Richard Graham RIP: Ken Simpson RIP

Two sad deaths in the Copeland community: two funerals to report.

Richard, the son of Mike Graham, who is a local businessman, former councillor for Bransty and then Hillcrest, and my predecessor as Conservative PPC for Copeland, tragically passed away at the age of seventeen and was buried on Thursday.

Ken Simpson, a long-time stalwart of Copeland Conservatives who most recently stood for election as a county council candidate in the Cleator Moor North and Frizington ward also died a few days ago and his funeral was held at Ennerdale this afternoon.

At the time he was selected Ken was expecting to be able to campaign but his health deteriorated sharply just before the election began. Despite not being able to do any active canvassing he still secured very nearly 500 votes which I think is a tribute to how many people in the community knew and liked him. His funeral today was very well attended, with the church literally full to overflowing and a significant proportion of those who came to pay their respects waiting outside during the service.

Everyone who knew Richard Graham or Ken Simpson speaks highly of them.

Our thoughts and prayers this week are for the souls of Richard and Ken, for Richard's parents Mike and Maggie and Ken's widow Marie, and for the rest of their families.

Comments

Jane said…
I would like to convey my condolences to the families of Richard Graham and Ken Simpson.

The passing of someone so young as Mike Graham is a tragedy. My utmost sympathy is with his family.

Ken Simpson was a much-respected colleague and fellow campaigner in the recent Cumbria County Elections. His hard work and dedication has much to be commended and is an inspiration to us all. His passing is a great loss to his friends and colleagues in the Conservative Party.

My prayers and thoughts go out for their souls and families.
10:22 pm
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