Page 126 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ Robert L. Gilmore

1968-1969

Most Worshipful Brother Robert Lee Gilmore was born in
Palisade Colorado on August 4, 1912. Our brother attended
grade school and high school in Palisade, and was the
salutatorian of his graduating class. His post-secondary
education was at Mesa College at Grand Junction, where he
studied Mining Engineering.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the Navy Construction
Battalion for three years in the South Pacific. After his discharge,
he returned to his job in Los Angeles. In 1948 the family moved
to Puyallup where he was employed as Land Records Supervisor
for Weyerhaeuser.

Our brother’s service to the community included being a member of the School Board, Council
President of the Cub Scouts, Executive Board of the Fruitland Grange, and service with the
Fruitland Water Company.

Our distinguished brother began his Masonic journey on January 5, 1950, when he was elected to
receive the Degrees in Corinthian Lodge No. 38. He was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason
on February 9, 1950; passed to the degree of a Fellowcraft Mason on March 4, 1950; and raised to
the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on May 4, 1950. He served in a number of positions in
Corinthian Lodge No. 38, and was elected Master in 1956.

Freemasonry was a family affair for the Gilmore family. His wife, Gale, was Worth Matron of
Naomi Chapter, Order of Eastern Star. His son, Donald, and son-in-law, Dick Clark (himself a
Past Master), were also members of Corinthian No. 38.

In 1961, he was appointed Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 13. He would then be
appointed a member of the Committee on Public Schools in 1964. His next step was to be elected
Junior Grand Warden in 1965, being elected Grand Master of our Grand Lodge in 1968. During
his year as Grand Master he offered a presentation entitled “Frank Land, DeMolay and Masonry”
at the annual Conference of Grand Masters. His address was highly praised and widely published.
Additional recognition was given when it appeared in the Congressional Record.

His service to the Craft did not end at the close of his term as he would serve on the Committee on
Finance, Jurisprudence, Endowment for the Masonic Home, Code Commission, and Grievances
& Appeals.

An active participant in our three youth groups, he was recognized by the International Supreme
Council of the Order of DeMolay with the Honorary Legion of Honor.