It is my sad duty to report the passing of Worshipful Brother Richard G. “Dick” Mann. Brother Mann put down his heavy earthly working tools of life after 57 years as a Mason.
Blazing Star Lodge No. 694 remembers with gratitude and respect Worshipful Brother Richard Mann of East Aurora.
Richard was the beloved husband of the late Marilyn (Welch) Mann, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. A veteran of the Korean War, he served his country honorably in the United States Navy. He continued his commitment to service as a longtime member and Past Commander of American Legion Post 362.
Worshipful Brother Mann was also a devoted member of Blazing Star Lodge and served for many years as a Trustee. He was always willing to lend a hand, offer his experience, and do what was needed for the good of the Lodge. Even as the years progressed, his dedication never wavered.
His service, loyalty, and steady presence made a lasting impact upon Blazing Star Lodge and the Brothers who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be sincerely missed and gratefully remembered.
May his memory remain in our hearts, and may he rest in eternal peace.
It is my sad duty to report the passing of Brother Carlton Harry Baker. Brother Baker put down his heavy Earthy working tools of life after 66 years as a Mason.
Carlton Harry Baker April 23, 1932 – September 6, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brother Carlton Harry Baker on September 6, 2023, in the comforting care of Hospice, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He departed this world surrounded by the loving embrace of his cherished children and other close family members.
Brother Carl was a remarkable soul whose presence enriched the lives of all fortunate enough to know him. He possessed a boundless spirit, living his life to the fullest and spreading warmth wherever he went. To encounter Carl was to be touched by his special brand of magic. He possessed a wealth of knowledge that seemed limitless, offering insights on topics ranging from aviation to finance and beyond.
In his journey through life, Brother Baker was preceded in death by his parents, Brother Gordon and Dorothy Carr Baker, who imparted to him the values of diligence, respect for others, gratitude for life’s blessings, a commitment to community service, and an unwavering dedication to family.
He was also preceded by his beloved siblings, David, Doug, and Stella. From them, he learned the arts of self-preservation and negotiation, along with the invaluable lessons of faith and humor as guiding lights through life’s challenges.
Brother Carl was a devoted husband, having shared his life with Shirley Winegar Baker and Betty Rahill Baker, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his brother Kirk, his children Ron Winegar (Mary), Tom Winegar (Lyn), Bonnie Baker, and son David Baker, along with four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a multitude of Rahill relatives too numerous to tally.
In lieu of a formal memorial service, Brother Carl’s final wish was for all who read these words to raise a glass in his honor, embrace those near to them, and reconnect with long-lost friends or family members. Let us celebrate his life by spreading joy, love, and connection, just as he did during his time with us.
A private interment will take place in Elma, New York at a later date.
Rest in eternal peace, dear Brother Carl, your memory lives on in our hearts.
Our Brother was Initiated as an Entered Apprentice on February 12, 1957. Passed to Fellowcraft on March 23, 1957, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on June 1, 1957. Our Brother was Raised to the Celestial Lodge in the sky on September 6, 2023, at the age of 90 and a Mason for 66 years. Our Brother worked the quarry for many years and leaves behind a great legacy. Thank you Brother for all of your contributions to Masonry and to the betterment of humanity. You can rest knowing your good works will live on for years to come.
Please join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to the family of Brother Baker in this difficult time.
“Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of the Lord” Amen.
On the evening of March 14th, we were honored to welcome the DDGM to our Lodge, and it proved to be an enriching experience, brimming with stimulating conversation. Our discussions ranged from the origins of St. Patrick’s Day to the intricate nuances of the Masonic Ritual, and we were able to uncover several obscure but fascinating facts about Freemasonry. Adding to the evening’s festivities, WB Andruczyk prepared a delectable meal of corned beef and cabbage that tantalized the senses and brought everyone together in appreciation.
This occasion was a true embodiment of the tenets of Fellowship and learning that underpin our Masonic community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have shared it together. It is through such gatherings that we can broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding of not only each other but also of the world around us, and we look forward to future opportunities to engage in similar exchanges of ideas and knowledge.
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