A respected farmer and former chairman of Eden District Council who was very much a man of the people, has died aged 89.
Gordon Savage, who represented the Skelton ward on the district council as an Independent for 16 years and was an active parish councillor for 20 years, was also in great demand as a charity auctioneer for more than four decades.
Born Gordon Richard Savage on August 26 1935, to farmers Matthew and Florence Savage of Aikbank Farm, Calthwaite, he was the second child, having one older sister, Joan, and a younger brother and sister, Micheal and Eileen.
Gordon was a bright student and had hoped to pursue a career in accountancy, but due to family circumstances continued the farming legacy.
He attended Newton Rigg Agricultural College where he met and fell in love with his wife Dorothy. They were married at Burton upon Stather, near Scunthorpe, and their subsequent 65 years of marriage resulted in three precious daughters, Jane, Caroline and Angela.
Jane originally went into veterinary nursing, Caroline into the hospitality and management sector and Angela became a nurse. Gordon was very proud of them all. He then welcomed three grandsons, Daniel, Jacob and Samuel, and one granddaughter, India.
Gordon and Dorothy began farming together at Pears Ghyll, Calthwaite, before moving to Bank End Farm, Hesket Newmarket, and then to Cherry Trees Farm at Hewer Hill when they semi-retired. After six years living at Stainton they moved to Penrith, where Dorothy still lives.
Gordon was an excellent intuitive farmer and was passionate about the rural landscape. He was a champion of ethical and sustainable sources of farming development, frequently undertaking farm walks to showcase these.
He was very well known and was active within the Eden community. He was seen as a man of the people and and over many years took on a number of significant roles — frequently featuring in the Herald.
From 1995, Gordon was an Eden district councillor, representing the Skelton ward, before stepping down in 2011.
In 2006, he became chairman of the council and enjoyed going with Dorothy to many functions. He was passionate about supporting local initiatives and projects.
Gordon and Dorothy were also invited to Buckingham Palace in recognition of his tireless work in rural communities.
In addition, Gordon was an active parish councillor for over 20 years and a school governor for 25. He also served as chairman of the National Farmers’ Union (John Peel branch) and president of Hesket Newmarket show.
For 40 years, he acted as a charity auctioneer, helping raise money for causes such as harvest festivals, village halls, Eden Animal Rescue and the Northern Fells rural transport service. As an articulate speaker, he was asked to speak at a lot of after-dinner engagements
Having been a keen sportsman in his younger years, playing football, rugby and cricket, Gordon’s enthusiasm for sport continued for his remaining years and he was both chairman and president of the cricket club at Caldbeck.
An avid Carlisle United supporter, he also enjoyed watching the village football team.
For a number of years, he was a director of Border County Farmers, based in Hexham, and felt passionate about continuing to provide a farming voice.
Together with fellow parish councillor Diane Scott, of Millhouse, Gordon led a group of local residents in raising valuable funds and successfully rebuilding Millhouse village hall from 1995 to 1999.
The hall still provides a valuable environment for all ages to meet, helping to continue to build and support the community.
Since retiring, Gordon and Dorothy had travelled extensively, enjoying long distance holidays to New Zealand, South Africa and Canada as well as multiple destinations across Europe.
Gordon was a family man. His beloved wife and daughters were his world, and right until his passing, they enjoyed time together as a family.
A service and cremation will take place at Eden Valley Crematorium, on Friday April 25 at 12.30pm.
Donations in memory of Gordon, for Eden Animal Rescue, may be made at the service or sent c/o Richardsons Funeral Directors, Penrith, who have charge of arrangements.
