Page 122 - 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.

rd
Our brother was also a member of the Tacoma Scottish Rite Bodies, being coroneted a 33 Degree

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