Tributes paid to Chesterfield Borough Councillor following his tragic death in winter climbing accident

Steve, 71, was first elected to Chesterfield Borough Council in July 2024, representing Staveley North ward, and was appointed as the council’s cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council said: “We are devastated by the sudden loss of our valued colleague, Councillor Steve Lismore, and our deepest sympathies go to his family and loved ones during this incredibly sad and difficult time.

“Steve was first elected to the council in July 2024, representing the Staveley North Ward. He was appointed as the council’s cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing shortly after, providing leadership to a range of council services including community safety, parks and open spaces, and sport and leisure services – a role which he fulfilled with great passion and a real commitment to achieving the very best for the people and places of Chesterfield.

“During Steve’s time at the council, he has also served on many key partnerships, guiding work which has made a real difference to our communities. This has included the Chesterfield Community Safety Partnership, Derbyshire and Chesterfield Health and Wellbeing Partnerships, UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) Partnership Board, Derbyshire Safer Communities Board, Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel, and the Active Derbyshire and Derbyshire Schools Sports Partnerships.”

A tribute from Councillor Lismore’s family said: “Born on 24 September 1954, Steve moved from his native Canada to the UK and quickly realised, as any true Brit would, that it was better. While he gained an MA in

English from Aberystwyth University, he would argue that the Archers taught him what was truly essential, often bringing phone calls to an abrupt close with, “I’ve got to run, The Archers is starting.”

“Wales also introduced him to his future wife, Jenifer. They later settled in the Peak District, drawn by the simple logic that life is better when the front door opens onto rocks and mountains. From 1983 onwards, Chesterfield was home.

“Climbing was core to Steve’s identity, and he went whenever life allowed. Always ready to tell you about his next trip, he dedicated countless hours to the sport with his local club. He brought the same spirit to his collection of classic cars and motorbikes, which surely appreciated his attention even if they did not always improve as a result of it.

“He was warm, outgoing, and effortlessly at ease with strangers – his genuine interest made even the quietest feel seen. Steve drew people from all walks of life to his table, sometimes by cooking them a meal that was, at best, enthusiastic. His homemade pickles and jams were distributed with similar gusto, and a polite “no thank you” was usually met with yet another jar or basket of homegrown vegetables.

“His natural charisma and passion for a better world drew him into public life, and after working as a civil servant, he founded the charity Touchstone. Steve also served as a county and borough councillor, and remained a committed Labour advocate, animated by a stubborn belief that things could be better, and therefore should be.

“Steve is mourned by his four children – James, Robin, Rosalinde, and Simon; four adored grandchildren; his partner, Sue; sisters Lydia and Carolyn; his former wife, Jenifer; and many friends who were fortunate to have known him.

“Although his departure was painfully abrupt, their grief finds solace in the knowledge that he left this world doing what he loved and, characteristically, on his own terms.”

Funeral details will be confirmed in due course.