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In MemoriamSadly, the Brethren recorded hereunder have passed to the Grand Lodge above.
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 W. Bro Tom Bulmer PJGD passed away on 17th February 2021 aged 83 after a long stay in a care home where he had gone for respite care in May 2020 but got caught up by virus lockdown restrictions.
Tom's commitment to our Province since becoming a joining member of Fellowship Lodge In 1978 and his undoubted talent for raising millions for Masonic Charities and Help For Heroes are unbeaten. He was appointed the first Provincial Charity Steward in the 80s after undertaking to assist with the 1997 Festival, enabling Lodges to achieve a record total in excess of £5 million. He occupied the chair of Fellowship Lodge three times and was instrumental in starting the Lodge ‘School’ which gave great support to junior members coming up ‘the ladder’. His unique input into the Lodge and commitment to Masonry in general will be sorely missed. He leaves wife Winn, Son Colin and daughters Gillian and Julie, in laws Julie, Nick and Chris not to mention numerous grandchildren. A successful businessman, Chairman of his own small group of companies in the Metal Finishing industry, whose energy and ability to motivate people was legendary and sorely missed by many. Mike Teanby & John Wade (WM), Fellowship Lodge
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 Mark Anthony Croft was born on the 20th January 1967. He passed away on the 28th December 2020.
Mark, was a person you could not forget. After being considered a nuisance as a teenager, Mark joined the Army Cadets. He fitted in like a glove. He later signed up with the Royal Signals, at the Manor Top in the TA in Sheffield. Mark took to the Army with enthusiasm, was well respected and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major but after he decided that a career in the Army was not for him he joined his Fathers company MSM Punchpro. Mark was trained in all aspects of the business, but eventually settled in a sales and marketing role, in which, like all the other areas he committed himself to, he excelled. Like all family businesses there were up and downs, however with Mark’s charm and easy-going attitude combined with his parent’s Martin and Jean’s steadying influence in both domestic and business challenges the show was kept on the road. I first met Mark in the late eighties when he followed his Father and brothers Simon and Nick in joining my Karate Club, and in his own words he was “useless”. Mark’s determination and character meant that I had no qualms in proposing him into Phoenix Lodge No. 904. Mark was seconded by WBro John Wistow and was initiated on 18th June 1999, progressing through the offices until he was first installed as Worshipful Master in 2004. Mark remained in the chair through 2005 and was reinstalled again in 2017. Mark was a well-liked and enthusiastic member of Phoenix Lodge, and a good ritualist. He held the office of Director of Ceremonies in Lodge for a number of years, and such was his attention to detail that it was no surprise when Mark was appointed as a Provincial Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. Nor was it a surprise when he continued to wear his identifiable, highly polished Doc Martin boots when ‘on duty’. Of course, Mark excelled again, and during his many years of active Provincial service was appointed to Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies, being promoted to the rank of PPJGW. Not long before the suspension of meetings Mark had accepted the role of Liaison Officer with Hall Cross Lodge in Doncaster and was looking forward to getting to know the brethren better and supporting their progression. Mark joined Hallamshire Royal Arch Chapter 2268 in April 2000. He was proposed by Excellent Companion Philip James Haynes and his second was Excellent Companion George Mosel. Mark was Principal Sojourner in June 2003 and was Zerubbabel in 2008. He was Director of Ceremonies from 2018. He was appointed to the Provincial Grand Rank of PPGStBr in 2014 and promoted to PPGReg in 2019. Mark had joined a number of other orders but unfortunately had difficulty balancing the time commitments necessary with his professional and family responsibilities. Mark did however manage to find time for a number of other interests, motorbiking, playing the electric keyboard (to such a level that he was considering playing for the Lodge), fishing and shooting and latterly, boating on the Norfolk Broads. He and his childhood sweetheart wife Debra had bought a boat as a wreck and Mark restored it to its former glory so that they could spend every weekend they could in Norfolk where the two of them made many new friends. Those who spent time with Mark are aware that his family was his pride and joy and Mark is survived by his parents, his loving wife Debra, their three children: Lauren, Luke and Ellie and their families, including four grandchildren. Mark left his shadow wherever he was activated. While masonry will feel his loss, we are all the better for having known him. Rest in peace, l can still hear your laugh. Worshipful Brother Philip J Haynes A Friend and Brother. It is with great sadness that we report the sudden passing of the Chairman of West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd, a colleague and friend, James Stuart Cadman.  Born on 3 December 1947, Stuart, following a short illness, died in hospital on 16 February 2021. Stuart was a self employed Management Consultant until he retired. He was Initiated into St Modwen's Lodge No 4850, Burton-on-Trent (Staffs) on 24 April 1979 and became a joining member of Lodge of Friendship No 750, Cleckheaton on 13 January 1982. Since that day, he has worked tirelessly for his Lodge, this Province and Freemasonry in general. He became Master of Lodge of Friendship in 2002 and then held the office of Secretary for five years and Treasurer for six years. He was Exalted into Lightcliffe Chapter No 3332, Hipperholme in October 2000, becoming First Principal in February 2009 and then Treasurer in 2011, an office he held until last year. Stuart was a joining member of the West Riding Acting Officers Lodge No 9645, holding office in both 2011 and 2013. Always active, always involved, he was a man of boundless energy and enthusiasm. He found his true vocation when he joined the board of West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd in 2012. Holding a variety of roles on both the Finance Committee and Liaison Committee and ensuring that the Provincial Beneficiaries were being properly supported, he also did an enormous amount of the planning and groundwork to get the CHOICES scheme up and running successfully. His leadership over this last twelve months has been an invaluable benefit to the Charity and those we have endeavoured to help. In recognition of his work for the Province and its Charity, Stuart was appointed acting Provincial Senior Grand Warden in 2016 and served on the PGM’s Installation Panel for a further 3 years. In 2018 he was appointed Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in United Grand Lodge. He was a long time director of Yorkshire WR Masonic Activities Ltd and former marketing and advertising Chairman which involved time consuming work in securing much needed revenue to support the White Rose Masonic News. In 2019 Stuart was re-elected to the Board of WRMCL for a second term and in the same year was appointed Chairman, taking the Charity forward, positively and successfully. He planned to step down in 2023, when his present term expired. Sadly, that was not to be. A Mason through and through, he will be missed by all who knew him. His family are in our thoughts at this sad time.  VW Bro. Parkinson receiving his 50yr certificate in 2019 from the Provincial Grand Master Nevil was born on 18th November 1938 in Allerton Bywater. He was the youngest of 7 children and the son of a miner. He attended Allerton Bywater Primary School and then Whitwood Mining and Technical College where, in 1959, he passed his City and Guilds in plumbing. He went on to teach plumbing at York College to students studying at night school.
Nevil met his wife Ann in Swillington, Leeds and they married in the parish church where Ann's dad was the vicar in April 1960. They had 3 children, Ruth in 1962, Simon in 1965 and Matthew in 1975 and now have 3 grandchildren, Connie, Eve and Ruby. Simon followed his father’s footsteps and became an Environmental Health Officer himself. He started work at Tadcaster Rural District Council as a student and then went on to qualify in 1962 as a Public Health Inspector. On the 5th April 1968 Nevil was proposed as a Candidate for Freemasonry by W.Bro Stanley Oldfield and seconded by W.Bro Leonard Firth. This resulted in him being initiated into Calcaria Lodge No. 2677 on the 11th April 1969 and quickly progressing to become a Master Mason. In 1974, under local government reorganisation, Nevil’s work moved him to Selby District Council and he became Chief Environmental Health & Housing Officer and then Director of Environmental Services. He was closely involved with the building of Europe's largest coal-fired power station at Drax, the establishment of 24 hour warden care service for elderly and vulnerable residents and the introduction of wheelie bins for refuse collection but the provision of two permanent caravan sites for travellers, providing them with a permanent home and piped sanitation for the first time in their lives, gave him the greatest satisfaction! November 1974 saw Bro. Parkinson take his first office in Calcaria Lodge. Freemasonry had become an important part of Nevil’s life and in November 1980 he became Master of Calcaria Lodge, having a very successful year as a much loved and respected member of the Lodge. He was recognised in the Province in 1989, being appointed Past Provincial Junior Grand Deacon and subsequently Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer. He went on to join Ainsty Royal Arch Chapter in February 1993, becoming First Principal in October 2000. In November 1990 W.Bro Parkinson was appointed ‘Charity Representative’ of Calcaria Lodge, a role which he relished and performed with his usual quiet efficiency. In 1993 he became a member of the Charity Executive of the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding. Nevil retired in August 1995 after 37 years in local government giving him more time to devote to home, Freemasonry and his charity work. During this time he maintained a tremendous effort to enhance the work of the Charity Executive. This resulted in his progression to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 1996 and elevation to Grand Lodge as Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1998. Further promotion followed at the Installation ceremony of Calcaria Lodge in 1999 to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden. In 1999 he was appointed by the Grand President to a place on the Council of the Grand Charity and a member of the Petitions Committee. His election as Chairman of the Charity Committee saw high recognition in 2001 by appointment to the rank of Deputy Provincial Grand Master. A role which he continued with zeal until 12 January 2007 when the then PGM did take the gavel for the first part of the meeting and celebrated Nevil’s retirement in a ‘unique’ manner, which involved a hidden Pork Pie! Unfortunately ill health caught up with Ann more recently and Nevil has dedicated his time to her care with Freemasonry being forced to take a bit more of a ‘back seat’. Both Nevil and Ann however, have continued to support and be involved in the Lodge social activities where they were received with love and affection. Sadly Ann died in 2019 after 59 years of marriage and Nevil departed, suddenly and unexpectedly, to the Grand Lodge Above on 2nd February 2021. The brethren of Calcaria Lodge as well as Nevil’s family are all extremely proud of the contribution he made to Freemasonry and society in general. He lived respected and died regretted. It is with great sadness that I must inform you of the death, peacefully, of W Bro Stanley Raymond (Ray) Johnson PPJGW on 7 February aged 92yrs. Ray’s health had deteriorated in recent months.
Ray was a Past Master of Adel Lodge No 6250, having been initiated on 5 June 1962. He served Adel Lodge as Almoner and Charity Steward. Ray was appointed PPJGD in 1989 and subsequently promoted to PPGReg in 1996 and PPJGW in 2001. He was made an Honorary Member of Adel Lodge in November 2014. Ray joined Leeds & District Lodge of installed Masters No 7918 in March 1994, serving as Charity Steward from 2003 - 2005 before resigning in 2011. Ray was a Founder Member of the Rugby Football Lodge No 9811 on its Consecration in September 2005. Ray was very proud to be a Founder member of the Rugby Football Lodge. He enjoyed the ceremonies, the Festive Board and the brethren – both with and without the benefit of his hearing aids! Ray had a twinkle in his eye and a fund of rugby stories that will be sadly missed by all. He was elected an Honorary Member in March 2018 when the combination of his health and a move to Haverfordwest to live with his daughter Liz and her husband Martin meant that he would no longer be able to enjoy the company of the brethren. Ray had a long association with Yarnbury RUFC both as a player, coach and administrator; serving as President for over 50 years. I have no doubt that the club will rightly regard him as ‘a legend’. Ray can truly be said to have lived respected and died regretted.  5th August 1926 ~ 4th December 2020
Born on the 5th August 1926 Norman went to school in Warrington completing his school education at Boteler Grammar School. Within months of leaving school in 1944, Norman was called into the Army where he was selected for Officer training in the Border Regiment. Completing his training in India Norman served with the 2nd Battalion the South Lancashire Regiment and had reached the rank of Captain when discharged in 1948. Resuming his education at Manchester University, Norman completed an Arts Degree and Teachers Diploma in 1952 and began a career in education holding the post of Head of English at Secondary Schools in Solihull and Keighley and Deputy Head and Vice-Principal at Fairfax School in Bradford. Retiring in 1980 Norman continued as a supply teacher until 1991. At the age of 17, Norman was smitten by a young lady named Dorothy who he married in July 1949 with a son, John being born in 1958. John, after obtaining an Honours Degree subsequently emigrated to the USA where he married and has two sons, grandsons of whom Norman and Dorothy were very proud. Norman and Dorothy had a wonderful life together celebrating their 60th anniversary shortly before Dorothy died in 2009. Initiated into Merston-Culy Lodge No 6879 (Worcester) in January 1958 Norman became a joining member of Priory Lodge No 4671 (Yorkshire, West Riding) in January 1969 and served as Master in 2005. Following his year in the Chair Norman remained active in the Lodge holding various offices and was Senior Warden when the Lodge surrendered its warrant in 2014. He then joined Priory’s mother Lodge, Scientific No 439 where he received his 60-year certificate in 2016. Norman’s pastime was singing at which he excelled, and we will all remember his fine Bass voice singing the Initiates or Masters Songs at many Lodges throughout the Province. An amateur singer Norman performed for many years with West Riding Opera and Dales Opera as principal bass singing many important and interesting roles. Norman was a true Brother and gentleman and passed to the Grand Lodge above on 4th December 2020. He will be very sadly missed by family, friends and Brethren.  Ken was born in August 1931 in Ryton, just south of the Tyne before moving to Heaton a few years later.
He went to the Heaton Grammar School, leaving in 1948 to follow a career building on his love of chemistry. He took a position at Timothy White and Taylor's drug company in Newcastle until his National Service in the RAF from 1950 to 1952, serving as a radar engineer at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire. Returning to the North East, Ken joined Thomas Hedley and Company, part of Proctor and Gamble, working as a chemist in the soap formulation team. Ken's parents were Methodists, and he attended his local church where, on an inter-church competition he first met his wife to be, Betty. They married in 1956. In December 1958 Ken was initiated in Wallsend Lodge No. 2703 having been proposed by his father-in-law, a Past Master of the Lodge. Ken threw himself into Freemasonry as he did his other interests and was a regular performer, singing with his close Masonic colleagues at Festive Boards and Ladies Festivals around Newcastle and the north-east. From 1959 to 1965 the family grew with the addition of sons David, Richard and Andrew and 1973 saw the family move to Sheffield where Ken and Betty again threw themselves into an active social life. Ken became a cub leader at the 20th Sheffield Ecclesall Group, helping to organise meetings, camps and joining in the Group gang show produced of course by Betty! He went on to join Sheffield Teachers and Croft House operatic societies and Sheffield's Masonic Choir and was frequently "poached" by other societies to fill-in roles he was perfect for, including in his favourite, 'Guys and Dolls'. Ken joined St Philip's Lodge No. 7116 in Sheffield in 1978 having been introduced by Vernon Haw, a fellow local Scout Leader, a Past Master and Preceptor. Seven years later Ken became Master of the Lodge, taking that position again in 1992 and making lifelong friendships with other Masters and their wives in both years that survived to the end of their lives. Retiring in 1996 life seemed to get even busier as Ken expanded his interests in performing and became Preceptor at St Philip's before being promoted to PPJGW having been responsible for helping many a member to make their way safely through their year in the chair. The high standard of ritual for which the Lodge is still renowned owes much to Ken's diligent and encouraging approach. Having suffered from COPD for some years, Ken eventually found himself on permanent oxygen, and this began to severely limit his attendance at meetings. Despite his illness, Ken kept a keen interest in Lodge matters and retained his membership. Two years ago, at the age of 87, arrangements were made to present Ken with a certificate to commemorate his 60 years in Freemasonry. There were concerns about how Ken, now only able to leave home in a wheelchair and with the aid of portable oxygen, would manage an interview-style presentation. We need not have worried. He took centre stage and held everyone's rapt attention for 45 minutes as he told stories of his life in general and his experiences in Masonry. A born performer, his eyes glistened, and he enjoyed every moment! Ken was also an active Royal Arch Mason, having been Exalted in Tyne Chapter No. 991 in 1968 before joining St Philip's Chapter in 1985 until his health forced him to retire in 2014. Ken was a kind and compassionate man. A man of high standards to which he held himself and those around him. It was important to Ken that things were done properly, but any rebuke to others was always followed by a smile and friendly advice about how to do it right next time. He was never a spectator but always wanted to get involved and improve things, and he always wanted to share the pleasure he got from his passions with those he knew. His enthusiasm and energy were infectious, and he was a major recruiter for St Philip's Lodge with many of our current and past members owing their joining to Ken's encouragement. Ken passed to the Grand Lodge above after a short illness on 6th November to join his lifelong love, Betty. Ken epitomised the phrase, "if you want something doing, ask a busy man". A full life, well-lived alongside his beloved Betty and in the company of his family, his brethren and his friends. There is no doubt that the impact Ken made on the lives of so many will live on as treasured memories in our hearts as his lasting legacy.  W Bro Alan Reece passed away peacefully with family at his side on 12th November 2020, aged 82 years.
Beloved husband of Gennifer, loving father, lifelong best friend to sister and amazing ‘star’ to grandchildren and the whole family. A great friend to so many ex-bandmates, golfers, work colleagues, churchgoers and lodge members in Lancashire and Yorkshire. As a Lancastrian, in Gods own country, Alan showed the way to be accepted and he was a friend to one and all. Maybe it was his Taverner’s musical background that let him live in harmony with all he came in contact with. He gave sterling service as Charity Steward and Liaison Officer, being promoted to PPSGW to recognise his efforts. Alan will be missed, but not forgotten.  18th September 1941 - 27th November 2020 Granville was proposed by W Bro. Tony Oates and initiated into Pathfinder Lodge 8236 on the 6th July 2007. He served as Worshipful Master 2014-2015.
Always an active member of the Lodge with a willingness to partake in any event, he lived near Scarborough and latterly Pickering, travelling to Sheffield for Lodge meetings Summer and Winter not far short of 100 miles each way, a 4-hour trip, such was his dedication to Freemasonry. Granville was a Police Sergeant with the North Yorkshire Police and served for many years around the “Heartbeat” countryside and was the Station Sergeant based in Whitby. Granville’s other vocation was Scouting, and he was the Assistant County Commissioner for North Yorkshire and District Commissioner for Ryedale. His willingness to help others was an outstanding part of his character and showed in the way he collected aged Brethren and their wives to enable them to participate in Lodge activities going out of his way to do so. He was never short of words, and it could be said that a microphone was the last thing he needed such was the clarity of his delivery, from masonic ritual to his famous renditions of monologues “Albert and the Lion” being one of his favourites. He was married to his first wife Pat, who he nursed through a long illness until she sadly died. More recently he found happiness in the company of Jean, and they married on the 31st December 2019 It is tragic that as he was about to embark on a new chapter in life, Granville should contract the awful Covid 19 Virus which has cut short that journey. A most kind, generous and sincere Mason with a devotion to stand by his word, an inspiration to many, he will be sadly missed by his family, friends and Freemasonry in particular. May God shine a light perpetual upon him and bless him for all he did. Cyril died on October 22nd some seven weeks short of his 100th birthday. An engineer, he was initiated in Rockingham Lodge in 1979 and became WM in 1989. A keen member of the Chapter he was MEZ in 1993, renowned as a brilliant ritualist with a deep understanding.
He seemed to be ageless, delivering long pieces in both Craft and Chapter well into his nineties. Only failing health stopped him attending in 2018. Swinton masonry, in particular, and the Craft in general have lost a true stalwart who will be long remembered. |
Malcolm WhiteleyThe Provincial Grand Secretary Archives
February 2021
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