TRIBUTES have poured in for a South Lakeland ‘farmer's farmer’ who has died aged 75.

Well-known and respected, Gordon Capstick will be remembered for his work as the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) county chairman, helping to steer farmers through the foot and mouth crisis in 2001. At the time of his death he was still an active member of the NFU's regional livestock board.

He reared and cared for beef and suckler cows at Park House Farm in Heversham, near Kendal, which was 750 acres at its peak.

Fellow Cumbrian farmer and NFU Cumbrian Council delegate Alistair Mackintosh said: “He was for me the salt of the earth. He brought me into the NFU political side and is the reason why I have done the things I have done for the NFU.

"He was a farmer's farmer. He had a dry sense of humour. He never used 100 words when 10 would do.

"People like Gordon you cannot replace. These types of people are irreplaceable. I will miss Gordon, he just kept everyone grounded.”

A keen motorsport enthusiast, Mr Capstick started racing in the 1960s as an international rally co-driver, his last competitive drive being the 1995 RAC rally. At the time of his death he was the president of Kirkby Lonsdale Motor Club.

He died of a coronary condition at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary last Saturday, surrounded by his family.

His wife, Mary, said: “Gordon loved being involved with Cumbria young farmers clubs, both as a member and as a parent adviser. He was southern district president and county president. He was also proud to sit on the Westmorland County Show management committee.

“I will miss Gordon’s good humour and quick wit. It’s fair to say he wasn’t a happy retiree and could always be found at the farm doing fetching, carrying and odd jobs. He liked to be out and was really missing his 'Last of the Summer Wine' friends at the auctions.”

Other roles Mr Capstick held included Heversham parish councillor and committee member at the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution. For more than 20 years, he was NFU Mutual’s local insurance assessor for farms in the South Lakes area. Along with Mary, he opened the farm gates to school visits, and also wrote a farming diary for The Westmorland Gazette.

NFU Carlisle senior group secretary Ian Mandle said: “As we all know, Gordon was never one to stand back, always on the front foot and getting things done. He will be sadly missed but has left plenty for us to remember him by.”

Mr Capstick leaves behind son Paul, who takes over the running of the farm, daughters Rachel and Nina and nine grandchildren.