Tributes have been paid to a retired Fylde Coast clergyman following his death on December 5.
Although retired, Rev Michael Ward had Bishop's Permission to Officiate in the Diocese.
His funeral takes place at Holy Trinity Church on December 21 at 10.30am followed by Lytham Crematorium at noon. All welcome.
Born in 1942, Michael was first licensed as a reader at Blackpool Holy Trinity South Shore in 1977 and spent most of his working career pre-ordination working in Social Services.
He was ordained in 2003 at the age of 61 and spent three years as an Assistant Curate at Holy Trinity.
Michael moved to Blackpool St Peter South Shore in 2006 where he was licensed as an Associate Priest in 2008.
He became chaplain to Blackpool Football Club in 2006 (his 'dream job') and was also chaplain to BLESMA, the limbless veterans charity.
Michael retired in February 2010 and was given the Bishop's Permission to Officiate. Michael leaves his wife Liz, children Andrew and Jane and four grandchildren.
You can read more local tributes via this story.