Frank Erskine RIP

Sad news greeted us on our return today from holiday. A stalwart of the LMS in this diocese, Frank Erskine, has died aged 65. We were told a few weeks ago that Frank had been diagnosed with cancer but his death has come as a complete shock. Frank served for many years at St Dominic's in Newcastle before becoming a regular attender at both St Wilfred's & St Joseph's in Gateshead while Fr Brown was there. When Sheila Webster became ill Frank was her chauffeur and transported her every Thursday to Fr Swales' Masses at Coxhoe & every Sunday to Fr Dickson's Masses at Thornley. It was only earlier this year that his sister Bernadette (long time scribe in the 'Northern Cross') was in remission from her own cancer & then their mother died. Frank will be sorely missed by his many friends in the LMS. I believe his Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St Patrick's, Ryhope by Fr Dickson on Tuesday 1st October. Well done thou good & faithful servant & welcome into the kingdom prepared for you. Rest in Peace, Frank