PGM Compendium - 6.16.2022

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Satoru Tashiro: 2004-2005


Most Worshipful Brother Satoru “Sat” Tashiro was born and
raised in Seattle, the last of three children of immigrant
Japanese parents who came to the United States in the early
1900’s. Typical of such immigrants, they struggled with
language barriers while raising their children with strong
moral values. When World War II began the family had to
move to a camp in Idaho with all others of Japanese descent.
They remained in Idaho from 1942 through 1945, whereupon
they returned to Seattle. Sat completed his education in the
public schools in Seattle, graduating from Garfield High
School in 1952 with academic honors.

He attended the University of Washington and received his
BSEE cum laude in 1956, followed by his MSEE in 1958. He
became a member of Tau Beta Pi, engineering honorary; Zeta Mu Tau, mathematics honorary; and Sigma
Xi, scientific research honorary in this period of time. He began his career at the Boeing Company in
1958, where he worked for 36 years. He took an educational leave of absence in 1962 to resume his
graduate studies. He returned to the company in 1963, completed his final requirements, and received his
PhD in Electrical Engineering in 1964.

Upon returning to The Boeing Company in 1963 he met Dorothy Braendle in and married her in 1965.
During their marriage they raised seven children. They have all gone on to different careers and lives. Sat
is the proud grandfather of 15 beautiful grandchildren and one great-grandson.

At the Boeing Company he resumed his career as a research engineer and was promoted to an engineering
manager in 1966 where he remained until his retirement in 1995. During his professional career he was
involved with the major organization of electrical and electronic engineers in the country, the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). At the national and local level, he was instrumental in the
formation of the first electronics show in the Pacific Northwest, NORTHCON, and was its first chairman.

Sat was raised a Master Mason in Lakeside Lodge, No.258, in September 1974. He was appointed Marshal
in 1975 and elected Master in 1984. Upon his retirement from Boeing in 1995, he became active again
and became the Lodge Secretary in 1996 until 1998, when his Grand Lodge commitments began. He is a
member of the Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research, No.281; Tsawwassen Lodge, No.185 in British
Columbia and Yukon; Goose and Gridiron, Nest 1; Scottish Rite, Valley of Seattle; Nile Shrine Temple;
Order of Eastern Star, Lakeside Chapter No.202; Grotto; York Rite Bodies, and past president of the
Eastside Shrine Club.




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His service with the Masonic youth groups goes back to the time when his children were being raised. He
was a member of the DeMolay Advisory Board, Bellevue Chapter; the Rainbow Advisory Board, and
received the Grand Cross of Colors. He was also a youth soccer coach and served as assistant scoutmaster
for the Boy Scouts of America.

Sat started his Grand Lodge service when Most Worshipful Brother George Jurgich appointed him to the
Membership Cultivation and Retention Committee in 1997, eventually becoming its chairman in 1998.
He became the Deputy of the Grand Master in District No.7 for Most Worshipful Bill R. Wood in 1999.

He also served on the Ad Hoc Committee for Long Range Planning, as well as Grand Representative of
the Grand Lodge of Japan nearest the Grand Lodge of Washington.

In 2001, the brethren of this jurisdiction elected Sat as Junior Grand Warden. Sadly, his journey to the
oriental chair saw the passing of his beloved wife, Dottie. During Sat’s year as Grand Master, Districts
and individual Masons remembered Dottie with contributions to the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer
Foundation and other worthy charities. Today, Dottie continues to be remembered with the annual
presentation of the Dottie Tashiro Inspirational Lady Award.

Knowing the many challenges facing the Jurisdiction as he embarked on his year as Grand Master, Brother
Sat chose as his motto “Change – Key to Our Future.” His year was dedicated to leading the Jurisdiction
in accomplishing those tasks needed to prepare for the future, both administratively and organizationally.
From the reorganization of the District and committee structure to enabling a new Lodge to be constituted
and the forming of two others Under Dispensation, he always looked to the future for his direction.

Though Sat’s year as Grand Master saw petitions being read and Degrees being conferred at an accelerated
rate; he was mindful of the importance of the added responsibility of the Lodges to make Master Masons
who understood the meaning of being a Mason.

Following his tenure as Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Sat would continue to serve our Grand
Lodge as Chairman of the Jurisprudence Committee, and presently as Chairman of the Grievances and
Appeals Committee. Outside of the Grand Lodge, Sat shared his quiet, thorough, and personable
leadership with the Nile Shrine serving as Potentate in 2010. Currently he is the Personal Representative
of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General for the Seattle Valley of Scottish Rite. Sat would also again
find happiness as he married Lorna Schack.

In Most Worshipful Brother Satoru Tashiro, the Freemasons of Washington were truly blessed with a
leader of the times who formed the direction for the present by looking to the future of our great Fraternity.













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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ John McNab: 2003-2004


Most Worshipful John McNab was born in the small farming
community of Linden, Michigan, on May 29, 1931, where he lived
until he was 10 years old. He then moved to Detroit where he
attended Junior High and High School. He was active in the Boy
Scouts and obtained the rank of Star Scout.
In June of 1948 he enlisted in the U. S. Navy, where he spent five
years before returning to Detroit to attend college and work for the
Grand Trunk Western Railroad. It was while working for the
railroad that he met the boss’s secretary, Barbara Fields, whose
charms he could not resist. Marriage followed in 1954, and their
55-year union was been blessed with sons Scott and Gregg and
daughters Terry and Sandy, their spouses, and two grandchildren.
In 1956 John returned to the Navy, where he continued in his previous field of work as a Damage
Controlman. After many tours of duty on various ships and shore stations he earned his commission in
1964. He completed 32 years of service in 1981 and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. John
then continued his college education in the San Diego area until 1984 when he and Barbara moved to
Washington State, built their dream home, and developed a small beef farm which they managed until
John was elected Junior Grand Warden in 2000.
John was raised a Master Mason in Harper Woods Lodge No. 585, in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, on
February 22, 1956. In 1989 he affiliated with United Lodge No.93, in Sedro-Woolley and became a Life
Member, serving as its Master in 1991 and again in 1993. He was also an Honorary Life Member of
Abbottsford Lodge, No.70, in Abbotsford, B.C., a sister lodge of Burlington-United Lodge. John also
proudly held Honorary Memberships in several Washington Lodges.

rd
He was coroneted a 33 Degree Inspector General Honorary in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in
1999, and served as Master of all four bodies as well as serving as Personal Representative of the
Sovereign Grand Inspector General for the Valley of Bellingham. He was a member of the Scottish Rite
Research Society; Anacortes Chapter No.59 Royal Arch Masons; Bellingham Council No.16 of Royal
and Select Masters; Nile Temple AANOMS; Goose & Gridiron Nest 4A; Past President of Northwest
Chapter No.534, National Sojourners Inc.; and member of Thomas L. Casey Camp of Heroes of ‘76;
Royal Order of Scotland and Thistle Clan; Knight Masons Clontarf Council No.69 and several other local
groups. John was also proud to have named to the DeMolay Honorary Legion of Honor.

M⸫W⸫ James Vannice gave John his first Grand Lodge appointment on the Special Awards Committee
in 1991, where he served for three years. At that time it was an ad hoc committee which later became the
Military Recognition Committee. Since 1991 he has served on the Grand Lodge Team until he was elected
Junior Grand Warden in 2000. His appointments included the Credentials Committee, Deputy of the



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Grand Master in District No. 9, Grand Orator, Charity Committee, Junior Grand Steward, and the Public
Relations Committee. He assumed Solomon’s Chair in June 2003.

Our good Brother labored diligently and with distinction. He traveled extensively throughout the State
and became well known and highly respected for this effort. He could always be counted on to provide a
message of Masonic importance wherever he might appear. Perhaps the most lasting legacy he left the
Fraternity was the importance of Masonic Education by means of Mentoring. His passion for mentoring
and instructing most likely was born during his years of Naval Service where training, instructing and
mentoring have a high priority.


On Friday, October 9, 2009, our dear Brother and Past Grand Master John D. McNab shed his earthly
bounds and his spirit has winged its flight to that place of rest where we hope at last to meet once again.





























































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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ James N. Reid: 2002-2003


Most Worshipful Brother James (Jimmy) N. Reid Jr. was
born on January 10, 1943, in Bremerton. At the time,
Bremerton - the home of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard - was
swollen with shipyard workers and naval personnel that kept
the Naval Base humming day and night, seven days a week.
The Reid family then consisted of three older sisters,
Jimmy's mother and father, and Jimmy. Although the house
was small by today's standards, the Reids nonetheless
opened their home to workers in the shipyard. The family
was deeply religious and was closely associated with the
First Christian Church in Bremerton.

Jimmy's mother was fond of telling her friends that the only
time he ran away from home, Jimmy rode his tricycle to the
Church - a distance of nearly two miles - where he turned himself in to the Church Secretary.

A substantial part of Jimmy's formative years involved Church activities. Two of his three sisters married
ministers, and Jimmy was later to spend a year in Seminary preparing for the ministry. He attended
primary school in Bremerton, Coontz Jr. High, and then West High School, where he graduated with
honors in 1961. In addition to being an excellent scholar, Brother Reid enjoyed musical studies as a student
of both the organ and the piano. All of the Reids were singers. Jimmy was no exception, and at one point
he held positions in five choirs: two in the Church, two in the high school, and the Community concert
choir.

Brother Reid entered Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Oregon, in the fall of 1961. The following
year he transferred to Olympic College in Bremerton, where he rejoined many of his former high school
classmates. One of these, Diane Kilker, had been a classmate literally since kindergarten, and by the
following year - December 20, 1963, to be precise - Diane and Jimmy were married. Their union produced
two children, Philip and Jessie. Dr. Philip Reid is a professor of Chemistry at the University of
Washington, and Jessie Harm is a Registered Dietician with the Seventh-day Adventist Hospital in
Portland. Jimmy and Diane have three granddaughters.

Brother Reid began his first career choice with the Department of the Navy at PSNS as a Sheetmetal
Apprentice in 1964. This was his father's trade, and he enjoyed the opportunity to work with his father in
the shop. By 1968, however, his desire to complete his college work took hold, and Jimmy began the
arduous discipline of working at night to support his growing family and attending the University of Puget
Sound in Tacoma during the day. By 1970 he had completed his BA degree, and by 1974, his Masters in
British Literature. About the same time he was selected for an internship in the Shipyard's Industrial





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Relations Office as a Personnel Specialist, a career path which he followed until his retirement in 1997.
Brother Reid was to serve the Department of Defense's Commissary Agency as Chief of Personnel
Operations for personnel matters in Washington, Idaho, and Montana. He received the Meritorious
Civilian Service Award from the Department of Defense at his retirement.
Our Most Worshipful Brother’s Masonic career began in 1988 as the result of his daughter's activities in
the International Order of Rainbow for Girls. Brother Reid's close friend from his church, Worshipful
Brother Chuck Compton, had served as Jessie's Rainbow Dad during her first term as Worthy Advisor.

Two years later several Brethren who worked closely with the Assembly, suggested to Brother Reid that
being a member of the Fraternity would facilitate his involvement with Rainbow. He petitioned Steadfast
Lodge No. 216, and was initiated, passed, and raised in the early and late spring of 1988. He served as
Master of Steadfast for the first time in 1992-93; as Lodge Secretary from 1993 to 1996, and again as
Master in 1998-99. In addition to his many honorary memberships, he also enjoys full membership in Port
Orchard Lodge No. 98, and Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281, where he served as editor of the
Lodge's transactions.

Most Worshipful Brother Milt Benson gave Jimmy his first Grand Lodge appointment as Grand Historian.
He also served Most Worshipful Brother George Jurgich as Grand Orator, and Most Worshipfil Brother
Tom Ehlers and Most Worshipful Brother Carl Smith as Chairman of the Library and Museum Foundation
Committee. He served as a Trustee to the Masonic Retirement Center continuously from 1997 through his
term as Grand Master. Jimmy is also associated with the Bremerton Valley of the Scottish Rite, having
been coroneted 33rd Degree, Inspector General Honorary, in October 1991. He is a member of the
Bremerton York Rite Bodies; the Royal Order of Scotland; Nile Shrine Temple; Tacobat Grotto of
Tacoma; the Masonic Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis; the Scottish Rite Research Society;
the Fort Lewis Chapter of the National Sojourners; the Meriwether Lewis Camp, Heroes of '76; the Knight
Masons; and Reliance Chapter No. 70, OES. Grand Master Reid is the recipient of the Grand Cross of
Color from the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, and the DeMolay Legion of Honor. Most
Worshipful Brother Reid is a member of the Masonic Renewal Committee of the Conference of Grand
Masters of North America. In 2002-2003 he served as Vice Chairman of the Conference of Grand Masters.
He also served on the Imperial Shrine /Masonic Liaison Committee for the Imperial Council of the Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine for North America. Following his tenure as Grand Master her joined the leadership
of Washington DeMolay as Executive Officer.
Brother Jimmy is a strong advocate of long-range planning as a necessary element of the Fraternity's
success in the next several decades. Beginning in the spring of 2000, as Junior Grand Warden, he was
instrumental in developing the strategic plan for the jurisdiction that had begun with Most Worshipful
Brother Bill R. Wood and then developed by Grand Masters Mecartea and Van Zee. Brother Jimmy
attributes this process to the adoption of the Revised Washington Masonic Code, an initiative that surfaced
in the strategic planning process. Brother Jimmy will be remembered for his sense of Masonic history,
particularly that of this Grand Jurisdiction, his talent as an orator, and for being the first Grand Master to
appoint a Grand Piper, in honor of his Scottish heritage. Perhaps the most important quality that elevates
effective leadership is its grasp of the power of vision, a sense that without a vision we may have a future,
but it will not be of our own design. Most Worshipful Brother Reid encouraged us to share his vision and
to make it come alive. We are indebted to his stewardship.




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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Robert L. Van Zee: 2001-2002


Most Worshipful Brother Robert Lester Van Zee was born on
June 8, 1939 in Chariton, Iowa, a small farming community in
the south-central part of the state. Like most small towns in that
area, life revolved around farming. His father delivered fuel to
the farms and young Van Zee accompanied his dad and picked
up an understanding of community values at an early age. The
Van Zee family attended the First Presbyterian Church in
Chariton and he became active in youth group activities. In high
school, he was active in sports including football, basketball,
and track. He also was involved in the high school drama
program, which subsequently turned out to be a good
preparation for his later involvement in Masonry.

Following graduation from high school in 1957 young Van Zee
joined the U.S. Navy. The Navy trained him to be a nuclear reactor technician and power plant operator.
He shipped out to sea aboard the
U.S.S. Ticonderoga and after his tour of duty there he transferred to the Naval Reactor Facility outside
Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he served as an electronics instructor. The Navy returned him to sea duty aboard
the U.S.S. Enterprise in December of 1962.

It was while he was on leave during his transfer that he was Initiated and Passed in his father’s Lodge;
Chariton Lodge No.63, Grand Lodge A.F.& A.M. of Iowa. He was Raised a Master Mason in that Lodge
on March 11, 1964, following his honorable discharge from the Navy. After his tours of duty he transferred
to the Naval Reactor Facility outside Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he served as an electronics instructor.

Soon after, Brother Van Zee enrolled in Central College in Pella, Iowa. After two years there, he
transferred to the University of Iowa where he would graduate in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science Degree
in Occupational Therapy. He also held a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Eastern
Washington University.
While in college, Brother Van Zee married Veda Beem in June of 1965. His career took them to
Minnesota, Washington State, back to Iowa, Nebraska, and then back to Washington State in 1975. During
this time they raised four boys, and the family would grow to include five granddaughters and one
grandson.

Our brother’s professional career included 34 years of service with the federal government. He would
formally retire in 1999, following 23 years at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Spokane. His duties
there included that of Occupational Therapist, Volunteer Service Director, Public Relations Officer,
Health Systems Specialist, and Management Analyst.





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When it looked as if their home in Cheney represented their last career move, Brother Van Zee transferred
his Lodge membership by affiliation to Temple Lodge No. 42. He served as its Master in 1990.
Subsequently, he affiliated with Eastern Washington Lodge of Research No. 310, and Walter F. Meier
Lodge of Research, No. 281. Never a passive member, between Temple Lodge and Eastern Washington
Lodge of Research, Brother Van Zee served in every office except that of Treasurer and Secretary.

Outside of the Blue Lodge, his Masonic affiliations included Past President, Inland Empire Past Masters
Association; Past President, Inland Empire Masters, Wardens, and Secretaries Association; Wise Master,
rd
Knights Rose Croix, Spokane Valley; 33 Degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was a member of Martha
Chapter No.50, Order of Eastern Star; Royal Order of Scotland, Thistle Clan; National Sojourners, Heroes
of “76”; Sadir Khan Grotto, and El Katif Temple, AANOMS. He was also the recipient of the DeMolay
Legion of Honor, and served on the Board of Directors for the Spokane Valley Scottish Rite Childhood
Language Center.

Brother Van Zee served our Grand Lodge in a variety of positions. He was a member of the Masonic
Research and Education Committee, the Public Schools Committee, Deputy of the Grand Master in
District No. 27, Grand Orator, and Grand Lecturer. As Grand Lecturer, he chaired the ad hoc committee
that developed the one-day degree program and served as the Grand Masters oversight person for the
execution of that program.

The story goes that Most Worshipful Tom Ehlers, who appointed Brother Van Zee as Grand Lecturer, did
not really like the idea of One Day Conferrals and was pretty confident that Brother Van Zee would not
be able to put such a program in place in one year. Brother Van Zee looked around to see what other
jurisdictions were doing, and then essentially “stole” the best practices. More importantly, the Craft saw
firsthand that once Robert Lester Van Zee got the vision, he was absolutely unstoppable.

He would place his name in consideration for the office of Junior Grand Warden at the 1998 Annual
Communication, and he was elected with ease.

Upon taking office, he noticed that every Grand Master up to that point would come up with some program
or project that would leave its mark on the jurisdiction. He then would spend the rest of his term selling
that idea for adoption at Grand Lodge. That could get very tough. Sometimes it worked and we got some
good programming. Sometimes it didn’t, and some really good ideas never really made it.

Our Past Grand Master took the innovative approach that it would be smart to ask the Brethren in advance
what they wanted to accomplish, then our programs would be “pre-sold.” Fortunately, this attitude was
happening at a time in our Grand Lodge when other leaders and leaders-to-be were coming very quickly
to the same conclusion. Since this time, strategic planning has been for the most part the order of the day
in the Jurisdiction of Washington.

Pancreatic cancer would claim the life of Most Worshipful Brother Robert Lester Van Zee on July 20,
2011.In his time with us, he would remind us that we needed to focus to clearly understand our hopes and
our destiny. We needed to find comfort in the uncomfortable (some of us remember the “Van Zee Stomp”),
to live in triumph with affliction, and to come to our destination, as he did, with resolve and faith. That
was his gift to the Craft. This Grand Lodge and its members are much the better for Robert Lester Van
Zee having passed our way. He was a great, great Mason who gave us courage when we needed it most.




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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Richard A. Mecartea: 2000-2001


Most Worshipful Brother Richard A. Mecartea was born in Mt.
Vernon on August 9, 1922, to James and Pearl Mecartea. He
shared his childhood with four brothers and three sisters. Our
distinguished Brother attained his early education in the Mt.
Vernon and Marblemount School Systems in Skagit County. He
later moved to Seattle where he graduated from Franklin High
School. During WWII he served in the U.S. Army Field Artillery
and rose to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. His military experience
included serving as an Infantry Artillery Forward Observer in the
South Pacific.

Following his honorable discharge from military service, he
attended the University of Washington and majored in Civil
Engineering. He worked during the summer vacations for a mechanical contractor, and this was the
beginning of his life-long vocation in this field. He held positions as Estimator, Project Supervisor, and
Project Engineer on some significant construction programs, including military projects in Alaska, the
Glen Canyon Dam in Arizona; a natural gas distribution system in Anchorage, Alaska; a five hundred
mile pipeline and related pumping stations in Iran; major hospitals in Seattle - Veterans, Swedish,
Providence, and University of Washington; the major reconstruction of SeaTac International Airport; and
construction of the Boeing Auburn and Everett facilities. Our Brother, upon completing his formal
education at Seattle Community College and Purdue University, taught night school for many years at
Edison Vocational School, Seattle Community College, and Renton Vocational Technical School.

Our brother's Masonic career began June 14, 1957, when he joined Elliott Bay Lodge No. 257, in Seattle
and was enrolled a Master Mason March 4, 1958. After progressing through the Lodge line, he served two
years as Worshipful Master of his Lodge in 1964 and 1965.

His long service in our Grand Lodge began when he was appointed Deputy of the Grand Master for District
No. 5 in 1984 by Most Worshipful Brother Matt Martin. He served continuously in appointed positions
including Grand Lecturer, Grand Marshal, Junior and Senior Grand Deacons, and numerous Committee
positions including Chairman of the Future Planning and By-Laws Committees, until he was elected
Junior Grand Warden in June 1997.

During his tenure as Grand Master he preached a theme of “Shaping the Future” while at the same time
“Improving the Present” by becoming involved in our communities by revealing who we are, what we do,
and what we stand for.
Most Worshipful Brother Dick and his wife, Barbara, celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary during
his year as our Grand Master. They have been blessed with two daughters, Judith and Patricia, four
grandsons, and one granddaughter. Dick and Barbara are very proud of their family. He was active in the



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International Order of Rainbow for Girls during the time his daughters were involved in this young
women's organization. He served as Rainbow Dad on several occasions, was on the Adult Advisory Board
for six years, and Chairman of that Board for three years. In recognition of his dedicated service, he is a
recipient of the Rainbow Grand Cross of Color.

Other Masonic organizations in which he is active are Nile Temple of the Shrine, Royal Order of Scotland,
Angora Grotto, Order of Eastern Star, Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281, and Seattle Valley of
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. He was designated 32° Knight Commander Court of
Honor in Scottish Rite, receiving this distinction in 2001 during the celebration of the 200th Anniversary
of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction. He is also a member of
the National Sojourners and Heroes of '76.

Our Past Grand Master has always been a true student of Freemasonry. He has consistently lived by our
philosophy and worked hard to promote the principles and tenets in his daily life and to others. His years
of skill and experience, and his calm and steady demeanor proved most helpful to each Grand Master he
served. He has always been there to offer his assistance and expertise when needed, and will be long
remembered as a faithful worker and leader in the quarries of Freemasonry.





















































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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Bill R. Wood: 1999-2000


Grand Master Bill R. Wood was born on March 19th, 1944,
in Gassville, Arkansas, a small town on Highway 62
between Harrison and Mountain Home, Arkansas, on the
east side of the White River.

Shortly after he was born Bill’s family moved from
Gassville to Flippin, Arkansas, a larger metropolitan center
seven miles away on the west side of the White River. There
the family ran a dairy farm for the next eight years. In 1952,
Bill’s father changed his vocation to heavy construction. He
helped build the dam at Bull Shoals and then the dam near
Branson, Missouri, and Bill’s Dad worked heavy
construction on hydro-electric projects in Texas, Missouri
and Washington State. Between construction projects the
Wood family returned to Flippin, Arkansas, where Bill
graduated from high school in 1962. Then he came west to
work on Wells Dam in Azwell, Washington, as a cement Mason. For the next sixteen years Bill worked
on numerous reclamation projects, mostly on the Columbia River in Eastern Washington. And the process
he moved to Brewster, Washington.

It was in Brewster that Bill met Sue Dietrich, and in 1964 they were married. Bill and Sue have called
Brewster home for the past 36 years. In 1978, Bill and Sue bought a craft store and flower shop which they
ran until 1986. Their family includes a son and a daughter: Robert Wood, who lives in Selah; and daughter
Tina, who lives in Brewster with children Chris, Brandy, Ellie, and Mac.

Bill Wood was skilled as a cement Mason by the time he became a Speculative Mason in Columbia Lodge,
No. 193, in 1980. Three years later, in 1983, he served as Worshipful Master of his Lodge in Bridgeport.
Subsequently he was elected Treasurer and served as Master a second time. He is presently a member of
Okanogan Lodge, No. 169, and Palestine Lodge, No. 214.
His concern for Masonic Youth activities has always been self evident. He was Rainbow Dad for eleven
years. He served on the Rainbow Advisory Board for ten years, and he has served on the Rainbow Dads
Scholarship Fund for Grand Assembly.

Bill’s activities in Concordant and Appendant Bodies have been extensive. A Past Worthy Patron of
Puritan Chapter, No. 44, Order of Eastern Star, in Bridgeport he is also a member of Okanogan Valley
Chapter, No. 41, Royal Arch Masons; Charles B. Reed Council, No. 14, Royal and Select Masters,
Wenatchee; Columbia Commandery, No. 14, Wenatchee; Valley of Wenatchee, Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry; Okanogan Valley Shrine Club, and El Katif Temple, Ancient Arabic Order
of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.





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In Grand Lodge Bill Wood served on the Youth Committee, Religious Awareness Committee, Housing
Chairman for Arrangements for Grand Lodge. He was appointed Junior Grand Steward, Junior Grand
Deacon, Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 22 for two years, and served as Grand Marshal.

His year as Grand Master was marked by strong, positive leadership, and the Craft responded to him with
affection. Grand Master Bill R. Wood provided that good and wholesome instruction, but more than that,
by his example of Brotherly Love, Charity, and honor he demonstrated what Masonic virtue truly means.
Grand Master at the end of the Twentieth Century, Grand Master Bill R. Wood led the Grand Lodge of
Washington into the Twenty-first Century with confidence in the future of the Craft.




































































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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Carl B. Smith: 1998-1999


Most Worshipful Brother Carl B. Smith was born in Seattle
on January 30,1936. He attended public schools there until
the family moved to Nome and later Kodiak, Alaska, when
his father was transferred. Carl graduated from Kodiak
High School. He then enrolled in the University of
Washington and graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor's
Degree in Civil Engineering.

He immediately joined the Boeing Company where he was
employed as a Weight Engineer. He was subsequently
promoted into Weights Engineering management, where he
remained until his retirement on October 1, 1994. He served
as the Weights Engineering Manager through the original
development of the 767 and 777 airplanes now used
throughout the world. His 37-year career was exemplary.

Shortly following graduation from the University, our brother met Barbara Jean Ray, and they were
married in the following months. They have been blessed with two sons, Duane and Barry, who served as
Master Councilors of their DeMolay Chapter, and a daughter, Brenda, who served as Worthy Advisor of
her Rainbow Assembly.
During his term as Grand Master, he had the honor of presiding when both sons and his son-in-law. Jack
Berryman, become Master Masons during the One Day Conferral Program. He and Barbara also enjoy
four grandchildren.

Carl has certainly been involved in community service activities. For 22 years he volunteered as a Little
League baseball umpire. During these years he was Umpire-in-Chief in two league districts, officiated in
the 1975 Western Regional Tournament, San Bernadino, California, and was selected to umpire in the
1985 Little League World's Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He was Chairman of a Cub Scout
Advisory Board and received recognition for his scouting activities. He volunteered as a DeMolay Dad
Advisor for five years and was Chairman of the Adult Advisory Board for his daughter's Rainbow
Assembly. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve as an Air Defense Officer, Artillery Branch, and was
Honorably discharged with the rank of First Lieutenant.

Our Past Grand Master comes from a Masonic family. His sister, Lois, is a Past Grand Royal Matron,
Order of Amaranth of Washington. His father was a 30-year member of Northern Light Lodge No. 279
(now Northern Light-Ravenna Lodge No. 279), the Lodge into which M.'. W.'. Brother Carl was enrolled
on January 9,1975. He progressed through the offices of this Lodge and Walter F. Meier Lodge of
Research No. 281, and served with distinction as Worshipful Master of both of these Lodges in 1983 and
1995 respectively. He enjoys a Life Membership in both Lodges.



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His service to Grand Lodge began in 1984 when he was appointed to the Long Range Planning Committee.
He served continuously on numerous committees, as Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 4 (2
years). Grand Lecturer, and Grand Marshal, until June 1995 when he was elected Junior Grand Warden.
He would progress through the elected line in the usual fashion, being elected Grand Master at the 1998
Annual Communication.

Most Worshipful Brother Carl B Smith chose "Let Our Light Shine" as his theme. Specifically, to let the
light of Masonry shine so as to increase the visibility of Masonry. To quote from his message to Craft:
“There appears to be a realization that growth comes from the inside and not the outside and that when
we expand who we are, well no longer have to accept what we've got. When we ‘Let Our Light Shine’
our world will expand and society will see that Masonry's purpose is to make men better and thereby make
this world a better place in which to live.


Our Past Grand Master belongs to Seattle Valley of Scottish Rite and Nile Shrine Temple, where he has
rd
fulfilled several leadership roles. Coroneted a 33 Degree Inspector General Honorary, he is presently the
Personal Representative of the SGIG in the Everett Valley. He is a Past Patron of Richmond Court No.
72, Order of Amaranth, and was appointed Grand Prelate, Grand Court Order of Amaranth of Washington.
He is a member of Thistle Clan - Royal Order of Scotland, an Honorary Member of the DeMolay Legion
of Honor, a charter member of Pacific Northwest Chapter No. 534 National Sojourners, and a member of
the Heroes of '76.

The Brethren and Grand Lodge Team members will remember Most Worshipful Carl Smith as a Grand
Master who was always well organized. It was most important to him to assure that his year as our senior
management leader be fully and carefully planned so as to enable the accomplishment of the numerous
objectives he had established for himself and this Grand Lodge.

His leadership qualities, well-honed during his professional career, enabled the Grand Lodge to progress
significantly. His strong interest in the Masonic Retirement Center and his devotion and dedication to the
residents drove him to work especially hard on their behalf. The pleasant and humorous manner in which
he always conducted himself when visiting Lodges, presiding over cornerstone ceremonies or District
meetings, or just having a conversation with a Brother is legend. His proud and unselfish dedication to
our Fraternity, the Brethren, and to his family clearly demonstrate his character. He is a Mason and Grand
Master whose leadership is recognized and whose friendship is cherished.

The Masonic year 1998-1999 is one the Masons of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Washington will long
remember. The Brethren elected Most Worshipful Brother Carl B. Smith as their Grand Master, and he
carried out the duties and responsibilities of his office most efficiently and with zeal.


















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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Thomas C. Ehlers: 1997-1998


Most Worshipful Brother Thomas C Ehlers was born in
LeClaire, Iowa, on November 20, 1935, to Arvid R. and
Roaine Eiiiers. His father worked as an operating engineer
in the construction business, and so while growing up Tom
lived in Arkansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Kansas,
Kentucky, and Minnesota. He graduated from Bettendorf
High School in Bettendorf, Iowa. He entered the United
States Air Force in 1954 and while in the service attended
evening classes at Whitworth College in Spokane,
graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology.

He attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant and retired
with 20 years of service in 1974. His major assignment in
the Air Force was as an instructor in Aviation Physiology,
working in high and low pressure air chambers. He taught
pilots and aircrew members the effects of low pressure on the body and treated medical cases in the high
pressure chamber, where hyperoxygenation of the tissues was used to assist in the medical treatment.

Returning to Spokane, he went to work for the Washington State Department of Transportation as a Safety
Officer and retired in September of 1992 while serving as an Administrative Officer. While at the DOT
he attended evening classes at Eastern Washington University and graduated with a Masters Degree in
Public Administration.

Our Past Grand Master was raised a Master Mason in Medical Lake Lodge No. 102 in 1963, and
immediately became involved in the whole Fraternity. He was Master of Medical Lake Lodge as well as
Secretary and Treasurer and he took an active part in Scottish Rite and Shrine.

He served the Grand Jurisdiction as Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 27, served on the Charity
Committee, and was Grand Orator before being elected Junior Grand Warden in 1994. He would progress
regularly through the elected line until line until his installation as Grand Master in June 1997.

His knowledge of the importance of the ritual to the Fraternity made him the ideal Grand Master to oversee
the implementation of the One-Day Conferral for this Jurisdiction. He would share these words with the
then Grand Lecturer, Robert L Van Zee: "If we are going to do this, it will be done by the book, nothing
will be left out, nothing will be added and there will be no deviations."

Even with his strong belief in the importance of our history and ritual, he understood the necessity for the
Fraternity to move forward. In his Grand Master's address to this body he said; "In order to succeed we
must defeat ourselves. We must defeat our old ideas. We must move forward. We must progress to make
our Fraternity fit for the future. We must leave that which is unworthy of our attention and focus on the




P a g e | 64

important values which tell the world what we believe".

He knew if we each answered the question, "What first gave you the idea that you might want to become
a Mason?", we would be taken back to the foundation of the Fraternity – Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth
shown through the tenants of Faith, Hope and Charity – the important values that tell the world what we
believe. He knew that if each of us could answer that question we could tell the world what we believe
and help others join.

Outside of the Blue Lodge, He was Past Venerable Master of the Spokane Lodge of Perfection before
becoming Personal Representative in the Valley of Spokane. He was coroneted 33° Inspector General
Honorary in November 1981. A member of the Scottish Rite Funeral Team, he performed in over 100
funerals. He also directed the establishment of the Spokane Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language
Disorders. After completing his term as Grand Master, he moved to the Seattle area where he became the
Secretary of the Valley of Seattle.
His activities whether in Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite, or Shrine always centered on the ritual. He took many
parts in the degrees of both the Blue Lodge and Scottish Rite, and was a member of the Actors Unit for El
Katif Shrine where he performed the role of the Potentate for many years.

In his final appointment to this Grand Jurisdiction as Chairman of the Jurisprudence Committee, he helped
the Craft through the difficult transition of moving this Jurisdiction from one century to another, from one
way to meet the needs of our members to another, and from one way to serve our communities to another.

Most Worshipful Brother Thomas C Ehlers was called from labor on October 2, 2002.











































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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ George S. Jurgich: 1996-1997


Most Worshipful Brother George Simovich Jurgich was born
in Silverdale on April 4, 1923. His parents came to the United
States from the country of Montenegro, which is now a
province of Yugoslavia. His father came to the Northwest to
work in the woods as a tree faller on the Kitsap County
Peninsula. He lost his life in a logging accident, leaving his
widow at eighteen years of age with two children, Zorka and
George, both under two years of age.

When George was three years old, his mother remarried and
moved to Kent where the children grew up bearing the name of
her new husband. When George was drafted in World War II,
the man he knew as his dad told him about his biological father.
George replied, "You are the only father I have ever known,
and this changes nothing about how I feel about you." The strength of character and decisiveness that is
the hallmark of George Jurgich's life was fashioned in that close-knit community, tempered by adversity
and sustained by his deep and abiding faith as a member of the Orthodox Church.

Having served in the European Theater in the Third Army under General Patton, George emerged from
World War II with a staff sergeant's stripes and memories that come from combat, but the difficulties of
war were forgotten quickly in the company of his beautiful wife Violet. They met in Seattle and George
was struck by her classic beauty, but even more he appreciated her brilliance, her keen intelligence, and
her serene confidence. They were married in 1944. Their union produced two beautiful daughters, Diana
(who married George G. Plumis and presented George and Vi with grandchildren Theodore and Gregory
Plumis) and Georgia (who married C. Blair Leckie and added Andrew and Alice Elizabeth Leckie to the
family).

George Jurgich was made a Mason in Maritime Lodge No. 239 in 1955. His first lodge appointment was
as Chaplain and he held every successive office culminating in his election as Worshipful Master in 1964.
Most Worshipful Brother Audley Mahaffey appointed him Grand Junior Steward in 1967; Most
Worshipful Brother Matt Martin appointed him Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 4 in 1984, and
he was reappointed by Most Worshipful Brother Warren Gilbert, Jr., in 1986.

He served on numerous Grand Lodge Committees, including instituting the planned giving to the
Endowment Fund Program for the Masonic Retirement Center. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in
1993 and Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of
Washington in 1996.






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In addition to his Grand Lodge activities, Most Worshipful Brother Jurgich was a member of the Valley
of Seattle, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry; Seattle Chapter No. 3, Royal Arch Masons
of Washington; Walter F. Meier Council No. 22, Royal and Select Masters of Washington; Seattle
Commandery No. 2, Knights Templar of Washington; the Grotto; St. Albans Conclave, Red Cross of
Constantine; Thistle Clan, Royal Order of Scotland; Allied Masonic Degrees; Honorary Member,
Supreme Council, International Order of DeMolay; Court No. 52, Royal Order of Jesters; and Nile
Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. George served as Illustrious Potentate
of Nile Shrine in 1991. He is an honorary life member of numerous lodges in this and other jurisdictions.
He received the Grand Master's Achievement Award in November 1991 from Most Worshipful Brother
James R. Vannice. He was awarded the Certificate of Appreciation from the Masonic Service Association
of North America, as well as numerous other awards of appreciation.
Professionally, he was involved in the beverage industry until 2000, when the family-owned distributing
company in Everett, Riverside Beverage, was sold. In their retirement, George and Vi traveled between
their homes in Edmonds and Palm Springs.

A community activist, our Brother served as president of the Greenwood Kiwanis Club, president of the
Shoreline Library Board at its inception, and was instrumental in establishing the Innis Arden Swimming
Pool. He was a charter member of the Serbian Hall and the American Serbian Heritage Association.

A devout Orthodox Christian, he was a member of Holy Apostles Mission Parish in Kenmore and St.
Raphael Church in Palm Springs, CA. He was also a member of St. Demetrios, where he served two three-
year terms on the of parish council. He served a three-year term on the Board of Directors of the All Saints
Center on Raft Island.

Our Most Worshipful Brother stood among that select circle of men who have achieved distinction by
merit alone and whose rise to eminence was unmarred by pride and whose life was been marked by selfless
service. Beloved and respected, a tireless worker in support of any activity whose aim is the relief of
suffering or the extension of learning. Grand Master George Jurgich was one to whom the distressed
turned with every expectation that their cause would be heard and their situation addressed, and their trust
was well founded.
Most Worshipful Brother George Simovich Jurgich was called from labor on March 13, 2002.



























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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Glen P. Stedman: 1995-1996


Most Worshipful Brother Glen Preston Stedman was born
March 21, 1930 in Dayton to Reuben and Beulah Bruce
Stedman, early day settlers in Columbia County. Brother
Stedman shared a home with five brothers on the family farm.
His grandfather, Preston Stedman, was an early day member of
Dayton Masonic Lodge.

Our Brother attended elementary and high school in Dayton
and, in 1948, enlisted in the U.S. Navy. In his Naval career he
served as a Baker, Firefighter, Boatswain's Mate, and Fire
Control Technician. His highest enlisted grade was Chief Fire
Control Technician (Senior Grade), and Lieutenant USN
Limited Duty Surface Ordnance, as a Commissioned Officer.
During his 26-year career he served on two Aircraft Carriers,
one Battleship (T.A.D.), one Guided Missile Cruiser, two Destroyers, and three Destroyer Tenders. His
last duty station was the Naval Ammunition Depot in Hawthorne, Nevada. He retired from the Navy on
November 1, 1972.

While on leave from the Navy, Brother Stedman married Marilyn K. "Molly" Ashley, on August 14, 1955.
They had two children, a son, Gregory Bruce, and a daughter, Michelle Marie, and eight grandchildren.
Molly was a real partner, sharing in the many absences and inconveniences from their home, and had to
forego her career with the Dayton School system in order to travel with our Past Grand Master.

After his Naval career he graduated from Walla Walla Community College with an Associates of Arts
Degree. In 1974 he was elected as County Commissioner for Columbia County, and served in this position
until 1986. He was elected Columbia County Hospital Commissioner, serving in that capacity from 1989
until 1995. In 1991, he served as a District Judge in Columbia County, and in 1993 was appointed as
Municipal Judge of Waitsburg. His varied career included 20 years as an insurance agent, from 1975 until
1995.
Glen Preston Stedman was raised in Palos Verdes Lodge No. 384, in Long Beach, California, on October
24, 1968. He affiliated with Dayton Lodge No. 26 on May 27, 1974. He was Worshipful Master of Dayton
Lodge in 1978, High Priest of Dayton Chapter No. 5, R.A.M., in 1990; Worthy Patron of Rainbow Chapter
No. 2, O.E.S., on multiple occasions. In 1981 he was elected Secretary of Dayton Lodge, a position he
held for 24 years. On February 22, 1983, he associated with the Scottish Rite, Walla Walla Valley. On
March 3, 1983, he took the Commandary Degrees of York Rite and, on March 23, 1993, the Council
Degrees of York Rite. In 1988 he joined the Red Cross of Constantine as well as becoming a member of
the Shrine. On July 19, 1990 he became a plural member in Eastern Washington Lodge of Research, No.
310, and on February 15, 1993, was installed Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection in Walla Walla.




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On November 11, 1995, he was Coroneted Inspector General, Honorary 33rd Degree at Seattle.

Our Brother’s Grand Lodge tour began with his appointment as Deputy of the Grand Master in District
No. 24 for 1983-1984, and again in 1987. In 1988, he was a member of the Masonic Home Endowment
Committee. In 1989-1990, he served as Grand Chaplain and in 1990-1991 was appointed Grand Bible
Bearer, and in 1991-1992 was a member of the Jurisprudence Committee.
His elective Grand Lodge offices began in June, 1992, when he was elected Junior Grand Warden. He
would progress through the elected line in the usual fashion, being elected Grand Master at the 1995
Annual Communication in Wenatchee.

Throughout his tenure as Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Stedman addressed business related
issues dealing with future funding needs, the Masonic Retirement Center, and board governance. His
focus, however was on the lodges. This was evident in his theme: “Strengthen Our Lodges, The Ties That
Bind”. In his message to the Craft, M⸫W⸫ Brother Stedman shared these words: “As a Fraternity we
certainly have membership and financial needs but the ultimate driving force must be our Masonic Tenets
and Masonic Principles.”

Most Worshipful Brother Glen Preston Stedman remained an active participant in his lodge and Grand
Lodge until he passed to the Celestial Lodge above on April 17, 2005.


















































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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Milton R. Benson: 1994-1995


Most Worshipful Grand Master Milton Ray Benson was born
August 31, 1926, in Seattle. In 1933, his family moved to
Tacoma where he attended school until 1944, when his family
moved to Bremerton. He graduated from Bremerton High
School and enlisted in the Navy but a childhood ear infection
had left with a punctured eardrum from the then current
treatment for mastoiditis and the Navy turned him down. He
thereupon enlisted in the United States Merchant Marine and
sailed the North Pacific and Alaska waters for the next three
years, serving as a radio operator.

When his tour of duty in the Merchant Marine ended. Brother
Benson returned to the Kitsap Peninsula area where he attended
Olympic College in Bremerton before transferring to the
University of Washington, He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1951.
The young engineer was hired by Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company and spent the next three years
working in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In J 954, he returned to the Pacific Northwest and began a career with
the Boeing Aircraft Company which lasted thirty-three years. Following his retirement from Boeing in
1989, he founded a successful engineering consulting firm.

In 1946, Brother Benson met Lyla Carlson and they were married in August of 1947. Milton and Lyla
Benson became the parents for three girls and two boys. The family was always involved with Masonry.

Most Worshipful Brother Benson became a Master Mason on June 7, 1962, in Ark Lodge, No, 126, and
served as its Worshipful Master in 1971. He received his first Grand Lodge appointment in 1972 as Senior
Grand Steward and has served as a Grand Lodge officer, Deputy of the Grand Master, or Committeeman
for the next eighteen years. His service included one year each as Grand Lecturer and Grand Historian
and two years as Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 6.
Testimony to Most Worshipful Brother Benson's Masonic accomplishments were the numerous
responsibilities he took on and the honors the Grand Lodge and Concordant Bodies have showered upon
him. He became a Royal Arch Mason in Amity Chapter, No. 53, on March 23, 1972. He served as High
Priest of that Chapter in 1976. Thereafter he held a number of appointive offices in Grand Chapter of
Royal Arch Masons of Washington including that of District Deputy for the Grand High Priest. He served
as the Most Excellent High Priest of Royal Arch Masons of Washington in 1985-86. He was also a Past
Illustrious Master of Seattle Council No. 6, Royal and Select Masters of Washington, Past Eminent
Commander of Rainier Commandery No. 28, Knight Templar of Washington; Past Sovereign Master,
Chinook Council No. 77, Allied Masonic Degrees; Past Father Noah, Puget Sound Lodge No 5, Royal
Ark Mariners; Past Governor, Rainier College No. 54, Sovereign York Rite College of North America;




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Knight Regent and Purple Cross, York Rite Sovereign College of North America; Knight Commander,
KCCH, Valley of Tacoma, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry; Afifi Temple, Ancient
Arabic Nobles of the Order of the Mystic Shrine; a member of the Afifi Shrine Brass Band, and Royal
Order of Jesters, Court No. 104.

Brother Benson was also a member of the Missouri Lodge of Research; Southern California Lodge of
Research; Thistle Clan, Royal Order of Scotland; St Alban's Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine; Walter
F. Meier Lodge of Research, No. 281; Meriweather Lewis Chapter, National Sojourners; the Heroes of
'76, and the Philatethes Society.

Most Worshipful Brother Milton Ray Benson was a man who truly lives his Masonry and has served the
Craft with devotion and honor. He was called from labor on December 12, 2011.































































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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Ken Robinson: 1993-1994


Most Worshipful Brother Ken Robinson was born in Yakima
on December 5, 1928 to Earl and Elice Robinson. He shared a
lovely home with two brothers and one sister. His father was a
longtime member of Mount Adams Lodge No. 227.
Our Brother attended school and graduated from Yakima High
School (now Davis High) in 1947. He joined Yakima Chapter
of DeMolay in 1945 and eventually served as Master Councilor
of the Chapter. He enrolled in the University of Washington in
the fall of 1947 and graduated with a Degree in Business
Administration in 1951. Immediately following graduation,
because of a Naval Reserve commitment, he was called to
active duty and served as a Radarman Petty Officer aboard the
USS Marshall, in Korea for 20 months before being honorably
discharged after completion of his tour of duty.

Brother Robinson returned home and accepted a position with the telephone company in Ellensburg.
During the two years he lived there, he met his future wife, Charlene Marie Rhodes, and they were married
on April 2, 1955. Shortly after their marriage Brother Ken and Charlene moved to Anacortes where he
joined Shell Oil Company as a Personnel Administrator at the refinery.
During his tenure in Anacortes, Brother Ken and Charlene were blessed with the birth of a son, Jon, and
a daughter, Kristi. Ken was one of the founding members of a Jaycees Chapter in that city, and later served
as a State Vice President of that organization. He and Charlene were involved in numerous Jaycees and
community activities.

In 1960, Brother Robinson petitioned Fidalgo Lodge No. 77. He was initiated an Entered Apprentice on
September 27, 1960, a Fellowcraft on November 1, 1960, and a Master Mason on December 6, 1960. He
passed his proficiency on the Master Mason Degree on January 10, 1961.

In August, 1961, Brother Robinson accepted employment as a Personnel Manager with the Boeing
Company, and the family moved to Edmonds. His employment was continuous with Boeing until he
retired on March 1, 1992, while serving in an Executive Personnel position in the company headquarters,
to devote more time to Masonic activities.

Brother Robinson became a plural member of Occidental Lodge No. 72, in Ballard in May 1975, and in
December of that year was appointed Chaplain. He progressed through the chairs and was elected
Worshipful Master in 1981. To all who know him from the beginning of his membership in Occidental, it
was obvious that he had true leadership ability. The members gladly followed his leadership as he
progressed through the line, and many suggestions for improvement in the Lodge were instituted by him.




P a g e | 72

As Worshipful Master, he wrote and implemented a detailed list of duties for each officer, and gave each
goals to strive for and suggestions for improvement of the Lodge.

While serving as Worshipful Master, Brother Ken received his first Grand Lodge appointment to the new
Youth Committee, which replaced the former DeMolay Committee. He served continuously in Grand
Lodge appointments, including Committee chairmanships, Deputy of the Grand Master, Grand Chaplain,
and Grand Lecturer, until he was elected as Junior Grand Warden in June, 1990. He then, of course,
th
progress through the elected line and was elected Grand Master at the 136 Annual Communication in
Pasco in June 1993. Our Most Worshipful Brother Ken and Charlene traveled extensively together
throughout the years that he served our Grand Lodge. Charlene was a helping and generous companion
during these busy times.

He was a strong proponent of Masonic Renewal and was a member of the National Masonic Renewal
Committee of North America for several years. His dedication and competent grasp of what problems
exist in Masonry gave others reasons to work harder in helping solve problems and make us all want to
give more time, effort, and energy to our Masonry. An inspired leadership inspires his officers and the
members to achieve more, and during Most Worshipful Brother Ken’s term of office, many Masons gave
the extra effort for their Lodges and Grand Lodge because of his leadership.

In his address to the brethren, he shared these words: “Freemasonry is an old and venerable Fraternity
based upon solid and upstanding principles – Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love. Our nation and
world needs the principles we believe in. Our Fraternity today is undergoing change, as it has for centuries.
Change is a necessary ingredient for success. We must adapt to societal changes if we are to continue as
a force in our communities. Those who say no changes are necessary might recall the demise of the buggy
whip when horses were no longer the primary means of transportation.”

“Change is honorable and occurs in all things we do. Why shouldn’t it occur in Freemasonry? If it is
carefully planned, controlled, and does not compromise our basic principles, then adaptation to man’s
interests and desires is honorable.”
Brother Robinson was active in Seattle Valley of Scottish Rite, having held the rank of 32nd Degree
rd
Knight Commander Court of Honor and being subsequently coroneted a 33 Degree Inspector General
Honorary. He was awarded the DeMolay Legion of Honor in 1984. In addition to his life membership in
Occidental Lodge No.72, and Fidalgo Lodge No.77, he was a member of Walter F. Meier Lodge of
Research No.281, Nile Shrine, and held an honorary membership in several lodges in Washington and
British Columbia. He was a member of V. Adm. Homer N. Wallin Chapter No.40 National Sojourners,
Angora Grotto, a life member of Ballard Chapter No.26, Royal Arch Masons, and enjoyed membership
in the Red Cross of Constantine and Allied Masonic Degrees.
Our Most Worshipful Brother was called from labor on October 24, 2013.















P a g e | 73

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ George T. Leslie: 1992-1993


Most Worshipful Brother George Thomas Leslie was born in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 30, 1930. Our Brother lived
in a number of villages and towns during his early and pre-teen
years. When his father changed jobs to work at Westinghouse
Airbrake Corporation, the family moved into a home in Turtle
Creek, Pennsylvania, which was to become the family home for
many years. Brother Leslie graduated from the local high
school in 1948. Very shortly afterward, he moved to Los
Angeles, California.

At the advent of the Korean Conflict, he enlisted in the United
States Coast Guard, and after training in electronics he was sent
to the Pacific Northwest. Following a period of sea duty, he
transferred to the Coast Guard Air Station at Port Angeles. It
was in Port Angeles that he met Brother Ray P. Dwier and petitioned Port Angeles Lodge, No. 69, where
he was subsequently Initiated, Passed, Raised and became a member of that Lodge. Brother Leslie had
been a DeMolay in Pennsylvania, so petitioning a Masonic Lodge was always in his mind.

After discharge from the service Brother Leslie decided to go back to school. He returned to California -
again to the Los Angeles area. One semester at a local community college was enough! Brother Leslie
returned to the Pacific Northwest he had come to love, enrolled at the University of Washington during
which time he met and married Judy DeRousie. The union produced a daughter, Kelly, born in 1957, and,
in due course, gave George & Judy two grandchildren, Zachary Thomas and Malika Annette.

He completed his undergraduate education and went to Port Angeles to teach for the next eleven years.
Brother Leslie spent summers during his college years as National Park Ranger in Olympic National Park.
Several of his supervisors were Masons and were an inspiration to him. He continued this work both as a
summer ranger and as a special assignment ranger until 1961 when his graduate studies required all his
energies.
Having completed graduate and post graduate studies. Brother Leslie moved to Tacoma where he
remained since 1969 as a faculty member and administrator at Fort Steilacoom Community College, later
renamed. Pierce College. He would retire in 1991.

In 1971 Brother Leslie affiliated with Steilacoom Lodge No. 2, and served as Worshipful Master in 1976.
He also obtained plural membership in Mt. Tahoma Lodge No. 190, where he served as Worshipful Master
in 1984, at the same time serving as Grand Orator for Most Worshipful Brother Jefferson J. Ensworth. He
was also a member of Walter F., Meier Lodge No. 281.

He was a member of the York Rite Bodies of Tacoma, the Valley of Tacoma Scottish Rite, Director of




P a g e | 74

the Scottish Rite Foundation for the Valley of Tacoma, and a member of the Afifi Temple of the Shrine.
He has served as Secretary for Pacific Counsel No. 30, Allied Masonic Degrees, and was also a member
of the Royal Ark Mariners and the Royal Order of Scotland. He served as DeMolay Dad at Sequim and
Port Angeles and served for a number of years on the Grand Executive Board of Washington and Idaho
International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and served as Rainbow Dad for Acacia Assembly No. 154
in Steilacoom. He was a member, along with Judy, of Cedar Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star.

His career in Grand Lodge began in 1977 when he was appointed Grand Chaplain for Most Worshipful
Brother James O. Wood. In succession thereafter he served as Chairman of the Public Schools Committee,
as Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 15, as a member of the Code Commission, the Fraternal
Relations Committee, and as Chairman of the Museum and Library Committee. In that latter capacity he
left an ineradicable impact on the affairs of this Grand Lodge. It was in this position that he brought his
experience as Director of Libraries at Pierce College.

George Thomas Leslie was elected Junior Grand Warden at Grand Lodge in Spokane in 1989. He would
progress regularly through the elected line, and serve as Grand Master for the Masonic year 1992 - 1993.

In his report to the Craft at the 1993 Annual Communication, our Past Grand Master shared these words:
There are a number of active and successful Lodges. They have built their "tradition" over many years of
activity and hard work. They tend to be Lodges with dynamic leadership. They tend to be Lodges which
will not tolerate sloppy ritual or badly conducted meetings. They tend to be Lodge which have a good
time and foster activities which involve the members' family.
This still rings true today.

Most Worshipful Brother George Thomas Leslie was called from labor on May 4, 2011. Perhaps our Most
Worshipful Brother was best remembered by the words of the Grand Chaplain at the Annual
Communication of which Brother Leslie presided – “We were promised that a master builder and
celebrated craftsman would knock at the east gate of Masonry. These promises were fulfilled in the person
and character of George Thomas Leslie. He is a man of unquestionable honor, a man of intellect and a
man with a clarity of vision. He is a caring and thoughtful man and as such, he is held in high regard by
his fellows and friends, a true friend of man."





























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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ James R. Vannice: 1991-1992


Most Worshipful Brother James Rodney “Jim” Vannice was
born July 16, 1922 to Merwin and Grace Vannice near Lewiston,
Idaho. For a time, the family lived near Clarkston, WA; the
Willamette Valley in Oregon; Reubens, ID; Clarkston, WA; and
on to Westport, Oregon, where Jim graduated from high school.
On July 9, 1941, Jim made a choice to enlist in the U.S. Navy.
Following boot camp in San Diego, he was assigned to NAS
Sand Point in Seattle. With the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl
Harbor, school was cut short and Jim was sent to NAS Kodiak,
AK.

1944 saw new orders back to NAS Sand Point and then
transferred to NAAS Arlington, WA. While in Arlington, he met
the love of his life, Ethel Robertson and four months later they were married.

The next duty assignment was NAS Anacostia, near Washington D.C. and son James Jr. joined the family.
Jim had attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer and decided to leave the Navy in 1947. The family settled
at Lake McMurray, building their first home. Employment was very poor and Jim soon came to the
realization he needed to reenlist.

He was assigned to the last PBY (Catalina) squadron at NAS Whidbey. His next rotation was to the P2V
(Neptune) squadron, VP-4 and deployments to the Western Pacific. He then rotated to VAH-2, a new
squadron fleeting up with the new A3D (Skywarrior) aircraft. During this time, daughter Jacqueline
"Jackie" was born.

In 1956, Jim received notification he had been selected to be commissioned as an Ensign in the Limited
Duty Officer (LDO) program. He was assigned to NAS Whidbey and VAH-4, followed by a tour on the
Comfairwhidbey Staff as A3 Maintenance Officer. His next orders were to VAH-123 as Maintenance
Control Officer.
In 1966, Jim reported to Atsugi, Japan and in 1969, received his last assignment with Staff
Comfairwhidbey as the A-6 Maintenance Officer. On August 1, 1971, Jim retired from the Navy with 30
years of service, a veteran of WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War with the rank of Commander (O-
5). Following retirement, Jim and Ethel set out on their first major civilian adventure, commercial fishing
off Neah Bay and LaPush, which lasted nine years.

The Masonic Fraternity became a very important part of Jim's Life. In 1953, he joined the Mt. Baker
Lodge No. 36, serving as Master in 1980. Jim was also a member of the Whidby Island Lodge #14,
Garfield Lodge #41, Kettle Falls Lodge #130, Hermanos del arte Lodge #314, Walter F. Meier Lodge of





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Research #150, Grand Mound Historic Lodge #3, and Bannack Historic Lodge #3-7-77 in Montana. He
was a member of the Scottish Rite bodies, holding the rank of 33rd degree honorary, a member of the
York Rite bodies, Nile Shrine, National Sojourners Chapter No. 40, and Heroes of ’76. He was also a
proud recipient of the Honorary Legion of Honor from the Order of DeMolay. Outside of Freemasonry,
Jim was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Oak Harbor. He was also a former member of
the Board of Trustees of Whidbey Federal Credit Union and a City of Oak Harbor Planning Commission.

He was privileged to serve as Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 9 from 1985-1987. After serving
in several appointed Grand Lodge positions, Jim was elected Junior Grand Warden at the 1988 Annual
Communication. He would progress through the elected chairs and be installed as Grand Master in June
1991.

Fondly known as the “Bald Eagle”, our Most Worshipful Brother chose the theme “Soar to Great Heights”.
It was intended that this theme might inspire Masons throughout the Jurisdiction to carry the banner of
Freemasonry to new heights, and to make our Fraternity better known to all mankind.

Jim cared deeply about the welfare and condition of our Craft. In his address to the brethren at the 1992
Annual Communication, he shared these words:

Surely, numbers and totals are important. But, is this where our greatest concern should lie, in numbers.
In quantity? I think not. It is my contention that we as a total Fraternity, that we as the complete body of
Freemasonry should be concerned with quality. Quality of character, quality of knowledge, quality of our
charities, quality of our actions as Freemasons in the work place, in our communities, our homes, our
places of worship and in our Lodges. Yes, numbers, quantities are important. Numbers and quantities
without substance, without quality will not, cannot enhance the status of Freemasonry. Numbers, quantity
alone without Imparting and Instilling the beauties and philosophies of Masonry in each member will not
generate long term success and recognition for our cause.

Most Worshipful Brother James Rodney "Jim" Vannice was called to be with the Lord on December 16,
2012, surrounded by his family.
































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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Sidney Kase: 1990-1991


Most Worshipful Sidney Kase was born July 8, 1922 in New York
City in what would be called poverty. These were difficult times
in the history of our nation and most likely served to strengthen
young Sid’s will to excel in order to survive or to despair over
prospects for the future. He was a studious reader, seeking
knowledge in the sciences, particularly in the field of medicine. He
graduated from Stuyvesant High School, a science high school
with admission by competitive examination, in the top 10% of his
class, and was accepted into City College of New York.

The United States became involved in World War II, and Sid was
drafted. He chose the medics and became intimately acquainted
with litters, wards, and bed pans (the filling and emptying of
same). After a twisted and tortuous path in the military, trying without success to get into medical school
and, exhibiting the tenacity which became his trademark, he was given a special honorary discharge and
was offered a spot at Chicago Medical School. After 4 years of medical schooling and one year of
internship at County Hospital in San Bernardino, California (all without a good night's sleep), he received
his shingle as a bona fide, long sought, "Doctor of Medicine".

The light of his life, Loretta (Lori) did him the honor of becoming his wife, and he started practice in
Antioch, California, all without the benefit of penny-one. They moved to Truckee, California, and were
enjoying it immensely when the Korean War broke out and Sid was again eligible for the draft. This time
Sid joined the Navy and served on three different troop transports as Senior Medical Officer. Upon being
discharged he found himself eligible to receive benefits from the G.I. Bill. Taking advantage of this, he
entered into a four-year residency program training as a surgeon. Upon completion of this residency, he
started practice in Shelton. Their next move was to Puyallup where they dropped anchor and he practiced
surgery until 1985, after which he continued as a general practitioner. He finished his medical career as
Wards Physician at Western State Hospital in Steilacoom where he remained until retirement in 1991.

To raise a family and practice Medicine at the same time would seem to be more than a full time job.
However, Most Worshipful Sid found time for other worthwhile endeavors; i.e., his beloved Craft,
Freemasonry.

His Masonic career began when he petitioned Corinthian Lodge No. 38. He was initiated as an Entered
Apprentice on January 8, 1970; passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft Mason on February 12,1970; and
Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on April 9, 1970. He served his Lodge as Worshipful
Master in 1978.
Prior to his election as Junior Grand Warden in June 1987, our Most Worshipful Brother served Grand
Lodge as a Trustee of the Masonic Home and as a member of the Masonic Home Endowment Committee.



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He was appointed Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 13 from 1982-1984, then as Grand Lecturer
and as Grand Orator.

Most Worshipful Brother Kase was very active in most all of the appendant and concordant bodies. His
activities included service in the Tacoma Bodies of Scottish Rite as Master of the Consistory and
Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection. He was awarded the Knight Commander Court of Honor,
and subsequently coroneted 33rd Degree Inspector General Honorary in October, 1987.

In the York Rite he was a Past High Priest of Tacoma Chapter No. 4, Past Eminent Commander of Ivanhoe
Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar; a member of Olympia Council No. 15, Royal and Select Masters
and of Washington Chapter No. 23, York Rite College. He was Past Sovereign Master of Pacific Council
No. 30, of Allied Masonic Degrees and Past Noah of Royal Ark Mariners.

A member of Nile Temple of the Shrine, Most Worshipful Brother Kase was made an Honorary Life
Member of Nile Temple in 1991. He is Past Royal Patron of the Amaranth and Past Patron of the Order
of the Eastern Star. Kase was a member of the Red Cross of Constantine and the National Sojourners and
Heroes of '76. He was also awarded the DeMolay Legion of Honor (Honorary).

His interest in Masonic Research and Education has led to his membership In a number of Research
Lodges in this country as well as in Canada, Australia, and France as well as a corresponding member of
Quator Coronati. He served as Worshipful Master of Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281, in 1983,
and served as the Dean of the College of Masonic Knowledge sponsored by that Lodge. He was also a
member of the Philalethes Society and authored a number of articles and publications.

His good humor and incisive, yet wise, decisions guided the 134th Annual Communication to a
harmonious close that left each Brother with the feeling that "his Jurisdiction" had been entrusted to a
good pair of hands. Most Worshipful Brother Sid's irrepressible, pixi-ish sense of humor stood him in
good stead, as it has throughout the 1990-91 Masonic year.

Most Worshipful Brother Sidney Kase, MD, was called from labor on November 10, 2008.

































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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ William R. Miller: 1989-1990


Most Worshipful Brother William (Bill) R. Miller was born
November 2, 1935, and attended schools in Seattle, Kansas City,
and Sioux City where he graduated from high school. He received
a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Administration from Iowa
State University, and shortly thereafter began employment with
Boeing. After a nearly 38-year career with this storied company,
he retired from his position as a Facilities Resource Manager in
July 1994.

Bill married Maralyn Edwards, his high school sweetheart, on
October 12, 1957, in Knoxville, Tennessee. In 1959, son Brian
was born and in 1963, daughter Katie was welcomed into the
family. Brian graduated from Eastern Washington University, and
in 1983 married fellow Eastern alum, Shelley Lanier. They have three boys, Jeremy, Kyle, and Brandon.
Katie a cum laude graduate of Whitworth College of Spokane has one son, Colin Ancel.

The Millers are a truly Masonic family. In addition to Bill’s numerous Masonic activities, Maralyn is a
charter member of Pyramid Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, a majority Rainbow member, and a recipient
of the Rainbow Grand Cross of Color. Son Brian is a Past Master Councilor of Federal Way Chapter,
Order of DeMolay, and earned the Representative DeMolay Award. A Senior member of Morningside
DeMolay, Bill was on the Advisory Board of Federal Way DeMolay from 1963 to 1976, serving as Dad
Advisor for the last three years. In 1973, he received the Legion of Honor and served as Dean of the
Tacoma LOH Preceptory in 1983. He holds the Zerubbabel Key for helping to organize Federal Way
Chapter. Brian’s sons would continue the family tradition, and joined DeMolay. Daughter Katie is a Past
Worthy Advisor of Pyramid Assembly, Order of the Rainbow for Girls. She was Grand Representative of
Connecticut and received the Grand Cross of Color.

It should be of no surprise that Bill’s resume includes extensive service to his community. He is a member
of Marine View Presbyterian Church; Association of Washington Generals, (Board of Directors 1985-
1988); Boeing Management Association, 1962-present; Federal Way Foundation Board of Directors,
1988-90; Federal Way Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Month, March, 1981; Federal Way School
Board 1975-1986, serving three terms as president; National School Boards Association Federal Relations
Network representative 1983-86, Delegation chairman 1986; Selective Service Local Board No. 12, Vice-
Chairman 1981-2001.

Our brother began his Masonic career in Queen Anne Lodge No. 242, in Seattle, where he was enrolled
March 12, 1959. He immediately dimitted to Pyramid Lodge, U.D., in Federal Way where he and Maralyn
had bought their first home. He was appointed Chaplain in the renamed Thornton F. McElroy Lodge No.
302 in 1960, and progressed through the chairs to Worshipful Master in 1966 – an office that he would




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again hold 50 years later. During his initial journey to the East, Bill was active in the officers associations,
serving as President of the Tacoma / Pierce County Junior Warden's Club 1964; Master's & Warden's
Association 1966, and Past Master's Association 1983. Bill’s other Blue Lodge affiliations include plural
membership in Frank S. Land Lodge No. 313 in Des Moines and Glacier Lodge No. 10 in Anchorage,
AK, as well as membership in the Southern California Research Lodge. He is also a Charter Life Member
of Pacific Rim Lodge No. 12, Vladivostok, Siberia, Russia.

Bill has been a constant seeker of Masonic Light. He joined the Tacoma Scottish Rite Bodies in 1966
where he has served as Venerable Master, Wise Master, Commander and Venerable Master of Kadosh of
the Tacoma Consistory. He was elected a Knight Commander Court of Honor in 1973 and Coroneted a
Thirty-third Degree Inspector General, Honorary, in 1985. He would be appointed Personal
Representative of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General for the Orient of Washington, 1990-1992;
Deputy of the Supreme Council in 1993; and elected & crowned Sovereign Grand Inspector General for
the Orient of Washington in October 1993. He would faithfully serve in this capacity for twenty years, the
final three as Grand Minister of State.

Bill’s numerous Masonic affiliations also include serving as Recorder, Puget Sound Lodge No. 5, Royal
Ark Mariner; Senior Warden, Pacific Council No. 30, Allied Masonic Degrees; Viceroy, St. Alban
Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine; Chieftain, Thistle Clan, Royal Order of Scotland; and as a sideline
member of Tacoma Chapter No. 4, Royal Arch Masons; Tacoma Council No. 1, Royal and Select Masters;
Ivanhoe Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar; Afifi Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., Prove Guard; Tacoma Court
No. 104, Royal Order of Jesters; and Ft. Lewis Chapter No. 89, National Sojourners, Inc. He is a member
of Supreme Magnus College, S.R.I.C.F.; Great Chief's Council No. 0, Knight Masons; and is a Fellow of
the Grand College of Rites of the U.S.A. He was recently inducted into the Rainier York Rite College No.
54, and honored with the Order of the Purple Cross of the York Rite Sovereign College.

Bill and Maralyn are charter and twenty-five years members of Pyramid Chapter, Order of Eastern Star.
He served as Worthy Patron with his mother, Mary Figg, for the year 1969-70. In 1985 he affiliated with
Glacier Lodge, No. 10, Anchorage, Alaska.

Appointments in Grand Lodge began in 1966 to Segregation and Reference; 1967, Chairman, Charters
and New Lodges; and the Committee on Arrangements, 1973 and 1978. In 1968, Most Worshipful Brother
Robert L. Gilmore selected Bill to serve as Senior Grand Steward. That appointment was followed by
terms as Grand Historian, 1969-70; Masonic Public Relations Committee, 1970-71; Grand Lecturer, 1971
and again 1972-73; Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 13, 1971-72; Credentials Committee,
1973-74; Chairman, DeMolay Committee, 1974-75; Grand Orator, 1976-77; Grand Marshal, 1977-78 and
again 1985-86; Chairman, Finance Committee, 1981-84; and Deputy Instructor Committee, 1984-85.
Bill was part of the seven-member committee that wrote the Standard Floorwork Guidelines in 1971-73,
and was the principal author of the Proficiency in Lodge Management Test during 1972-75. He was
appointed Representative of the Grand Lodge of Florida in 1971 and Representative of the United Grand
Lodge of England in 1989. He was elected Junior Grand Warden at the 129th Annual Communication in
1986 and progressed successively through the elected line until being installed into the Grand East on June
22, 1989.

Like those who served in the Oriental Chair before him, our Grand Master had a deep concern for



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membership in the Craft. To quote from his message at the 1990 Annual Communication: “Why this
concern about membership present and future? Fewer members means less dues, to be sure, and that means
we must all dig a little deeper to pay the bills. But that is not the real concern. Consider how many fewer
members we have to recruit into the officer chairs. Past Masters are being recycled much too often.
Consider how many fewer ‘windows into Freemasonry’ we have at work in our several communities as
walking advertisements for the benefits of belonging to the World's Greatest Fraternity. Consider the
necessity for Lodges to consolidate to meet today's realities and thereby deprive many of our communities
of that beacon of stability and morality, the little Blue Lodge. But most important, consider how much our
world needs advocates for Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, Justice, Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
We are not giving enough good men in our communities the opportunity to fine tune their attitudes about
these principles through traditional Masonic instruction - to accept the notion that it is all right to subscribe
to the ideal of dealing with one's neighbors on the level and by the square.”
Most Worshipful Brother William R. Miller carried the banner of Masonry with outstanding dedication
throughout his term as Grand Master. He was, by natural ability and training, uniquely qualified to lead
the Craft in this Grand Jurisdiction, and he did so with dignity and lasting benefit to the whole Fraternity.
Thankfully, Freemasonry continues to benefit from our Past Grand Master’s acumen. His ongoing support
of DeMolay led him to serve on the Washington State DeMolay Foundation Board of Directors from
1990-2007. His love of and service DeMolay being duly recognized, Bill was elected a member of the
DeMolay Supreme Council in 1994, where he served as Grand Orator 2008-09. He retired from the
Supreme Council in 2010, and received the DeMolay Guild of the Leather Apron from Washington
DeMolay in that same year.

Our Most Worshipful Brother presently serves our Grand Lodge as Fraternal Correspondent. In this
capacity, he monitors and reports on matters of interest in other Masonic Jurisdictions. His extensive
travels make him ideally suited for this role.

Bill was once asked about his continued involvement in the various aspects of Freemasonry, and he shared
this thought: “I have received many Masonic lessons from the various organizations to which I belong.
Not one of them includes the words ‘sit down good & faithful brother for your work is done’”.































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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Harold E. Tucker: 1988-1989


Most Worshipful Brother Harold E. Tucker was born August 21,
1925, in Dahinda, Illinois. Growing up and living on the family
farm, springtime was one of his favorite times of the year for
wherever he looked there was a renewal of life, a fresh beginning.
He graduated from high school in Knoxville, Illinois in 1943.
Immediately after graduation he joined the Navy. Following boot
camp he became a hospital corpsman and dental technician. His
first tour of duty was at Farragut, Idaho.

While stationed at Farragut he met Shirley Campbell and became
engaged. Their marriage would have to wait until Harold
completed sea duty in the South Pacific. Assigned to the U.S.S.
LaGrange, an armored Naval supply transport, Harold learned how
precious life truly is as the ship took a direct hit from a kamkazi bomber. Many of his friends and shipmates
perished in the fiery aftermath. From that point forward, his love of life and of his fellowman took on a
new dimension.

Upon Harold's return, he and Shirley were married in Spokane on November 11, 1945. They have three
children, Douglas (who would follow in his father’s footsteps in more ways than one), Ronald, and
Patricia.
Returning to civilian life, Harold managed a Standard gas station for 2-1/2 years. Feeling the need for a
more stable occupation to provide for his family, Harold joined the Spokane Police Department in 1950.
He suffered a life-threatening accident while on motorcycle duty. What the doctors did not take into
account was the inner strength of the man, for following his recovery Harold returned to the Traffic
Division. During his more than 26 years with the department he served in many areas the last of which as
Detective in the Fraud Division. When asked about his favorite assignment, Harold simply smiled and
replied "being the department Santa Claus for 15 years, being with the children." After retirement from
the police department, Harold worked for the Washington State Department of Revenue as an investigator.
His Masonic journey began when he joined Audubon Park Lodge No. 272 in 1954. His first appointment
in the Lodge was Chaplain in 1956, subsequently serving as Worshipful Master in I960. Harold became
very proficient in the Standard Work, taking part in Degree work and installing Lodge officers throughout
the Jurisdiction. While Harold and Shirley lived on the "west side", he affiliated with State Lodge No. 68,
dimitting upon his return to Spokane. Currently Harold also holds membership in North Hill Lodge No.
210, and Eastern Washington Lodge of Research No. 310.
Most Worshipful Brother Harold is a member of the Valley of Spokane Scottish Rite, El Katif Temple of
the Shrine and is a Past Associate Guardian of Job's Daughters.





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He accepted his first Grand Lodge appointment as Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 27 in 1964,
and was reappointed in 1965. In 1966 he was appointed Senior Grand Steward, in 1968 Grand Marshal,
in 1969 Chairman of the DeMolay Committee, and in 1970 a member of the Credentials Committee.

Harold took some time off from Grand Lodge activities to be of service to the Lutheran Church he and
Shirley attend. He served on the Board of Deacons and as a lay minister.
Activities in Grand Lodge resumed in 1981 serving on the Masonic Research and Education Committee,
in 1982 on the Special Lodge Resources Development Committee, and on the Masonic Home Endowment
Committee in I983. Harold was elected Junior Grand Warden In 1985 at the 128th Annual Communication
in Tacoma.

As Grand Master he brought forth his message of a strong belief in the family unit; that Freemasonry and
its concordant and appendant bodies should live and work as a family. He was a hands on Grand Master,
working with the individual as well as the Lodges. He was equally capable of helping one of the residents
at our Masonic Home as he was at handling the most difficult administrative matters which came before
him.

Additionally, he implored lodge leaders to “use imagination to promote better attendance and give the
Brethren something of substance so they will be glad they came.” To quote further from his message: “If
we can regain Pride in ourselves and our work, then through positive and innovative leadership our Lodges
will have Pride and Masonry will grow! Expect more from yourself and your officers than you think you
or they can do, and all will attain the goals. Expect less and that is what you will get!”
Our Past Grand Master’s words continue to ring true today.










































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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Marks L. Ewing: 1987-1988


Most Worshipful Brother Marks L. Ewing was born on August 6,
1918, in Seattle. He was one of five children born to Albert and
Anna Ewing.

Our Past Grand Master attended Seattle grade schools and earned
a diploma from Lincoln High School in 1937. Following
graduation from high school, he attended Peterson Business
School in 1940 and was enrolled there when he was drafted into
the U. S. Air Corps in 1941. After serving two years as an enlisted
man, he applied for and was accepted into flight training as a staff
sergeant. Primary flight training included attendance at basic
classes and instruction at Iowa State Teachers College, an
institution that was under contract to provide specific training in
required subjects for the U. S. Air Force.

While undergoing this training he met Mable Ames, a WAVE assigned to a Navy Detachment at the same
institution. After a courtship of approximately ten months, Marks' persistence and perseverance convinced
Mable (more affectionately known as "Skipper") that marriage was his goal. They were married in
Phoenix, Arizona, on July 29. 1944, at the completion of his primary flight training.

Following basic flight training, Marks progressed through required phases of advanced training in multi-
engine flight of various types of military aircraft including B-25 bombers. He was commissioned a photo-
reconnaissance pilot in P-38 aircraft.

After being honorably discharged in 1945, Marks and Skipper returned to Seattle where he utilized the GI
Bill, supplemented by working nights, to earn a degree in Business Administration at the University of
Washington. After graduation, he spent the next sixteen years with two local firms in middle- management
positions. In 1964, Marks accepted a management position with the Lockheed Shipbuilding Corporation
and after nineteen years in the firm retired in August, 1983. During his tenure of employment with
Lockheed, he held various offices in the "Lockheed Management Club," serving as its President in 1973.
During much of this time. Skipper was employed by the Corps of Engineers. She also retired in 1983, only
three months after Marks.

Our brother’s Masonic journey began when he petitioned Queen Anne Lodge No. 242 in 1950. He received
all his degrees that year being Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on December 7, 1950. He
later moved to West Seattle where he became a dual member of West Seattle Lodge No. 287, on November
3, 1953. He became active in the West Seattle Study Club, serving as President of the Club for several
consecutive years. During this time he was appointed to the officer line, serving in every progressive
station being elected as Worshipful Master in 1968. In 1970, Marks was elected Treasurer of West Seattle
Lodge and served in that capacity until 1983. In tribute to his faithful service he was elected Treasurer-



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Emeritus in 1983.

Our brother was also affiliated with Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281; Scottish Rite Valley of
Seattle; Nile Temple A.A.O.N.M.S.; West Seattle Shrine Club (President in 1980); St. Albans Conclave
of the Red Cross of Constantine; National Sojourners; Heroes of 76; Royal Order of Scotland; Sunlight
Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Patron in 1960-1961, 1967-1968, and 1977- 1978;
Westgate Court of the Order of Amaranth; West Seattle Chester of Royal Arch Masons; and a 50- year
member and Legion of Honor of the Order of DeMolay. He was also an Honorary Past Master of White
Center Lodge No. 300, Rainier Lodge No. 189, and Alki Lodge No. 152. In addition, he served as the first
President of the Goose and Gridiron Club, Nest "0", which originated in Kent, Washington.

In Grand Lodge, our distinguished Brother was appointed Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 6
by Most Worshipful Clyde B. Mix in 1974, and was reappointed in 1975 by Most Worshipful Alden H.
Jones. He further served the Fraternity as Chairman of the Grievances & Appeals Committee in 1976, as
Grand Orator in 1977, as a member of the Youth Committee in 1978, as Grand Chaplain in 1980, as Grand
Marshal in 1981, as Grand Lecturer in 1982 and as a member of the Committee on Research & Education
in conjunction with serving as Chairman of the ad hoc committee for long-range planning in 1983. He
was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1984, and progressed through the elective stations to his service as
Grand Master in 1987-1988.

His year as Grand Master was impacted when he suffered a stroke. He weathered that storm and conducted
a well-run Grand Lodge session in June of 1988. His health would deteriorate to where he could not speak,
which frustrated him more than anything – though he kept trying.

Our Lord summoned Most Worshipful Brother Marks Ewing on July 6, 2005, and our faithful Brother
answered the call.







































P a g e | 86

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Jefferson J. Ensworth: 1986-1987


Most Worshipful Brother Jefferson J. Ensworth was born on a
farm near Enterprise, Kansas, on June 7, 1920. He was the next
to the youngest son of Irvine and Elizabeth Ensworth in a family
of nine boys and five girls.
He attended elementary school in Abilene, and had the great
experience for two of those years to attend a one-room country
school which included grades one through eight. He graduated
from Abilene High School in 1938 where he had the honor of
being president of his senior class and captain of the football
team.

Most Worshipful Brother Ensworth came to the Northwest in
1939 and settled in Vernonia, Oregon, where he was employed
by the Oregon Gas and Electric Company. On June 18, 1940 he married his childhood sweetheart, Elma
Monroe. They had two children and six grandchildren.

The Ensworths moved to Longview, Washington, in September 1942 where he was employed by the
Weyerhaeuser Company in the electrical department until his enlistment in the United States Navy in
1943, serving in a construction battalion. He received his honorable discharge in 1946 with a Magnetic
Mine Warfare group.

Upon his return from the Navy, he took a night job at Weyerhaeuser which enabled him to attend Lower
Columbia College in the daytime. On June 6, 1948, he graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree. After
completing a Lumber Manufacturing Course conducted by the Weyerhaeuser Company on June 8, 1953,
he was advanced into supervisory positions, first as Assistant Planer Mill Foreman, then in succession as
Yard and Transportation Foreman, Power House Foreman, Power House Superintendent, Project
Engineer, Electrical and Construction Foreman, and Planner & Scheduler in the Plywood Division. After
thirty-six years of service, he retired in 1978.

Our Most Worshipful Brother’s Masonic journey began on February 19, 1942, when he was initiated into
Vernonia Lodge No. 184, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Oregon. He would later affiliate with Kelso
Lodge No. 94, on October 7, 1949, and served this Lodge in all offices except that of Treasurer and
Secretary. He was a Life Member of Kelso Lodge No. 94, and Vernonia Lodge No. 184; a member of
Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281; and honorary member of Longview Lodge No. 263, Kalama
Lodge No. 17, and Paul Revere Lodge No. 205.

rd
Jeff's other Masonic affiliations include Life Member, 33 Degree Inspector General Honorary of Ancient
and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Kelso; member of Afifi Temple of the Shrine; Q. C. Correspondence
Circle Ltd., Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076; National Sojourners, Fort Lewis Chapter No. 89; and




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Royal Order of Scotland.

During his years of service to the Craft, Jeff received many appointments to Grand Lodge offices and
committees: Grand Standard Bearer, Grand Marshal, member and Chairman of the Committee for the
Endowment of the Masonic Home, Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 18, Grand Lecturer, and
Grand Historian. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in 1983 and succeeded through the stations to his
election as Grand Master in 1986.

Jeff was a great story teller. His gift of communication was partly attributed to his charter membership in
the "Early Words" Toastmaster Club of Longview which he helped to form, and while a member
completed the Toastmaster's Communication and Leadership Program on August 26, 1972. His favorite
subject was dogs. One story that is remembered was that he (Jefferson) had received a phone call from a
neighbor late one night complaining that Jefferson’s dog was barking. Jefferson didn't reply until the next
night at the same time and called to report that he didn't have a dog. Such was life under the leadership of
a Brother who was loved and respected by all.

Most Worshipful Brother Jefferson was called from labor on July 6, 2010.























































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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Warren J. Gilbert, Jr.: 1985-1986


Most Worshipful Warren J. Gilbert, Jr., affectionately known as
''Bud'' throughout the length and breadth of Washington, was
born in Seattle on January 16, 1927, the son of Catherine
Matheson and Warren J. Gilbert, Sr. Catherine, was the daughter
of Captain J. A. Matheson a well-known and highly respected
businessman who came to Anacortes in 1890 and engaged in the
fishing and processing of Bering Sea cod. Warren, Sr., was a U.
S. Navy veteran of World War I who came to Skagit County in
1921 to begin the practice of law. He affiliated with Mount
Baker Lodge, No. 36, and became its Worshipful Master in
1926. He is also a member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite
Bodies and served as Grand Master of the Grand Council of
Royal and Select Masters.

Bud missed by a few days being a native of Skagit County, his entire life, except for his military service
and college years, was spent there. After graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1945 and serving
for a time in the United States Army, he enrolled at the University of Washington where he was a member
of Phi Gamma Delta social fraternity. On completion of his undergraduate studies, he entered the
University of Washington Law School and was a member of the Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity.
Following his graduation from Law School in 1954 and admission to the Washington State Bar, he joined
his father’s law firm in Mount Vernon in September 1954. This partnership continued until the death of
his father in 1971. Bud, himself, retired from the practice of law after a 50 year legal career.

He married Marilyn Marsh of Seattle on December 28, 1953. Five children were born of the marriage:
Jayne, Warren, Nancy, John and Peter - and two grandchildren, Ty and Bryan Howson, and two great
grandchildren. Three of the Gilbert children attended the University of Washington. Son, Warren, who
graduated from the Gonzaga University Law School, was a member of the firm in Mount Vernon retiring
in 2006 from the family firm after being elected as Skagit County District court judge. Daughter, Jayne,
is a member of the firm and has been practicing primarily in the areas of probate, estate planning, trusts,
guardianships, and wills. Son, Peter, a graduate of Willamette Law, joined the family firm in 2003 and is
a Past Master of Mount Baker Lodge No. 36.

One of the consuming interests in Bud’s life was Scouting. As a Boy Scout his interest and enthusiasm
were such that he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. His mother must have kept busy sewing merit badges,
twenty-one of them, on his shirt. His interest in Scouting continued after he became established in Mount
Vernon, and he led Mount Vernon Troop No. 52 as Scout Master for eight years. For meritorious service
he was awarded the highest honor a Boy Scout Council can bestow, the Order of the Silver Beaver. He
describes his involvement with the Boy Scout movement as one of the most rewarding experiences of his
life: “Scouting is wonderful for boys, and it was wonderful for me. The deeper my involvement with



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Freemasonry and the more I learned about it, the greater was my conviction that the principles and ideals
of Scouting are not only compatible with those of Masonry, but they are identical."

Bud’s community activity was not limited to Scouting. As president of Kiwanis, a twelve-year member
of the board of the Mount Vernon YMCA, chairman of the YMCA fund drive which culminated in the
construction of a new Olympic-size swimming pool, elder and trustee of the Mount Vernon Presbyterian
Church, he has fulfilled the duties of a citizen, enjoined by the Entered Apprentice Charge, in a most
exemplary fashion.

Most Worshipful Brother Gilbert was initiated, passed and raised in Mount Baker Lodge No. 36 in 1948,
served in all the chairs and was installed as the Worshipful Master in 1962 by his father. His year as Master
is remembered with pleasure by all who were associated with the Lodge at that time. It was marked by
especially pleasant relations and many enjoyable, fraternal visits with a sister Canadian Lodge, Fellowship
No. 137 of Vancouver, B.C. In recognition of the high regard with which the Brethren of Fellowship
Lodge held Brother Bud, they elected him an Honorary Past Master and presented him with the apron
formerly worn by the late V. W. Brother Ray Micheau. In 1966, Brother Bud petitioned Garfield Lodge
No. 41 for dual membership and had the unusual distinction of being elected to membership and to the
office of Worshipful Master on the same night.

Most Worshipful Brother Bud came to the exalted position of Grand Master well prepared by many years
of devoted service to the Fraternity, both in the two Lodges which he served as Master and in the Grand
Lodge offices he filled with distinction. He was named Grand Orator in 1970 by Most Worshipful Wayne
J. Deming, labored for two years on the Code Commission, one year on the By-Laws Committee and one
year on the Jurisprudence Committee.

Bud served as Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 9 in the years 1979-1981. This period of his
service to the Craft was distinguished by three very innovative and successful seminars and two district
meetings. One of the most memorable seminars was held at United Lodge No. 93 in Sedro Woolley. The
Past Masters of all the Lodges in the District were especially invited to take part in the seminar, and they
responded generously giving the meeting the benefit of their experience and providing much valuable
insight. One seminar was put on by the Masters and Wardens and the third seminar was put on by the
junior lodge officers. One of his goals was to secure the greatest possible participation of all the members,
especially the Past Masters, and these meetings proved the value of the effort. Masonry in District No. 9
prospered during his term as Deputy and has continued to prosper as the Deputies who succeeded Bud
have pursued the same goals, each in his own way.

In June of 1982, the brethren of this jurisdiction elected Warren J Gilbert Jr as Junior Grand Warden. He
would advance regularly until his elevation to the Oriental Chair in June of 1985. In his address to the
Craft, our Most Worshipful Grand Master reminded the brethren of their responsibilities to the Craft:
“Our Fraternity has survived and prospered in the past, more because of its workers than its reformers,
although we should always be open minded regarding improvements. Our goal should be that future
generations will characterize us as builders and not as caretakers. Our challenge as Americans and
Freemasons should be to do for those who follow us what has been done for us by our progenitors. It
would be a desecration of our heritage to allow the difficulties that face us — which pale when compared
to those faced by our ancestors — to produce a level of citizenship that does not prosper the soul of our



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Fraternity. We can meet this challenge if those of us who stand on platforms of leadership built by the
intelligence, effort and sacrifice of our forebearers and warmed by the applause earned by their dedication,
remember who we are, where we came from, what we were taught and what we promised to do.”

The Proceedings of the Annual Communication over which Most Worshipful Brother Warren J Gilbert Jr
presided will have recorded in minute detail all the events which took place; the numbers, the resolutions
acted upon, the reports of the various committees, the introduction of and speeches by distinguished
visitors. But they can in no way begin to express the spirit, goodwill and dedication of the Grand Master.
They will note statistically the visits he made to the Lodges of Washington, but they will not say much
about the warm feelings he left behind after those visits. They will not mention the visits he made to
patients in hospitals and nursing homes. They will not comment upon the sincerity and warmth of his
welcomes to visitors from other Jurisdictions at our Grand Lodge Communication or his tact,
consideration and kindness in governing the discussions on resolutions at the business portion of the
Annual Session.

Although these things will not be part of the written record, they will be imprinted upon the memory of
all who have had the privilege to associate with him. His unfailing good humor, his sincere belief in charity
as the greatest function of Masonry and his eloquence in proclaiming the principles and ideals of the
Fraternity mark him as a great Mason, a worthy successor to all the great Grand Masters who have
preceded him.
















































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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Matt Martin: 1984-1985


Most Worshipful Brother Matt Martin was born in Hamilton,
Ohio, on January 15, 1930. He was the second of five children
born to Willard M. and Christina Martin. A sister, Mary, and
three brothers, Elmer, Wayne and Shelby, completed the
Martin family.
Our Brother was educated in the Hamilton public school
system, and graduated from Seven Mile High School. He was
employed as a Bell Telephone Co. installer during 1947 and
1948; joined his father in the construction business in 1949,
and later the same year enlisted in the United States Navy.

He was stationed at Bremerton, where he met Betty Jennings,
who became Mrs. Matt Martin on December 16, 1950. The
couple was blessed with one daughter, Beverly Jean.

Following his release from the Navy in 1952, he applied for and was accepted as an apprentice sheet metal
worker and shipfitter at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Promotions included transfer to the shipfitters
planning department, structural design, production engineering departments, and terminated his
responsible position in the public works maintenance control division with his retirement in June of 1984.
Additionally, he attended evening sessions of Olympic College during the 1950's and obtained an
Associate of Arts degree at graduation.

Our Brother's Masonic career began with his petitioning Port Orchard Lodge No. 98, in July of 1963. He
was made an Entered Apprentice Mason, September 27, 1963, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft,
November 22, 1963, and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason, January 24, 1964; passed his
Proficiency and signed the By-Laws of his Lodge March 6, 1964, later becoming the Lodge's first Life
Member.

In 1967 he served his Lodge as Tyler; was appointed Junior Steward and succeeded to the Senior
Stewardship in 1968; was appointed successively as Junior and Senior Deacon and elected Junior Warden
in 1971. Two years later, 1973, Brother Martin served his Lodge as Worshipful Master. Elected Secretary
in 1976, he served four years in that post. He has filled all offices, with the exception of Treasurer, and
still retains an active interest in Port Orchard Lodge.

A distinguished Grand Lodge career began with his appointment as a Credentials Committee member by
Most Worshipful Brother Alden Jones in 1975-76. The following year Most Worshipful Brother Fred S.
Sandoz appointed him as Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 12, a position he also filled under
Most Worshipful Brother James 0. Wood in 1977-78. He was appointed to the Research and Education
Committee by Most Worshipful Brother Roy Foss in 1978-79 and selected chairman of the committee by




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Most Worshipful Brother Toby Johnsen for 1979-1980. He also filled the post as Grand Lecturer pro-tem
the same year, when Very Worshipful Brother John Hendricks was stricken. Most Worshipful Brother
Wayne Sparger appointed Matt his Grand Marshal for the 1980-1981 Masonic Year.

It was during this latter period a pall was cast over Matt's life with the untimely death of his wife, Betty.
They shared 30 years of marriage.
Members of the Grand Lodge elected him Junior Grand Warden in 1981. He progressed to Senior Grand
Warden, Deputy Grand Master and, in 1984, was elected Grand Master by his Brethren. His path to the
Oriental Chair also provided him with the opportunity to again find happiness with his marriage to
Jeannette Monette.

During his tenure as Grand Master, the Grand Lodge team in the course of their travels talked of Masonry
as a Brotherhood, a Brotherhood not of Words but of our Acts and Deeds through the concept of being a
“VIP” – Being Visible, Being Involved, and Participating with the officers and members of the Constituent
Lodges. As Most Worshipful Brother Matt stated in his address to the Craft: “The most important things
we must do as Master Masons, as Lodge Officers, as leaders of our Craft, is to communicate, be
enthusiastic, be ready to be more active, improve our participation and become more involved. We must
constantly preserve and instill greater pride in our Masonic Fraternity by doing our Lodge work correctly
and proficiently.”

Along with his membership in Port Orchard Lodge No. 98, our Past Grand Master is a Charter Member
of Silverdale Lodge No. 311, serving as its Master in 1990. His other Masonic affiliations include
membership in the Bremerton Valley of Scottish Rite of which he is a 33rd Degree Inspector General
Honorary; Royal Arch Chapter No. 27, Council No. 11; and Commandery No. 18, York Rite, all of
Bremerton. He is a member of the National Sojourners, Bremerton Chapter, and Port Orchard Chapter
No. 44, Order of Eastern Star. Additionally, our Distinguished Brother has been honored with Honorary
Memberships in many Lodges of this Grand Jurisdiction as well as Foreign Jurisdictions of the United
States.
His hobbies include gardening and landscaping around the home, golf and fishing. Masonry, an avocation
during his working career, has played a dominant role in his retired years. Long considered a perfectionist
by this peers, he has continued his efforts of improving the state of the Craft in this Grand Jurisdiction and
assisting his Brethren wheresoever dispersed.

Most Worshipful Brother Matt Martin's footprints have been indelibly impressed upon the sands of time
in this Grand Jurisdiction. His quest for excellence among his Brethren and his constant urging of all to
be "V.I.P.'s"—Visible, Involved Participants in National, Civic, Community and Masonic affairs will be
long remembered.
















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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Charles D. Brons: 1983-1984


Most Worshipful Brother Charles Donald (Don) Brons was
born on March 7, 1907, in Slayton, Minnesota and in 1911
moved with his parents to a farm in Lyle, Washington. He had
the special privilege to attend an eight grade one-room
country school with twelve students. Later, his family moved
to Naches, where he graduated from high school in 1925. He
was a man of the soil until attending Oregon Institute of
Technology. As a member of the welding craft in Yakima,
Bremerton, and Richland, Washington, he advanced to added
responsibilities until his retirement as a Senior Engineer in
1972.

Our Brother petitioned Kennewick Lodge No. 153, in 1952.
He was initiated on January 28, passed on May 27, and raised
on September 30, 1953. After serving as a faithful officer for
many years he was elected as Worshipful Master in 1974. In
addition to his service to his own Lodge, he was a Charter Member of Eastern Washington Lodge of
Research No. 310.

Brother Don served Grand Lodge as Deputy of the Grand Master in District 23 in 1975-77; Junior Grand
Steward 1977-78; Grand Orator 1978-79; was elected Junior Grand Warden 1980; Senior Grand Warden
1981; Deputy Grand Master 1982, and Grand Master in 1983.

As Grand Master, our Most Worshipful Brother demonstrated his special calling by his Creator as he
encouraged all members of the Craft to promote the principles of our Fraternity, to be better informed and
educated as to its potential, to practice Charity in the expansion of our concern and love for all mankind,
and to cultivate and foster a deeper spiritual commitment with our Creator as we determine His will for
our individual lives.
With the theme, "Make Masonry More Meaningful," Most Worshipful Brother C. Donald Brons
challenged each Mason in this Grand Jurisdiction to a more meaningful relationship with his fellow man
and to a closer association with his God. His exclamation at the close of many meetings, "Isn't it great to
be a Mason!" inspired in the strongest manner possible the positive aspects of his vision for the potential
of our great and noble Craft.

Outside of the Blue Lodge, he treasured his membership in the York Rite. He was High Priest in Richland
Chapter in 1971; Royal and Select Masters, Zadok Council, Richland, and Pasco Commandery Knights
Templar, serving as Emminent Commander in 1972. For his service to the York Rite, he was honored
with the Knight York Cross of Honor. He was also member of Scottish Rite, Valley of Kennewick, and
was invested with the Rank and Dignity of Knight Commander Court of Honor. His enthusiasm for our



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Craft was further evidenced by his membership and participation in the Shrine; Thistle Clan, Royal Order
of Scotland; Order of High Priesthood; Red Cross of Constantine; Kamiakin York Rite College, Holy
Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest; DeMolay Legion of Honor, 1983; and George Washington
Foundation.

Most Worshipful Brother Charles Donald Brons laid down his working tools on August 8, 1988.









































































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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ George R. Bordewick: 1982-1983


Most Worshipful Brother George Robert Bordewick entered
this life in Vancouver, B. C, born March 23, 1918, to a mother
of Irish-American background and a father of Norwegian
stock. George grew up and attended school in Vancouver, B.
C., graduating from Vancouver High School of Commerce in
1936.
Although he never attended any college, he was an avid reader,
and did a superb job of educating himself.

At the age of nineteen, in 1937, he went to work for the Johns
Mansville Co., and was employed there ten years. In 1939, he
joined the Royal Canadian Army. Some discerning individual
assigned him to the Intelligence Branch in 1941, and he was
sent to England for further training. He saw service during
WWII in England, France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany.
After discharge in 1945 he returned home and resumed his employment at the Johns Manville Co.

He came to Washington in 1960, and after two and a half years with a construction company, went to
work for the Brower Company where he worked until he retired, filling various positions culminating with
the title of president and chief executive officer Along the way he was elected a Fellow of the Institute of
Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of London, England.
Inspired by an issue of Life Magazine which featured a picture of Grand Masters from throughout the
United States on the cover, George Bordewick was Initiated into King George Lodge, No. 129,
A.F.&A.M., B.C.R., on March 21, 1957, and subsequently Raised to the Sublime Degree in May of 1957.
When he became a United States citizen, George took a dual membership in Service Lodge No. 255, in
January, 1962, and serving the Lodge through the normal progression became Master of the Lodge in
1970, serving with imagination and distinction.
He was appointed Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 6, serving from 1972-74. He was appointed
Grand Orator in 1974. He served four years on the Finance Committee, the last two as Chairman. He was
elected Junior Grand Warden at the Annual Communication in Spokane in 1979, ultimately serving as
Grand Master in 1982-83. He was also elected Chairman of the Grand Masters Conference of North
America in 1983, and in 1984 was the only Past Grand Master to preside over that body in their long
history. From the force of his personality and the skill of his administrative ability, he was able to move
the Conference out of Washington, D.C. to other states. The Conference was held in Seattle in 1984.
His affiliated and honorary memberships in other Lodges include Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No.
281, serving as Worshipful Master in 1987; Lakeside Lodge No. 258; Cariboo Lodge No. 4, Barkerville,
British Columbia; Eastern Washington Lodge of Research No. 310; Glacier Lodge No. 10, Anchorage,



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Alaska; Charter member of Renaissance Lodge No. 312, serving as Worshipful Master while the Lodge
was Under Dispensation, and continued serving in that capacity until his passing.

He held Honorary memberships in White Center Lodge No. 300; Newport Lodge No. 144; Whitman
Lodge No. 49; North Hill Lodge No. 210; Methow Valley Lodge No. 240, and Tsawwassen Lodge No.
185, Delta, British Columbia. He was a corresponding member in both the Philalethes, and the Phylaxis
Societies. He held memberships in several other Research Lodges; Quatuor Coronati in London, England,
as a corresponding members, the Missouri Lodge of Research, the Iowa Lodge of Research, and Northern
and Southern Lodges of Research.

Brother George was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Patron of Robert Morris
Chapter in 1986, with his wife, Merle, Worthy Matron. He also held dual membership in Lakeside
Chapter.
His other Masonic affiliations include Oriental Chapter No. 19, Royal Arch Masons, where he served as
High Priest in 1971-72; Seattle Council No. 6, Royal and Select Masters; Knight Templar; decorated
KCCH in the Seattle Valley of the Scottish Rite in 1981; Thistle Clan of the Royal Order of Scotland; St.
Alban's Chapter of the Red Cross of Constatine, and Nile Shrine.

George was a founding force and founding member of the Goose and Gridiron Club; and the founding
member and first Preceptor of the Alnwick Club, a true Table Lodge, and he held a particular fondness
for both.

Our Grand Master demonstrated the best qualities of leadership when he proposed to take positive action
about some of the problems that beset Masonry in general and this Jurisdiction in particular. During his
administration, a Masonic information booth was present at the Puyallup Fair; a similar booth at the
opening of the Tacoma Dome; an 8-page insert about Freemasonry in every major newspaper in the State
in February of 1983; the laying of the cornerstone at the Tacoma Dome; 2 trips to Alaska; 2 Centennial
Celebrations; 2 Rededication Ceremonies; several Cornerstone Ceremonies, and on and on.

In his spare time pictorial marquetry, the art of inlaying exotic and rare woods into a picture, was his
artistic release. He was a member of the Marquetry Society of America. His methods have been made a
part of their curriculum, and examples of his work were shown by them as the artistry at its best.

Most Worshipful Brother George Robert Bordewick passed from this life on July 18, 1991.

























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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Herbert M. Edman: 1981-1982


Most Worshipful Brother Herbert M. Edman was born in the now
non-existent mining community of Franklin on January 12, 1916.
In 1921, the family moved to Enumclaw where attended the public
schools and graduated from Enumclaw High School in 1934. He
would find his way to Kelso in 1940 where he met and
subsequently married Elwanda (Wanda) Parsons, and the union
produced two children, Sandra Lee and Jerry Sue. Herb & Wanda
were blessed with six grandchildren.

In 1948, our brother relocated to Renton where he joined the
Renton Police Department serving first as a patrolman. He was
promoted to Sergeant in 1962, and elevated to Lieutenant in charge
of Records and Communication in 1966. An early retirement was
granted in 1970 as a result of a leg injury suffered in a patrol car accident occurring during the chase and
apprehension of a fleeing suspect who was later convicted.
He received the Degrees of Masonry in Tyee Lodge No. 115, being raised to the Sublime Degree of Master
Mason on July 3, 1958. He was appointed Junior Steward in 1959, and was elevated by appointment and
election becoming Master of the Lodge in 1963. His dedication to good ritual was evidenced by passing
the examination and securing a Three Year Certificate of Proficiency from the Grand Lodge.
His competency well established, Herbert Edman was appointed as Deputy of the Grand Master in District
No. 13, 1969-1971. He was appointed Grand Chaplain in 1972, Grand Marshal in 1973, Grand Lecturer
in 1974, and Grand Historian in 1975. In 1975 the Brethren of Grand Lodge elected him to be their Junior
Grand Warden and from there he advanced through the chairs until he was elected Grand Master in June
of 1981.
Other Masonic organizations to which our Grand Master belonged included a dual membership in Walter
F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281, Scottish Rite Bodies of Seattle, Issaquah Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons in Renton, DeMolay, Tyee Chapter No. 122 Order of the Eastern Star, and the Goose and Gridiron.

In his report to the Grand Lodge, Most Worshipful Brother Edman shared these words: “The principles of
Masonry are as old as the history of mankind. They will never be forgotten by men of character. Living
by those principles one becomes a true representative of the Fraternity, and those with a wish to emulate
these representatives will inquire and thus petition for membership. Quantity with quality should be the
aim and will be as long as we exemplify the tenets that have made this Fraternity a part of so many lives
through history.”

Most Worshipful Brother Herbert M. Edman passed to eternal rest on May 16, 1998.







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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of

M⸫W⸫ Wayne A. Sparger: 1980-1981


Most Worshipful Brother Wayne Alvin Sparger was born in
Yakima on January 13, 1918. He attended the local public
schools in Yakima, graduating from Yakima High School in
1936. He moved to Walla Walla soon afterwards and was
employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the
Northern Pacific Railroad and Libby, McNeill & Libby. He
decided to become an accountant and joined the firm of
Jacobson- Jentzsch & Co., becoming a skilled accountant and
traveling auditor. As such he traveled extensively through
eastern Washington, eastern Oregon, Idaho and western
Montana, auditing mainly farm co- operative organizations.
He retired after thirty-five years with this company.

In the course of his travels, he met Miss LaVern Main,
daughter of long-time residents of the Palouse area. They
were married on November 13, 1938, in Walla Walla. Their two daughters were active in Job's Daughters.
Because of the girls' involvement, both Wayne and LaVern became interested in Job's Daughters. Brother
Sparger was Associate Guardian and held a number of positions on the Guardian Council. Mrs. Sparger
was also very active and was Guardian of the Bethel. They both remained active for more than twelve
years. It was because of his recommendation that Grand Lodge approved the re- naming of the DeMolay
Committee to the Youth Committee in 1981, signifying assistance and support to all three youth groups,
DeMolay, Job's Daughters and Rainbow.

He petitioned Walla Walla Lodge No. 7, in April, 1949, and was enrolled on December 26, 1949. In 1953
he was appointed Senior Steward of the Lodge and advanced through the Chairs to be elected Worshipful
Master for 1958. He was elected Secretary in 1965 and retained that office until 1973.

In Grand Lodge, he was appointed Junior Grand Deacon in 1963-64. Later he served as Grand Lecturer,
Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 24, Grand Historian, member and chairman of the Finance
Committee, Committee on Masonic Research and Education, Bi-Centennial Committee, and member and
Chairman of the Grievances and Appeals Committee- In 1977 he was elected Junior Grand Warden, and
in 1980 was elected Grand Master.

Most Worshipful Brother Sparger’s theme for his year in office was, "See you, EVERYWHERE". He
traveled throughout this Jurisdiction with the purpose of making the members of every Lodge feel that
each was an important part of the Grand Lodge structure. He also attended the Annual Communications
of a number of Jurisdictions and brought the friendliness of his personality to each, making friends
wherever he traveled. He was extremely interested in our Masonic Home and attended the Conference of
Masonic Home Executives in New Jersey in order to talk with the Executives and Grand Officers of other




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