Leading social housing figure passes away at 55

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities, Featured

One of social housing's leading figures has passed away at the age of just 55.

Lawrence Stewart died January 15 at his home following a stroke.

Mr Stewart had worked in the sector since 1997 and had been in the role of housing and finance practitioner and consultant with the Board Development Agency at the time of his death.

He was previously a financial analyst at the Housing Corporation and had been the chief executive for both Croydon Peoples Housing Association and Pathway Housing Association.

While at Croydon Peoples he led the organisation into its merger with Notting Hill Housing Trust.

A tribute to Mr Stewart on the Board Development Agency's website read: "Highly qualified and intelligent with an MBA he was a wise counsellor. He understood the business of housing and good governance and the importance of keeping financial control.

"He was an excellent judge of character utterly diligent and committed to his work. He wanted to make a difference in his working life and through his voluntary charitable commitments.

"Lawrence served on many housing boards and was the Chair of a 6th Form College and Black Charities. He was a lifelong socialist and committed to promoting equal opportunity. He has made a difference to many with his advice and humour and his penetrating intellect. He will be sorely missed."

Mr Stewart's family have asked for his friends and colleagues in the housing world to send them their memories of him so they can be included in their celebrations of his life at the funeral which will take place at 11 am in Streatham London on January 25.