William John Lancaster (FN 53-56) His son Stuart has submitted the following.
“Former Old St Beghian and well-respected farmer and family man John Lancaster of Lime Tree Farm, Culgaith died at the Cumberland Infirmary on 3rd September 2018 following a sudden illness on his farm. John was born on the family farm in Culgaith on 11th April 1940. He went to The Craig Preparatory School in Windermere, followed by three years at St Bees School. At the school, he was a member of Foundation North, representing the school in the Colts’ rugby and cricket teams. He greatly enjoyed his time at St Bees and he made many friends and was a proud Old Boy.
After St Bees he came home to Culgaith to work with his father on the farm. He loved his work and soon joined Penrith Young Farmers, where he also made friends for life. It was when he was with a young farming friend in Carlisle that he met his wife Ann, who was at Art College at the time in 1963. Three years later they were married in St Michael’s Church, Dumfries, her home town. Not long after, John and Ann moved to the family farm, which John began to modernise during the 1980s and 90s. Four children followed: Stephen, the Managing Director of PFK in Penrith; Stuart, Senior Coach at Leinster Rugby Club in Dublin; Fiona, who has a happy and successful life with her family in Wilmslow; and David, who works as a barrister in London. Of the four children, Stephen, Stuart and Fiona attended St Bees during the 1980s: Stephen (FN 79-86) Stuart (FN/AC 80-88) Fiona (G 82-90). Like their father, they also made many friends and feel that St Bees made a significant impact on shaping their personalities and sense of independence. John ran a very successful dairy, beef and sheep farm around Culgaith for all of his adult life. However, foot and mouth, which was devastating for the whole of the farming community in Cumbria, struck in 2001 and Lime Tree Farm was also affected. He restocked with beef and sheep and continued to farm right up until his untimely passing. John was a kind man, a real gentleman. He loved animals and never saw work as work. He was a man of great integrity and his patient, balanced demeanour helped hugely in managing the farm and in helping Ann to bring up four young children so well.
Many people expressed their shock and sympathy at his passing, but also described his dry wit and sense of humour. He connected with so many people on different levels and his personality and presence was felt far beyond the local community of Culgaith. He also found time to support the local community in Culgaith and Penrith and previously served as a governor of Culgaith School and a councillor for the Culgaith Parish and Eden District Councils, where he was held in high regard by his peers. Above all, John was a family man and was deeply committed to supporting his family and putting them first. He was much loved and will be sorely missed by many, especially his wife Ann and his family.”

 

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