Page 108 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Frederick S. Sandoz

1976-1977

Most Worshipful Brother Frederick Silas Sandoz was born on March
25, 1917 on the same Buena, Washington ranch where he worked to
raise apples, pears, plums - and a family. Graduating from Zillah High
School in 1935, he enlisted in the U. S. Marines. After being
discharged in 1939, he completed training at the Curtiss Wright
Technical Institute in Glendale, California, worked as an airplane
instructor, then as aircraft representative for the Lockheed
Corporation. He returned to farming and the Buena ranch in 1948.

On October 25, 1941 he and Willamina Daling, a high school English
teacher and the daughter of a Waterville grain farmer, were married. Willamina, known to all as
"Bill," was teaching at Zillah High School as our distinguished Brother was finishing his high
school education and just happened to have him in her class. Therein lies the first glimpse of the
two together. Fred was smitten and Bill was impressed with this tall, straight, upright lad; and after
a few years to gather his courage to ask her, she finally succumbed to his proposal thereby forming
a union to enjoy and be enjoyed.

Bill was a correspondent for a local weekly newspaper and the Yakima Herald, becoming a
celebrity in her own right. She was proud of her surroundings with the many friends, and those in
the "Valley" enjoyed her presence and cherished their association with her. Her concern for those
around her proved itself in her writings. She told of those good deeds people did for each other
and the community usually neglecting the same for herself. She was active in the Order of Eastern
Star, becoming Worthy Matron of Illahee Chapter in Toppenish. Bill continued to encourage Fred,
especially in his Masonic career, and was a great contributor during his year as Grand Master.

One son, Clark, was born of the union. He was brought up on the ranch, and having majored in
horticulture at Washington State University ran the Buena farm. Clark was installed Master of
Toppenish-Meridian Lodge No. 178 by his father during Fred's year as Grand Master. A cherished
honor to both.

Our distinguished Brother's record of service to those around him and to Masonry is long and
impressive. His life was active, colorful and exciting to say the least. He was Raised to the Sublime
Degree of a Master Mason in Meridian Lodge No. 196 on May 11, 1954. He at once became
intensely interested in Masonry, became active in the work of the Lodge, serving in various
stations, and was elected Worshipful Meister in 1960. He became a Charter Member of Compass
Lodge No. 306, when that Lodge was constituted and a member of Walter F. Meier Lodge of
Research No. 281.

Fred served as Grand Lecturer in 1966-67 for Most Worshipful Brother E. Haskell Johns. During