News

BRETHREN

We pause in our labors to pay our tribute of love and esteem to our departed Brethren who, since the last service of this Lodge, have passed from the cares and troubles of this transitory existence into the Celestial Lodge above.  We approach this solemn moment in a spirit of reverence and solemnity, our hearts heavy with the awareness that never again in the mortal life shall we experience the warm spirit of friendship and brotherhood that these, our deceased Brethren, extended to us. But, we are secure in the knowledge that they live eternally in the Lodge above and in our memory.

Robert Main Richmond

My Brethren, the roll of the workmen has been called, and one Master Mason, Ill. Robert Main Richmond  33°,  of The Baker Valley, has not answered to his name.   

Brother Bob Richmond was born on January 3rd, 1938 in Thermopolis, Wyoming.

• Brother Richmond received his Degrees in Masonry at Augusta Lodge #54, in Augusta, Montana.
• He was initiated into the Scottish Rite in Billings Valley on October 1st, 1977
• He Transferred to Baker Valley on November 10th, 1992
• He was honored with his KCCH on November 8th, 2003
• He received his 33rd Degree on September 8th, 2007
• He served as Personal Representative to our SGIG from Sept 2010 to July 2013 

Robert Main Richmond

January 3, 1938-September 5, 2014

Robert (Bob) Main Richmond left earth to arrive in his heavenly home on September 5, 2014 at the age of 76. Verle and Jud Richmond welcomed their first born, wee Robbie, on January 3, 1938 in Thermopolis, Wyoming. He had the honor of being the first Grandchild to Robert, his namesake, and first child born in 1938 in Hot Springs County. Image the thrill of his Mother being honored with $5.00 for this feat. He preceded to live his life honoring his Scottish ancestors, carrying their names with dignity. Bob is survived by his wife, Joyce, of 56 years, Daughter Robyn Richmond-Winden & Son-in-law Jerry Winden, Son Jeffrey and Daughter-in law Kristy, Daughter Verlyn Richmond and Special Daughter Cyndi Richmond, Granddaughters Kaylin, Janae, and Haylee Winden. Bob is survived by his Mother Katherine Verle Richmond, his Brother Dennis Richmond, Sisters Joan Richmond and Mary Richmond Anderson, Brother- in- Law John Ellis Ward and Sister-in-Laws, Jean Ward, Judy Metzger, and Lenna Bernhardt, plus many Special Cousins, Nieces and Nephews.

Bob had the joy and freedom of attending small country schools. His humor started at a young tender age by locking his teacher in the outhouse of the one room schoolhouse–to the delight of fellow students! He learned a valuable lesson in etiquette and proper decorum. After graduation from Cody High School, Bob attended the University of Colorado, transferring to University of Idaho to graduate in 1961 with his degree in Forestry.

Bob began his 36 year career with the Forest Service, pulling up stakes to travel back and forth between North Dakota and Montana, Virginia and Oregon where he retired as Supervisor of the Wallowa Whitman Forest. During these travels they were blessed with the opportunity to make life-long friends with so very many wonderful and interesting people.

Bob may have retired from the Forest Service but he kept going non-stop right up until he left his earthly home. He was a member of the Baker United Methodist Church serving as Finance Chairman. Most Worshipful Brother Robert excelled as Grand Master of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Oregon and served leadership roles for many other Appendant and Concordant bodies of Freemasonry. He was honored to be Worthy Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Oregon, currently Chairman of Revision of Laws and Advisor to the Most Worthy Grand Patron, General Grand Chapter, OES. Bob traveled tirelessly for many years serving others where needed and with total commitment.
Bob’s love and commitment to his family was at the forefront of his life. He was a Loving Husband, Son, and Brother. He was a wonderful Father, Grandfather, and Uncle. He could fill a room with his smile and sense of humor. Bob, an avid reader! To say, that he loved books, would be an understatement! In fact, Robert was on his way home loaded down with close to 8000 books when he left us with a massive heart attack in Dillon, Montana. Bob had a delightful way of sharing stories and reciting poetry. His delivery and style of those tales and poems would enchant all who were present. Bob was a man of integrity. His word and his handshake were true and unwavering. There was only one Bob Richmond and all who had the opportunity to have been a part of his life will be forever blessed. He has left a lasting impression on us all and will be in our hearts eternally. He was preceded in death by his Father George (Jud) Richmond.

There will be a Celebration of Bob’s life on Saturday, September 13, 2014,
10:00 am, Baker High School Auditorium, reception to follow.

In Lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials going to Baker United Methodist Church, Masonic and the Order of the Eastern Star Youth Scholarship Funds, ESTARL, or to a Charity of one’s choice. Thank you. This may be done through the Coles Tribute Center, 1950 Place Street, Baker City, OR 97814.

MAKE ME NO GRAVE

Make me no grave within that quiet place
Where friends shall sadly view the grassy mound,
Politely solemn for a little space,
As though the spirit slept beneath the ground.

For me no sorrow, nor the hopeless tear;
No chant, no prayer, no tender eulogy:
I may be laughing with the gods–while here
You weep alone. Then make no grave for me

But lay me where the pines, austere and tall,
Sing in the wind that sweeps across the West:
Where night, imperious, sets her coronal
Of silver stars upon the mountain crest.

Where dawn, rejoicing, rises from the deep,
And Life, rejoicing, rises with the dawn:
Mark not the spot upon the sunny steep,
For with the morning light I shall be gone.

Far trails await me; valleys vast and still,
Vistas undreamed of, canyon-guarded streams,
Lowland and range, fair meadow, flower-girt hill,
Forests enchanted, filled with magic dreams.

And I shall find brave comrades on the way:
None shall be lonely in adventuring,
For each a chosen task to round the day,
New glories to amaze, new songs to sing.

Loud swells the wind along the mountain-side,
High burns the sun, unfettered swings the sea,
Clear gleam the trails whereon the vanished ride,
Life calls to life: then make no grave for me!

Henry Herbert Knibbs, from Songs of the Trail, 1920