Laurence Harwood OBE, from Grasmere, sadly passed away on November 23 at the age of 87. He leaves wife Melissa, children Matthew and Alice and grandchildren Daniel, Luke, Theodora and Elliott, who will miss him greatly as he has been a “pillar of strength and happiness” in their lives. Mr Harwood first came to the Lakes while he was training to become a land agent at Cirencester Agricultural College when he helped at Somervell s farm in Kendal. He went on to run the National Trust in the North East, before he was transferred to the North West. His love of the Lake District, its traditions, its farming methods, nature conservation and way of life made him feel at home as soon as he was transferred here, said Mrs Harwood.