Worshipful Brother Raymond Edward Leach

Departed Brethren  |     |  

Dear Brethren

Please note that a Celebration of Brother Ray’s life will be held at St. Mary’s Church,  Guilden Morden on Friday 25th April at 1.30pm.

It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing to the Grand lodge above of Worshipful Brother and Excellent Companion Raymond Edward Leach MBE, PPrJGW, on the 7th of March 2025 (89).

Ray was initiated on the 12th of November 1992 in Ivel Lodge L6846, he became Master in 2001.

He held other offices in the Lodge as Assistant Director of Ceremonies 2003 – 2006, Chaplain 2007 – 2008, and again from 2010 – 2012, and lastly as Lodge Mentor 2014 – 2015.

He was elected an Honorary Member in 2023.

W. Bro Ray’s first craft appointment came in 2006 as PPrJGD, in 2012 he was promoted to PPrGSuptWks, and in 2018 to PPrJGW.

Ray was Exalted into Ivel Chapter C6846 25th of April 1995, he became  MEZ for 2004 – 2005,  then Scribe E from 2006 – 2015.

He was elected an Honorary Member in 2024.

Companion Ray then joined Bedfordshire First Principals C7301 in 2006.

In 2012 to  he was appointed to PPrGSN in Provincial Grand Chapter.

Worshipful Brother Ray supported Bedfordshire freemasonry for 32 years in the Craft and 29 years in Royal Arch Chapter.

Ray truly loved all aspects of his freemasonry in every role and every office. but also had an “amazing” career in the armed forces, starting when he signed up for National service for 3 years, enlisting in the Parachute Regiment followed by joining the Territorial Army; Parachute training with the Special Air Service, then after enlistment he trained as Officer Cadet with the RAF. A long and varied service in the RAF including flying as navigator in the Battle of Britain Flight Avro Lancaster, a period with NATO Strike Command and as an Operations Squadron Leader with Nimrod early warning aircraft.

Sadly, W. Bro Ray had been suffering with Dementia for some time forcing him to be unable to attend meetings. 24-hour care was needed so Ray moved to care home nearer his family in Hampshire.

Ray passed away peacefully with his family at his side.

He was a true gentleman and will be sorely missed by all the brethren that knew him.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Worshipful Brother Ray’s family at this very sad time.

 Requiescat in pace 

Yours sincerely and fraternally

Mike Fitz-Gerald – Provincial Grand Almoner