Eminent Knight Peter Ronald Cook, P.Gt.Chamb., Prov. Marshal
Brother Knights, it is with deep sadness that I have to report the very sad passing of E. Kt. Peter Cook, at his home last night.
Peter was a well known and much loved and respected Hexham Freemason and he will be missed by us all.
Initiated into Hexham Priory Lodge No 6318 in 1980, Peter acted as Master of the Lodge on no fewer than three occasions and was the Lodge Chaplain at the time of his death.
He was exalted in the Royal Arch in Albert Edward Chapter No 1557 in 1982 and was its First Principal in 2004.
In consequence of his service to masonry he was promoted to Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden in 2007, and Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer in Provincial Grand Chapter just last year.
He was a member of Hexham Mark Lodge No 1161 for 33 years and last year was honoured by appointment to Past Assistant Grand Sword Bearer in the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons.
In our own Knight Templar Order, Peter was a member of St Wilfred of Hexham Preceptory No 461 and the Preceptory of Tutelage No 633.
For the last eleven of his almost thirty years membership of our Order, Peter held Acting Provincial rank, as Provincial Deputy Marshal and then as Provincial Marshal since 2015.
He will be remembered for his quiet efficiency, delivered in a courteous manner that got the job done effectively and with a minimum of fuss.
Sadly, his later years were blighted by ill health, necessitating quite major surgery some years ago and the need for further treatment in recent months, all of which he bore with great fortitude and quiet stoicism.
He died peacefully, at home, in the bosom of his loving family, and we offer our deepest condolences to them and to all who knew, and who will miss, him.
In due time, when the situation allows us to meet once again as Knights Templar in our Provincial Priory Annual Meetings, we will pay tribute to all of our dear, departed Brother Knights, but until then Peter and his family will be foremost in our thoughts and prayers.
Kevin Stannard
Provincial Prior