Page 111 - PGM Compendium

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 the practical jokes that
were played on him, and the one he had played on others. Whenever he would visit a Lodge or attend any
Masonic function, anywhere in the United States or Canada, he would invariably run into someone whom
he knew or had worked with in years past. Then there would be a regular reunion, with much joking and
storytelling and swapping.

Tommy was a very proficient chef and loved to prepare delicious food. He enjoyed nothing more than to

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