windermere Lake Cruises by working in the bar and checking tickets.

Soon he progressed through the ranks, becoming a qualified boat master and then master of all three Windermere ‘steamers’: Swan, Teal and Tern.

Described as ‘a great ship handler,' Mr Jackson took his responsibilities seriously, with the greatest respect for the weather and conditions on the lake, but is also remembered for his wit and repartee.

Dawn Jackson, Mr Jackson's daughter-in-law, who also worked with him, said: “Keith was everybody’s friend. He loved to laugh and make jokes. As a skipper, he was a true mentor for everyone at work, the one who everybody looked up to.

“He lived life to the full. His passion for boats and his family were his life.”

Colleagues who sailed with Mr Jackson on the bridge have fond memories of his good singing voice, as he often sung along to the on-board entertainment provided for guests on charters.

The wonderful condition of the woodwork on the ‘steamers’ is down to the time and effort Mr Jackson spent each winter on stripping down and lovingly replacing the varnish for the next sailing season.

Nigel Wilkinson, Managing Director of Windermere Lakes Cruises, said: “To his friends and colleagues Keith will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humour, his friendship, his caring attitude and willingness to help and for simply being a ‘great bloke.’

“As a work colleague he was always flexible and nothing was too much trouble for him, he was a true company man and so very loyal.

“To his passengers Keith was the archetypal ship’s captain, with his commanding presence, his immaculate uniform, his well-trimmed beard and the sparkle in his eye.

“Not only have we lost a friend, but we have lost one of the greatest characters to have sailed on Windermere in recent times.”