Lyn Ralph

Chair of Doncaster Federation

Lyn died during the early hours of Sunday morning in Doncaster Royal Infirmary after a short illness.

Lyn was Chair of the Doncaster Federation of Tenants' and Residents' Associations - representing all of the borough's tenants and residents - Vice Chair of the Board for St Leger Homes of Doncaster and Chair of the St Leger Homes' Customer Services Committee.

Lyn started her life's work of representing tenants when she visited an office in Conisbrough and saw a sign asking for volunteers to form Tenants' and Residents' Associations. She took up the invitation and has been a voice for tenants for the past 15 years.

Previously, Lyn worked in a number of roles including as a senior cook for many years and had served as the Chair of the National Union for Public Employees (the forerunner to UNISON).

Susan Jordan, Chief Executive of St Leger Homes of Doncaster, said: "I know what a special person Lyn was. She was not only the tenants' champion but was a driver for excellence and doing the right thing for the right reason.

She was a great source of fun and enjoyment with her excellent wit and sense of humour. Lyn was an example to us all and a great friend. She will be sadly missed."

Brian Naughton, vice chair, said: "Lyn was a great lady. We are all deeply saddened. She led this organisation with Doncaster tenants in mind and was a powerful voice in the support of local people. She will be greatly missed not only in Doncaster but much further afield."

A book of condolence for Lyn will be based in the Tenants' Resource Centre, St James Street, Balby Bridge.

Tribute to Lyn

Now her colleagues at the Doncaster Federation of Tenants' and Residents' Associations, based at the Tenants' Resource Centre, St James Street, Balby Bridge have named a resource room at their base after her.

Brian Naughton, the acting chair of the Doncaster Federation of Tenants’ and Residents’ Associations, said: “Lyn was a great lady. We are all still deeply saddened by her death. She led this organisation with Doncaster tenants in mind and was a powerful voice in the support of local people. Now her name will live on with this room – the Lyn Ralph Suite.”

Susan Jordan, Chief Executive of St Leger Homes of Doncaster, said: "Lyn was a very special person - a tenants' champion and a driver for excellence. She always wanted to do the right thing for the right reason. Naming a room which is a meeting room - where tenants can discuss and debate housing issues - and computer suite - where tenants can find information and learn - is a fitting way to remember her."