ONE of the area's major political stalwarts has died aged 73.
Mike Simpson had a five-year reign as leader of Tandridge District Council, and was a Liberal Democrat councillor representing Whyteleafe for 12 years.
The father-of-three passed away on February 18 at his home in Searchwood Road, Warlingham, after a short battle with cancer.
Caterham-born Mr Simpson, the son of a former guardsman at Caterham Barracks, initially lived in nearby Town End.
He later won a scholarship to Caterham School.
His career included spells as an insurance actuary, working for the Liberal Party, for IBM and managing the former Commercial Union office in Godstone Road, Whyteleafe.
Mr Simpson played a key part in devising the Warlingham Parish Plan, drawn up five years ago to map out the village's future.
He was also a governor at Whyteleafe Primary School.
Married to Val in 1962, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last year.
Reflecting on life as a councillor, Mr Simpson once said: "You give up a lot of time, but it's not entirely one way; there is a satisfaction that comes, when one succeeds, and what's the alternative?
"To sit in an armchair and complain about other people?
"At least you can live with yourself at the end of the day if you've tried to do something, even if you don't always succeed."
Warlingham district councillor Jeremy Pursehouse, who was deputy leader under Mr Simpson, said: "Mike was a lovely man who will be much missed.
"He was one of those guys who, if there was a problem you needed sorting out, he could provide considered advice.
"Our thoughts are with his wife Val and his three daughters."
In 1995 a coalition of Liberal Democrats and Labour took control of the council, under Mr Simpson's leadership, until the Conservatives returned to power in 2000.
Caterham councillor Jill Caudle said Mr Simpson was a highly principled man, at one time reporting himself to the former Standards Board for England to reflect the absurdity of the red tape regulations concerning councillors' conduct in office.
Current council leader Gordon Keymer said: "The period Mike was leader was very lively politically with an active opposition and major issues. Mike was always calm and collected holding a diverse coalition together, which he must have found difficult at times."
His funeral is for next of kin only.
No flowers are requested, but donations to Oxfam, the RNLI or Caterham's Douglas Brunton Centre's Amenity Fund can be sent to A&D Pink Funeral Directors, 344 Limpsfield Road, Hamsey Green CR2 9BX.
