Reverend Michael Paul Lama

with cancer, since he retired to Claremont Manor in spring of last year. His brother, Steve, so devoted and

caring during the long illness, and family were at his bedside in Pomona Valley Hospital, when he peacefully

passed away. We pray that Fr. Mike may now rest in the joy of our loving God, whom he trusted and faithfully

served.

Michael Paul Lama was born June 21, 1944 to Edward P. Lama and Grace Bundschuh, both now, deceased, in

Pasadena, CA. He was one of three children; sister, Alice, deceased and brother, Steve. He was baptized

August 8, 1944 at St. Felicitas and Perpetua, San Marino, CA. He attended the local grade schools, San Marino

High School, Pasadena City College and Airlines Schools Pacific. His seminary years were spent at Sacred

Heart School of Theology, Hales Corner, Wisconsin, 1980-1984. Fr. Mike Lama was ordained a priest, Dec. 12,

1984 for the Diocese of San Bernardino at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral by Most Rev. Phillip F. Straling.

His first assignment was as Associate Pastor at St. George, Ontario, 1984-87. He served as Associate Pastor at

St. Margaret Mary, Chino 1987-90; as Pastor of Precious Blood, Banning, 1990-2002 and as Pastor at Christ the

Good Shepherd, Adelanto 2002-2011, after which he retired because of ill health. During his last years at Christ

the Good Shepherd, Fr. Mike had been Pastoral Leader in the High Desert Vicariate as Vicar Forane.

Fr. Mike’s humble, prayerful pastoral style has been a great source of inspiration for us and for the parish

communities wherever he served. He kept a Christ-centered focus on being a caring servant to all peoples and

cultures. His friendliness, cheerfulness and care for his people were always apparent as he treated everyone

with a welcoming smile. Even as his strength declined, he maintained this positive outlook and was so

appreciative of phone calls, and visits from friends and brother priests to Claremont Manor. I recall him saying

more than once how he valued any opportunity of “remaining connected.” All who knew him will remember him

with affection and esteem.

He is survived by his brother Steve Lama and his wife Lori; nieces Michele Smith and her husband Richard, Sheri Farber and her husband Mike; grand nieces and nephews, Richie Smith; Thea and Chloe Farber; Brian Evans and many friends.

In celebration of Fr. Michael Lama’s Life and priestly ministry there will be the following liturgies:

Visitation 4:00PM-6:00PM with Rosary at 6:00PM Sunday, March, 18 at Mountain View Mortuary, San

Bernardino. I will celebrate Mass of Resurrection, at 1:00 PM Monday, March. 19 at Our Lady of the Rosary

Cathedral, San Bernardino. Interment, private, will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Montebello on

Tuesday. May he be clothed in God’s light and peace.