22 July 2019 It is with sadness I inform you that Father Michael Lakeland died on Wednesday 17 July 2019, at Stella Matutina, Ansdell, Lytham St Annes. May he rest in peace. Father Michael was born on 1 July 1933 in Preston. He went to St Gregory’s, Primary School followed by Preston Catholic College. Between leaving school and entering seminary Michael worked for North West Gas Board in Preston and he completed two years National Service in the Army. He then studied at Upholland Seminary for his priestly formation. Father Michael was ordained to the priesthood on 8 June 1963 in English Martyrs, Preston. Following Ordination, he was appointed Assistant Priest at St Bernadette, Blackpool until 1966, Christ the King, Carlisle until 1969, and St Kentigern, Blackpool until 1982. In 1982 he was appointed Parish Priest at St Clare’s, Preston until 2008 and St Francis, Hill Chapel until 2014. He retired in October 2014 to the Little Sisters of the Poor, Jeanne Jugan residence. When the Sisters left Preston in 2017 he moved to Stella Matutina, where he remained until his death. Father Michael was a lifelong Preston North End Fan! The Deanery Mass will be at St Clare’s, Fulwood on Monday 5 August 2019 at 6pm. The Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St Clare’s, Fulwood on Tuesday 6 August 2019 at 11.30am. Father Michael will be buried with his parents in Preston cemetery. Priests who wish to concelebrate are requested to bring white vestments for the funeral. The Mass prayers and readings will be for the Feast of the Transfiguration. Please inform Father Andrew if you are able to attend: [email protected] or Telephone: 01772 719604. I offer my sincere condolences to Michael’s sister Margaret in Brisbane, Australia, all of his cousins, and his housekeeper Maria Feather who looked after Michael for many years. I wish to thank the Sisters and staff at Stella Matutina for their generous love and care for Michael during his time with them. With my prayers and blessings, +Paul Swarbrick Bishop of Lancaster .