Martin Lucas

A funeral was held yesterday as friends, colleagues and relatives paid tribute to Martin Lucas.

Martin disappeared from his home on Fishergate Hill in March and after a police search his body was found on a beach in St Annes.

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At St Wilfriend’s Church on Chapel Street people gathered to remember a world renowned poet and keen bird watcher.

A statement in Martin’s obituary notice said: “Martin had a wealth of knowledge and was the one that many people leaned on for advice. His constant support and assistance to immediate colleagues, project owners and many colleagues throughout the wider business is to be commended.

“Martin had many interests outside of work, he was a keen bird watcher who had travelled as far afield as St Kilda, Florida and Australia to pursue his hobby. Martin was a published poet who held a doctorate in Japanese poetry, he was the former president of the British Haiku Society and until his death edited the Haiku Presence magazine which is distributed to many members worldwide.

“Martin’s death has come as a great shock to all who knew him and he will be sadly missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

A buffet lunch and celebration of Martin’s life was held on Friday aternoon at the Pavilion Cafe in Avenham Park.

The family have asked for flowers or donations to the funeral directors: Clifford Ward Funeral directors, Mount Pleasant, Corporation Street Preston, PR1 2UQ and any monies collected will be issued to RSPB in Martin’s memory.