W Brother Robert Edgar Westwood

Departed Brethren  |     |  

Dear Brethren,

It is with great sadness that I must inform you of the passing to the Grand Lodge above of Worshipful Brother and Excellent Companion Robert Edgar Westwood PAGDC on the 30th of January 2024 (98)

Robert, better known as Bob, was initiated on the 30th of March 1966 in Stuart Lodge L540. Master in 1976 and 1982 and finally Chaplain in 2009. W. Bro Bob was elected an honorary member of Stuart Lodge L540 in 2016.

In 1997 he joined the Bedfordshire Lodge of Installed Masters L7301. He was Almoner from 1993 to 1998 and installed as Master in 2001.

In 1988 Worshipful Brother Bob was one of the founder members of the Bedfordshire Lodge of Benevolence, L9288, and remained a member until 2003. He was also a joining member of the Good Neighbour Lodge L8378 (W Kent) in 1997, resigning in 1999.

Bro Bob was Exalted into Stuart Chapter C540 on 16th November 1972, MEZ 1982, Scribe E from 1991 to 1995 and elected an Honorary Companion in 2011. In 1984 he joined Bedfordshire First Principal’s Chapter C7301 becoming MEZ in 1997.

He was Advanced into Stuart Mark Master Masons Lodge M434 in 1973, Master in 1980, then Elevated into Royal Ark Mariner RA434 in 1975, becoming Worshipful Commander in 1981.

Bob was a true Stuart Man having been through the chair in Stuart Craft, Chapter, Mark, and RAM.

Bro Bobs’ first Craft Promotion came in 1983 to PPrJGD, and from 1991 to 2000 PrGAlm. He received Craft Grand Rank PGStB in 1997 and in 2009 PAGDC. In Mark Master Masonry he was appointed as PAGStBr, and in Royal Ark Mariner RAMGR.

Worshipful Brother Bob fully supported the Province of Bedfordshire for 57 years in Craft and 51 years in Chapter.

Bob had been a resident in Bushmead Court residential home, Bedford, for several years.

I currently have no details of surviving relatives, but hope to find out more information so that I can send a condolence card on behalf of the Province.

I believe his funeral will be held at the Bedford crematorium, Norse Road on 12th March at 12.15pm with the wake for family only.

 Requiescet in pace

Yours sincerely and fraternally

Mike Fitz-Gerald – Provincial Grand Almoner