W Bro. Stephen Milburn Till, PJGD, PAGSoj.

29/3/2020

17 June 1936 - 29 March 2020

Stephen sadly passed to the Grand Lodge above on 29th March, after a short illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Bobbie, and the family.

A Mason for over 55 years Stephen was initiated into St Wilfrid Lodge, No 6395 on 14 May 1964 by his father, who also passed and raised him. He held many offices in the Lodge before becoming Worshipful Master in 1981.

He was a Founder Member of the Dales Lodge, No 9554, Yorks. N & ER, which met at Richmond. He also became a Joining Member of Zetland Lodge, No 1331 in 2005. He was exalted into the Royal Arch in Fairfax Chapter No 3255 on 7 October 1970 and became First Principal in 1983.

Stephen distinguished himself at Provincial level particularly as Director of Ceremonies. In the Craft he was first appointed a Provincial Grand Steward in 1990, rising to PPJGW in 1997. He became Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1999. He held that office for eight years until 2007, serving two Provincial Grand Masters. On his retirement from the office, he was appointed PPSGW. His work was recognised by Grand Lodge, and in 2000 he was appointed to the acting rank of Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies and promoted in 2008 to PJGD.

In Provincial Grand Chapter he was appointed Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies in 1994 and served in that office until 1998 taking up the same office in Provincial Grand Lodge the following year. He was promoted to PPGSN in 2000. His work in the Royal Arch was recognised by Supreme Grand Chapter, and he was appointed PGStB in 1994 and promoted to PAGSoj in 2005.

Stephen was also a past President and stalwart member of the Grand Officers’ Mess in the Province.
Stephen was more than just a delightful person; he was always kind and considerate. He was also a gregarious person whose presence will be missed by so many.

Stephen was an accomplished musician who graced and supported, many a Masonic occasion throughout the Province either with his singing or playing the organ or piano. Many Masons can say that their life has been all the richer for knowing Stephen.
While he was a stickler for protocol and ensuring that ritual and Masonic ceremony was carried out in a correct manner, it was always done in the best interest, and to further the masonic education of Brethren and Companions.

His Lodges and Chapter will miss his somewhat loud stage whispers if something was not being done to his liking. His guidance, friendship, ready wit, and charming personality will be missed by us all.

36 Comments

John Boyington

5/2/2021 03:19:16 pm

A lovely and supportive man who was so kind to me as a fretful WM when he came As Provincial DC with the PGM and Provincial Team to visit my Lodge in 2002. He was thoughtful and considerate on that occasion and every subsequent time that we met. He will be greatly missed by all of us who were privileged to know him.

Robert Bowhill

5/2/2021 03:25:26 pm

A great Freemason with a lovely sense of humour and always willing to help others. My condolences to Stephens wife Bobbie and family, I've lost a very great friend and Stephen will be greatly missed, a privileged to have worked with him and to have known him.

David Boyle

5/2/2021 03:26:49 pm

His cheerful friendship and warm smile will be sadly missed. Freemasonry has lost a true Brother. My condolences to Stephen's family.

Mike Brady

5/2/2021 03:27:44 pm

Stephen was a cheerful Mason. He will be missed as a person and also as an organist.The harmony in our Lodge will not be the same without him at the organ.

Richard E Peel

5/2/2021 03:28:35 pm

On every occasion I met him he was always smiling, cheery and extremely pleasant to all around him. Always the Mason, always the brother, always someones loved one, and who will always be missed. Sincere condolences to his wife and family.

Mick Dyson

5/2/2021 03:29:20 pm

A true Mason and will be sadly missed by all

Gilbert Jarrett

5/2/2021 03:32:22 pm

I can't believe that three weeks ago I was with W Bro.Till three times that week. On the Tuesday 10th. I was with him at Zetland Lodge where he sang so beautifully with two other Brethren. On the Thursday at St. Wilfrid's lodge scroll night and then the next day at W Bro. Beaumont's funeral. l was sat next to him. My relationship and friendship with him go as far back as 1979 when, as JW he had to prove me when I visited the lodge. As I was initiated in a Scottish lodge I did things differently and we ended up laughing hence how our friendship started.
In 1981 when he became master I decided to join the lodge, since then our relationship became stronger. He was dedicated mason who likes rituals and masonic traditional mentained. He will be sadly missed. May His Soul Rest In Peace.

Steve Sheard

5/2/2021 03:33:19 pm

Stephen Milburn Till
A man, a Mason my friend.
I will miss him very much

John Stone

5/2/2021 03:34:11 pm

Stephen you have exemplified Freemasonry and set a fine example to all. Your contributions will be hugely missed.

Clive Hawkins

5/2/2021 03:35:15 pm

I echo the sentiments of everyone on here my abiding memories of Stephen were his organ playing and his singing. Especially the Laughing Policeman and the Grand Gendarme. RIP Brother you are not forgotten

Alan Elstone

5/2/2021 03:36:26 pm

A great man who will be missed by many. Your guidance to me and many others was all encompassing, it was a privilege to have known you. May your family find solace and consolation at this difficult time.

Brian Lawless

5/2/2021 03:40:35 pm

Rest In Peace Stephen. As your obituary indicates, i too am one of those whose life and Masonic experience has been all the richer for knowing you. One of the best.

Stefan Kurth

5/2/2021 03:42:36 pm

Whenever I am asked 'Which Lodge are you in?', on my reply, 'St Wilfrid', the response is invariably 'Stephen Till's Lodge.'
Stephen is widely known, well-liked and highly respected. An integral and vital member of our Lodge. A traditionalist, yes; expectant of the highest standards, yes; but always open to and appreciative of new ideas to ensure that the Lodge and Masonry in general can prosper and progress. Knowledgeable, wise, supportive, kind, caring and generous with a wicked sense of humour and wit. A lovely man and an exemplary Mason. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have known him.
His contribution to Freemasonry in general and St Wilfrid Lodge in particular is incalculable and will never be forgotten. Stephen was a guiding light within the Lodge and will ever remain so.
I close with the words of W.Bro. Roger Quick, 'May he Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory.'

Simon Fellerman

5/2/2021 03:43:35 pm

Tuesday evenings at Castle Grove will never be the same without Stephen’s friendly greetings. He will be missed by the Craft in general and by us all in The Lodge of Dawn in particular.

David M Caunt

5/2/2021 03:44:55 pm

Rest in Peace Stephen.

Geoff Lord

5/2/2021 03:45:22 pm

Stephen was a regular supporter of the West Riding Fairways Lodge AMAM, it was always a delight to meet "Tilly's Tigers" and share a laugh, a great man and a great mason.

Andrew Gilliland

5/2/2021 03:46:06 pm

I well remember meeting Stephen for the first time, as a guest at St Wilfrid’s, and hearing him at the Organ playing ‘Teddy Bears Picnic’ as the Provincial officers processed out of the Lodge room! Over the intervening years our paths crossed many times, always I felt the better for meeting him, a constant source of good advice humbly offered. Rest on Peace, my brother, until the Gavel calls you once more.

Stuart Oakes

5/2/2021 03:46:36 pm

I had the pleasure of meeting Stephen when he attended many of our installations and occasionally Ladies nights at Philanthropic Lodge, he filled the room with his warm character and was always a pleasure to be in his company.
When the sad news came in about his passing many of our lodge members paid tribute to him. One in particular was from our Chaplain,

"To me he epitomised everything about who and what a Freemason should be".

Freemasonry will be the poorer without him.

Rest in peace Brother.

Robin Gregson

5/2/2021 03:47:07 pm

I have known Steve from our boyhoods in Bramhope. Lost touch during National Service & early days of marriage. We met again through Freemasonry at Otley & re-strengthened our friendships for over 60 years. He was a strong & gregarious man with a huge sense of humour. His masonic record speaks for itself & he was a stickler for 'doing it right' & 'no books'. His music spanned his life. He will be sadly missed by many, no more than Bobbie & the family.
Sleep well Steve.

Ian P Booth

5/2/2021 03:47:37 pm

Sad loss of a wonderful Mason. Condolences to his family and friends. He lived respected and died regretted.

David Baxter, Fairfax 3255

5/2/2021 03:48:29 pm

First memory of Stephen was his portrayal of Leopold in Headingley Amateurs "White Horse Inn" about 1970, a role I was later to portray for my Guiseley Society. Later I was delighted to meet him on many Masonic occasions. He was just a wonderfully warm personality with a god given talent, and I might add a great source of encouragement to others. I heard him sing last at Robin Gregson's 50th, accompanied by a good friend, John Webb.

Andrew Schofield

5/2/2021 03:49:03 pm

Such a wonderful person to have known, was always willing to offer advice and guidance to me when I was an Asst and Dep DC

Tim Ridsdale

5/2/2021 03:49:37 pm

Stephen was a lovely man who always had a good word for you and a smile on his face and would stop and chat, whether that be in the village or at a Masonic meeting. He will be greatly missed by all, and the world will be poorer without him.

John Rushworth

5/2/2021 03:50:12 pm

So sad to hear of the passing of Stephen. I first met Stephen through Masonry some 25 years ago and, together with our wives, have remained firm friends ever since. Together we have enjoyed many social occasions, when Stephen was always his usual convivial self.
In Freemasonry we worked together at Provincial level for many years. Stephen was always the one you could rely on for support, and to contribute if he felt something was not right. One of our biggest challenges was the Installation of John Clayton as PGM/GSupt. Trying to find a restaurant in Harrogate that was open on a Sunday evening, to entertain the Pro Grand Master, was a nightmare, but Stephen said leave it to me, and off he went and persuaded an establishment, in his usual charming manner, to open for us.
My life has been all the richer for knowing Stephen, and I am sure there are many others who will echo that sentiment.

James Newman

5/2/2021 03:50:38 pm

What a sad loss for this Province and for Freemasonry. The most unpretentious man of high masonic rank that I have ever met. He was a brilliant DC at every level and was a great source of advice and wisdom to me as a youngish Mason during my first taste of being a Provincial Officer in the great Millennium year. He seemed to fill the gap between the necessity for dignity and tradition in our fraternity and the sometimes forgotten principle that we all meet on the level. Will miss his smile and humorous anecdotes.

John Allison

5/2/2021 03:51:06 pm

I first met Stephen long before I became a Mason and worked with him at a Deputy DC, my late wife , Margaret and I enjoyed many happy hours with Stephen and Bobbie, my sincere condolences go to Bobbie at this very difficult time, I know exactly how she must be feeling. RIP dear friend .

Peter Gibbs

5/2/2021 03:51:36 pm

Fond memories of the guidance and advice Stephen gave me when I became an Acting Officer some years ago. A true mason who lived very much respected and who has died very much regretted. He will be sadly missed by many, but always remembered.

Robert C. Bailey

5/2/2021 03:52:08 pm

I was very sorry to hear of Stephens passing as I always found him a very convivial and welcoming Freemason. My abiding memory however was at a Hotel in Wetherby about 20 years ago when I was delivering a seminar on European Human Rights Act in a room some distance from Stephens booming voice on in a room demonstrating gas fires. My audience knew more about Gas Fires that the HRAct!! We laughed about it whenever we met. I will miss him.

John Birkenshaw

5/2/2021 03:52:36 pm

A great Man, Great Mason and a special friend of Harrogate & Claro Lodge No 1001. On behalf of all the Brethren of H&C we wish to say you will be sadly missed and may you Rest In Peace in the Grand Lodge Above.

Alan Hurdley

5/2/2021 03:53:13 pm

It as all been said what attributes Stephen had all l can say it was my pleasure to have known him

Graham King

5/2/2021 03:53:42 pm

Stephen joined Zetland Lodge 1311 in June 2005. He had many friends, prior to joining, and subsequently in the Lodge; many being members of The Alwoodley Golf Club. Stephen was a well respected and distinguished member and his advice was always very much appreciated and valued. His companionship and conviviality will be sorely missed and our condolences go out to Bobbie at this sad and difficult time.

Simon Penny-Smith

5/2/2021 10:16:49 pm

I have known Stephen since joining freemasonry, I know not as long as most but he has still made a lasting impression on my life never the less. A wonderful, kind and generous man who loved his freemasonry with a passion, he always had as much time as was required to offer any help and advice for the newly initiated and even some of the more senior brethren. I recall he & I once missed most of the Festive Board having offered to take me back into the temple to practice my acoustics, Castle Grove is a large room to be heard in so you cant whisper. He stayed with me until I not only got it right but until I was confident that I would get it right next time too. He was he was our lodge Mentor and personal friend, who's company was always as enjoyable as it was interesting, he was certainly a huge inspiration in my life both in and outside of lodge. I will miss him dearly, he had so much more to give, he will not only be sadly missed at Zetland Lodge but it is also a huge loss for freemasonry in general. He was a true gentleman and a wonderful mason, he was one of the best of us and our deepest sympathy, love and best wishes go out to his family and all who mourn his passing. Missing you already Stephen.

Jeffrey Hillman

5/2/2021 10:19:08 pm

Sad loss of a wonderful Mason. Condolences to his family

Malcolm Whiteley

5/2/2021 10:21:54 pm

A truly great man and consummate Mason. Always a good and supportive word to say. Condolences to his family.

Alan Thorn

5/2/2021 10:23:49 pm

Steve, thanks for all the support and encouragement you gave me. I'll miss you.

Kevin Gould

8/7/2022 10:43:54 am

Stephen was an absolute gentle man in every sense and not seeing his warm welcome when entering Castle Grove is something I regret. He was a fine example for others to follow in whatever walk of life

In Memoriam

W Bro. Stephen Milburn Till, PJGD, PAGSoj.

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