Michael Priestley (19 Sep 1935 - 17 Mar 2022)

In loving memory of Michael Priestley who sadly passed away on 17th March 2022
The family are deeply saddened to announce that well-known St. Neots resident Mr Michael Priestley died on 17th March, aged 86, after a short illness. He has been described by well-wishers who knew him as “a true gent.”
The eldest of 9 children, Michael was born in Boston, Lincolnshire, attending Boston Grammar school until the age of 16. He then left school to work in telecommunications with the Post Office. He met his wife Rita at age 17 at the Gliderdrome in Boston which was, back then, a rollerskating rink. At 18 he completed 2 years of National Service with The Royal Signals. Michael and Rita married in 1956 and moved to Peterborough before finally settling in St Neots in 1960, when Michael became the town’s telephone engineer.
In 1962 he started the St. Neots School of Motoring, which had the catchy slogan “Ring 55 and Learn to Drive” (telephone numbers were only two digits back then). The business finally closed in 2002 when he retired. His patience as an instructor and witty repartee were much appreciated, and it was not uncommon for him to have taught multiple generations of the same family. His commitment to his pupils was second to none, and on one occasion in the early 1980s he even sacrificed his tie to replace the fan belt in order that his pupil could complete her driving test.
In 1963 he began a 32-year career in Road Safety, working this job during the day and giving driving lessons around it. He had many responsibilities, but he is perhaps most remembered for visiting schools and teaching children how to ride a bike safely. After working for both Huntingdon and Peterborough councils, he finally held the position of Senior Assistant Road Safety Officer for Cambridgeshire from 1990 to 1995.
Outside work he was a dedicated member of the local community.
After joining St. Neots Conservative Club in 1961 he became Chairman in 1974, a position he held for 26yrs before becoming President for a number of years thereafter. His commitment earned him a very special long-service award. On top of that, he was on St. Neots Town Council during the late 70s and even completed a stint as Deputy Mayor of St. Neots.
When he died, he was an active member of the Probus Club in St. Neots. He had also been President of this organisation for a time.
His main leisure pursuit was tending to his garden alongside his wife Rita. She will miss him very much after their 65 years of marriage, as will their Son Simon, Daughter Caroline, and Grandchildren Robin, Molly, Oliver, Bertie, and Eddie.
The funeral will be at 11.30am on Friday 22nd April at Bedford Crematorium, Norse Road, Bedford, and we would be pleased to see anyone who wishes to join us. Please arrive 15 minutes before. Please no dark formal clothes as Michael wanted guests to be themselves.
Whilst flowers from the family are welcome, Michael wanted friends to donate to the Woodlands Cancer Charity at Hinchingbrooke hospital. Cheques to be made payable to NWAFTHINCHINGBROOKECHARITY, stating on reverse of the cheque – HOPE ONCOLOGY 5402, and there will be a donation box at the service. You may contact the family to make an online payment. The funeral will be live-streamed and recorded for those unable to attend.
Further details can be obtained from Regency Funeral Directors who can also put you in touch with the family, as we understand there may be many who would like to pass on their condolences by Telephone or Post.