Page 50 - PGM Compendium

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
Of
M⸫W⸫ John McNab

2003-2004

Most Worshipful John McNab was born in the small farming
community of Linden, Michigan, on May 29, 1931, where he lived
until he was 10 years old. He then moved to Detroit where he
attended Junior High and High School. He was active in the Boy
Scouts and obtained the rank of Star Scout.

In June of 1948 he enlisted in the U. S. Navy, where he spent five
years before returning to Detroit to attend college and work for the
Grand Trunk Western Railroad. It was while working for the
railroad that he met the boss’s secretary, Barbara Fields, whose
charms he could not resist. Marriage followed in 1954, and their 55-year union was been blessed
with sons Scott and Gregg and daughters Terry and Sandy, their spouses, and two grandchildren.

In 1956 John returned to the Navy, where he continued in his previous field of work as a Damage
Controlman. After many tours of duty on various ships and shore stations he earned his
commission in 1964. He completed 32 years of service in 1981 and retired with the rank of
Lieutenant Commander. John then continued his college education in the San Diego area until
1984 when he and Barbara moved to Washington State, built their dream home, and developed a
small beef farm which they managed until John was elected Junior Grand Warden in 2000.

John was raised a Master Mason in Harper Woods Lodge No. 585, in St. Clair Shores, Michigan,
on February 22, 1956. In 1989 he affiliated with United Lodge No.93, in Sedro-Woolley and
became a Life Member, serving as its Master in 1991 and again in 1993. He was also an Honorary
Life Member of Abbottsford Lodge, No.70, in Abbotsford, B.C., a sister lodge of Burlington-
United Lodge. John also proudly held Honorary Memberships in several Washington Lodges.

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He was coroneted a 33 Degree Inspector General Honorary in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish
Rite in 1999, and served as Master of all four bodies as well as serving as Personal Representative
of the Sovereign Grand Inspector General for the Valley of Bellingham. He was a member of the
Scottish Rite Research Society; Anacortes Chapter No.59 Royal Arch Masons; Bellingham
Council No.16 of Royal and Select Masters; Nile Temple AANOMS; Goose & Gridiron Nest 4A;
Past President of Northwest Chapter No.534, National Sojourners Inc.; and member of Thomas L.
Casey Camp of Heroes of ‘76; Royal Order of Scotland and Thistle Clan; Knight Masons Clontarf
Council No.69 and several other local groups. John was also proud to have named to the DeMolay
Honorary Legion of Honor.

M⸫W⸫ James Vannice gave John his first Grand Lodge appointment on the Special Awards
Committee in 1991, where he served for three years. At that time it was an ad hoc committee which
later became the Military Recognition Committee. Since 1991 he has served on the Grand Lodge