Eminent Knight Stanley Hunter, P.Prov.Reg.
09 February 1930 – 15 August 2015
Stan Hunter was one of the nicest and most respected Knights in our Province and it is a matter of deep regret that he should have been called to higher service by our Great Captain in August 2015.
He was initiated into Freemasonry in Tynedale Lodge No 3067 in March 1955. He acted as Master in 1969 and consequently was appointed in Provincial Grand Lodge to the rank of Past Provincial Grand Registrar in 1979. Later promotion followed, in 1989, to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden – one of the highest ranks attainable in Province – before Grand Lodge recognised his talent as a mason by appointing him in 1994 to Grand Rank as Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
His mother Lodge closed in 2010 but he was a longstanding joining member of Vindobala Lodge No 5480 from 2006 until his death. He was also, for a time, a member of the Northumbrian Masters Lodge No 3477.
In the Royal Arch he was exalted in George Stephenson Chapter No 3390 in May 1969. He was a Founder member of Severus Chapter No 7864 in 1972 and acted as First Principal in both Chapters in 1994 and 1977 respectively and he remained a subscribing member of both until his death. He also joined the Northumbrian First Principals Chapter No 3477.
Provincial Grand Chapter gave him first appointment, to Past Provincial Grand Sojourner, in 1982 followed five years later with promotion to Past Provincial Grand Scribe Nehemiah. In our Templar Order he was installed a Knight in St George of Throckley Preceptory No 525 in February 1989, later acting as Preceptor in 2001.
His service to the Order was recognised by appointment to Past Provincial Registrar.
Also active in other Orders under the auspices of Mark Masons’ Hall, he was a member of the Mark Degree for over 25 years; a Grand Officer (Past Grand Prefect) in the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine; a Grand Officer (Past Grand Standard Bearer) in the Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees; and a Grand Officer (Past Grand Standard Bearer) in the Order of the Secret Monitor.
As a member and Past Sovereign of St Gabriel Chapter No 388, he was a holder of the 30th Degree in the Ancient and Accepted Rite.
All the Brethren and Knights in the Province of Northumberland were sad to learn of his passing and he will live on in our hearts forever.
Kevin Stannard
Provincial Prior