Brethren,
The roll of the workmen has been called, and one Master Mason, Brother Commander “Swede” Nels H. Edlund, 32°, Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, has not answered to his name. He has laid down the working tools of life and with them has left that mortal part for which he no longer has use. His labors here below have taught him to divest his heart and conscience of the vices and superfluity of life, thereby fitting his mind as a living stone for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Strengthened in his labors here by faith in God, and confident of expectation of immortality, he has been granted admission to the Celestial Lodge above. His Brethren and fellow bartenders mourn the passing of a great man, bartender and Mason.
Nels Hilmer Edlund, 32°, KCCH, affectionately known as Swede, passed away the evening of Friday January 5th, 2018 at the home of his son, at the age of 88. Swede was the long time bartender and active member of the Portland Valley until transportation and recent health issues made attendance more difficult over the last few years. Brother Edlund was originally a Blue Lodge member of Southgate Lodge No. 182 and later of Cornerstone Lodge No. 157 in Portland Oregon. He joined the Portland Valley Scottish Rite in May of 1974.
Further information on the funeral arrangements and memorial services will be provided as soon as it is available.
John Otterstedt and Swede were both good Masons! May God Bless their families and strengthen them at this time.