Tribute to Our Departed Brothers

 

 

On Friday, March 6, 2009 we learned that WB Don Plotz had ascended to the Celestial Lodge, and that his family had requested a Masonic graveside service by Chehalis Lodge #28 .   He was 84 years old.  WB Don had been Master of Chehalis Lodge #28 in 1953.  WB Don was a member of this lodge for over 60 years & a Past Master for over 50 years.  He had delivered the 1st degree lecture on so many occasions in the past 50+ years, even during 2008 for this lodge.   It would be hard to count the number of times he performed this lecture in very fine fashion & all from memory.   He will be sorely missed.
 

The ceremony was beautiful.  11 brothers appeared clothed as Masons, the family was impressed.   As a bonus, we learned that WB Don's son David is a Masonic brother, an entered apprentice who never finished taking the degrees.   He now knows more, and has committed himself to being Passed and Raised into the fraternity his father loved so dearly.

VWB Brian Morgan, District Deputy of District #17 did an admirable job conducting the services with WB Master Steve Carmick as Chaplin & WB Manley Michler as Bible Bearer.

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VW Brother Charles Lewis Shafer ascended to the Celestial Lodge on  May-------2009  after a period of hospitalization at the age of 94.   A private family service was held,  with a memorial put on later by O. E. S.   Foster Farms (the chicken processor that bought Charlie's chickens) donated chicken tenders from Charlie's farm.  Biscuits, honey, by friends & members,  Blue Lodge supplied the salads for the service that was performed at the lodge hall.

Charles L. Shafer was born 9-26-1914 in Bozeman MT.    He married Anna Svinth in 1939 & they had 2 children, Donald & Joanne.  He worked 29 years as a heavy equipment operator.   He became self-employed in 1955  raising chickens commercially, producing 800,000 fryers annually.  Charlie was charter member & first chairman of the Wash State fryer commission.    He was master of Pomona Grange in 1961, 62 & 63.  He was Worthy Patron for O. E. S. many times during his Masonic career.  He was Rainbow Dad, for Chehalis Order of Rainbow Girls #45. 1965-68.  He was initiated 10-26-60, passed 11-18-60, raised as Master Mason 12-28-60.  Was District Deputy for #17 1980/81.  He was president of Lewis County Shrine Club & President of Masters & Wardens Assn.

In 2007 Charlie was presented a 40 year pin & certificate of appreciation from the lodge.  Charlie was the historian for those who followed him & will be missed by all as he was always involved in the lodge's doings.  You always knew where Charlie was coming from as he was not afraid to say what he thought.  He was a very generous person.