The first administrator of St Leonard’s Hospice in York has died at the age of 93.

Ron Mason ran the hospice from its foundation in 1985 until 1992, after a career in the RAF and at Rowntrees.

Graham Millar, the chairman of the hospice and a colleague of Mr Mason at Rowntrees, said: “The hospice was extremely fortunate in having Ron as its first administrator. He set very high standards both in care and in warm personal relationships that has been the hallmark of the work of St Leonard’s ever since.”

Mr Mason died on December 8 at his home in Swindon, Wiltshire. He leaves his wife Moyra, three daughters and a son.