family

Remembering Brother George B. Sleeper

by

It is my sad duty to report the passing of Worshipful Brother George B. Sleeper. Brother Sleeper put down his heavy earthly working tools of life after 51 years as a Mason.

George B. Sleeper
April 21, 1943 – March 22, 2026

Blazing Star Lodge #694 honors the life of Brother George B. Sleeper, who passed away on March 22, 2026, at the age of 82. Brother George was a devoted Mason whose years of service left a lasting mark on our Lodge and the York Rite bodies he so faithfully supported.

He served as Past Master of Blazing Star Lodge #694, providing steady leadership and guidance. His commitment extended through the York Rite, where he served as Past High Priest of Royal Arch Chapter #282, Past Master of Hamburg Council Royal and Select Masters, and Past Commander of Tancred Commandery, Knights Templar. In recognition of his dedication, he was awarded the Knight of the York Cross of Honour, a distinction that reflects sustained service and leadership.

Freemasonry was an important part of his life, but it was not the only place where he gave his time. Brother George served his country in the United States Navy, built a long career with IBM and later roles with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Deloitte, and remained active in his community. He served as a Village Trustee in East Aurora, mentored young men as an Assistant Scout Master, and was a lifelong member and leader at the First Presbyterian Church of East Aurora.

At the center of it all was his family. He shared more than sixty years of marriage with his wife, Barbara, and took great pride in his children and grandchildren.

Brother George lived the values we speak about. He served where he was needed, led when called upon, and remained committed to his obligations throughout his life. His example will not be forgotten.

  • Born: April 21, 1943
  • Initiated: October 8, 1974
  • Passed: November 12, 1974
  • Raised: November 26, 1974
  • Departed: March 22, 2026

“Well done thou good and faithful servant.  Enter thou into the joy of the Lord” Amen.

Remembering Brother Russell G. Knox

by

It is my sad duty to report the passing of Worshipful Brother Russell G Knox. Brother Knox put down his heavy earthly working tools of life after 49 years as a Mason.

Russell G. Knox
October 13, 1933 – March 7, 2026

Freemasonry is carried forward by men who quietly give their time, their guidance, and their steady presence to the lodge. Brother Russell G. Knox was one of those men.

Brother Knox was born on October 13, 1933, and passed away on March 7, 2026, at the age of 92. For nearly fifty years, he was a committed and respected member of Blazing Star Lodge, where he played an important role in the life of the lodge and the development of many younger Masons.

His Masonic journey began in 1976. He was Initiated on October 12, Passed on November 9, and Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on November 23 of that same year. From the beginning, he embraced the responsibilities that come with being a Mason.

Brother Knox later served as Past Master of the lodge. His leadership reflected the kind of Mason he was: steady, dependable, and committed to the well-being of the Craft. Titles never defined him. What mattered most was the work itself and the brothers around him.

One of his greatest contributions was the time he gave to younger men entering the fraternity. Over the years, he helped guide many candidates through their degrees and into active participation in lodge life. He believed Masonry was something to live, not simply something to attend.

Outside the lodge, he also devoted himself to public service. Brother Knox served the community through the Buffalo Fire Department, eventually retiring with the rank of lieutenant. The same spirit of duty and care for others that defined his public service was also evident in his Masonic life.

He was also a member of Shriners International, continuing his involvement in the wider Masonic family and supporting its charitable work.

Every lodge has brothers whose presence quietly shapes its character over many years. Brother Knox was one of those men. He helped maintain the traditions of the lodge while encouraging new generations to carry the work forward.

Freemasonry often speaks of light being passed from one Mason to another. That light does not diminish when it is shared. Instead, it grows stronger with each generation that receives it and carries it onward.

Brother Russell G. Knox spent nearly five decades passing that light to others. The men he mentored, the brothers he served beside, and the lodge he helped strengthen will continue to reflect that influence for years to come.

He will be deeply missed and remembered with gratitude by the Brethren whose lives he touched.

Farewell, dear Brother. May the Great Architect welcome you into His eternal Lodge above. Until we meet again.

Please join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to the family of Brother Knox in this difficult time.

“Well done thou good and faithful servant.  Enter thou into the joy of the Lord” Amen.

Old Timers’ Night 2025

by

Old Timers’ Night is always a highlight at Blazing Star, and this year was no exception. Blazing Star Lodge welcomed several guests and returning Brothers, joining in the fellowship. The evening began with a short business meeting, dispensed with quickly so we could focus on what the night was really about, celebrating the legacy and the living tradition of our Lodge.
Our newest Brothers took on their appointed roles for the first time and handled their duties with confidence.
Once the business was wrapped, the Lodge opened its doors to family and friends. Worshipful Brother Breth, returning to the East, gave a playful demonstration of “The Power of the East,” calling on the Deacons to deliver handwritten notes to the Wardens. The notes were lighthearted jabs at the Buffalo Bills and Sabres lousy luck.
WB Breth’s son and daughter then helped distribute traditional pens, personalized for the new Master. That led to a challenge to find the typo hidden on the pens. It did not take long for our new Chaplain, Brother Layman, to spot it; “Blazing Star Lodge #___”. The moment got a good laugh and reminded everyone that even in serious work, there is room for humor and humility.

As with every Old Timers’ Night, part of the tradition is taking time to recognize those who have dedicated themselves to the Craft over many years. These are not just men who joined long ago. They are men who stayed, who showed up, who carried the weight when it was needed, and who helped shape the Lodge into what it is today.
This year, we had the honor of presenting a 50-Year Award to Worshipful Brother George Sleeper. He was the only milestone recipient present that evening, but he carried the moment with quiet dignity. WB Sleeper received his 50-Year Apron, certificate, and pin, symbols of a lifetime of commitment to Freemasonry and Blazing Star Lodge.
Fifty years is not just a number. It is decades of meetings, degree work, mentorship, and steady presence. It is no small feat. Congratulations, Brother Sleeper. Your service has not gone unnoticed, and your example continues to guide those who follow.

WB George Sleeper

Brothers not present who receive significant milestone pins and aprons.
Br. Mark Bostaph – 5 years
Br. Philip Hall – 15 years
Br. Ronald Paskiewicz – 15 years Demit
Br. Charles Brooks – 40 years
Br. Dale Seibert – 40 years
Br. Mark Ward – 45 years
Wor. John Puckhaber – 50 years
Wor. George B. Sleeper – 50 years
Br. Penn Watson IV – 55 Years
Br. George Holdridge – 55 years
Wor. Charles Turner Jr. – 60 years!