Remembering an Ole Friend

It’s not often we get to write about those brothers who have passed to the Celestial Grand Lodge, but this month one special mason who just had his service at Willamette National will be our focus.

Worshipful Brother Ralph M. Bankston, Past Master of Hawthorne No. 111 had a heart attack and passed on November 14, 2021. Ralph was 94 years young and received all his degrees in Hawthorne Lodge.

He received his EA Degree on November 10, 1951, his FC on December 11, 1951, and was raised a Master Mason on January 15, 1952. Ralph was master of Hawthorne in 1960. Ralph was active in many masonic groups including the Shrine.

After the consolidation of Hawthorne Lodge in 1983 Ralph became a regular at Washington Lodge and was always present for those November election of officers.

 

I had the pleasure of attending his service at Willamette National Cemetery on July 19th, which is always a very moving experience.

 

This picture of Ralph with a Portland police dog was the last picture taken before his passing. Between his work at Leupold & Stevens and his many activities, Ralph symbolized the masonic principals of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

God Bless you my brother, rest in peace.

Respectively submitted,

Don Stapleton, Secretary