Page 115 - PGM Compendium

the Committee on Masonic Research and Education; in 1966-1967 he served as Senior Grand
Steward; from 1967 until 1970 he was Chairman of the Committee on Masonic Research and
Education and in 1970 was elected Junior Grand Warden. In 1973 he was installed as Grand Master
at the first Open Installation in many years.

Brother Craig affiliated as a Dual member of Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research, No. 281; was a
member of Seattle Chapter No. 3, R.A.M.; Scottish Rite, Valley of Seattle; Nile Temple of the
Shrine; Adoniram Chapter No. 17, R.S.M.; Chinook Council, No. 77, Allied Degrees, and was an
Honorary member of Landmark Lodge, No. 128, Vancouver, B.C., as well as a number of Lodges
throughout this Jurisdiction.

Early in 1973 the childhood injury began to plague our brother, and his difficulty in swallowing
worsened to the point that he was no longer able to take any nourishment, even liquids, but he had
by then made the Alaska visitation, many meetings, and the Annual Communication of the Grand
Lodge of Nevada, because of his courage and stamina. Finally it was imperative that something be
done and, by the Grace of God, the surgeon to do it was found. Five surgeries and four months
later, he began to swallow again. During those four months, he carried out the duties of his Office
from a hospital bed, or at home while recuperating, with the cooperation of Right Worshipful
Brother Clyde B. Mix, Deputy Grand Master, and Right Worshipful Brother Edward L. Bennett,
Grand Secretary. His only regret was in not being able to visit with his Brethren. The cards of
greeting and the prayers aided beyond belief, and the fact that Brother Mix represented the Grand
Master at official functions removed the stress that could have delayed his recuperation.

Our Most Worshipful Brother guided his Annual Communication in spite of his serious illness and
physical suffering. Only a dedicated man, possessed with a strong will and tenacious purpose,
could have accomplished what he did at that time. He brushed aside every offer of assistance or
relief from his strenuous duties and bravely assumed the duties of his high office, wielding the
gavel every minute of the session. Through his long ordeal, prior to his Grand Lodge, he was
sustained and supported immeasurably by his loving and charming wife, Lillian, who stood by his
side throughout his many trips to the hospital, where it was necessary for him to undergo multiple
surgeries.

Although not a deeply religious man, he believed implicitly in God's word, and he had a deep and
sincere faith in the immortality of the soul. He was a generous, kind and thoughtful man, ever
mindful of the welfare of others, especially his close friends. He was unselfish with his time and
energy, in the service of his fellowmen, often going out of his way to do a friend a favor, or to visit
with someone in the hospital or nursing home, to cheer them up and make the day a little brighter
for them. His charm and wit endeared him to all who came in contact with him, and he dearly
loved an argument. When talking with Tommy, (as everyone affectionately knew him), his eyes
would listen intently to what you had to say, so that he could make some appropriate quip or
comeback or maybe strike up an argument, whether he would win or lose, he cared not.

In his serious moments of reflection or retrospection, h would praise his wife, Lillian, and speak
fondly of all the many friends he had made during his many years aboard ship and in his Masonic
Lodge work. He would relate many humorous incidents that happened and relished telling about