A unique feature of the 2021-22 Provincial honours list was the posthumous award of Past Provincial Senior Grand Deacon rank to W Bro John Rhucroft. John was initiated in Cleveland Lodge 543 at Stokesley in 2002; he became Worshipful Master in 2014 and held the office of Almoner for six years. John was also a PZ of both Dundas and Stockton-On-Tees RA Chapters, and a member of Stokesley Masonic Hall management board, a role in which he worked tirelessly for many months on the superb refurbishment of the Hall with W Bros John Routledge, Eddie Mett and the late David Peel.
Sadly, in December 2019, John was diagnosed as suffering from a brain tumour and he passed away peacefully in James Cook University Hospital on 20 January 2021.
I first met John in 2006 when working for Middlesbrough Council (Environment Section) and he was Fleet Workshops Manager, responsible for keeping all vehicles and plant safely maintained and ‘on the road’. I always found him amenable and approachable and it was a lovely surprise to find that he was a mason and on occasion I sat in his company and that of his good friend W Bro Peter Rudd.
Although quiet in countenance he had wisdom in knowing when to speak up and although not big in stature he had a big heart being reliable, committed and honest. He had two relatives who made the supreme sacrifice in WW1 and both Peter Rudd and I had the pleasure of taking him on WW1 battlefield tours on two emotional occasions where he visited a family grave, memorial to a missing relative and various battlefield sites.
Following his passing it became apparent John was due to be considered for Provincial Honours. Although he had passed to the Grand Lodge above both W Bros Peter Rudd and Terry Cross had the excellent idea of petitioning the Provincial Grand Master RW Bro Jeffrey Gillyon as to whether in recognition of John’s efforts he would consider a posthumous Provincial Honour. The PGM was extremely supportive and this duly occurred with John being appointed PPSGD, a well deserved honour reflecting his masonic achievements.
Liaison for presentation of John’s honours certificate was made with Cleveland Lodge, in particular W Bros John Woolway and Harry Woolf. The ceremony, delayed by COVID, was held on 9 October 2021 when at least 30 brethren, families and public attended an open morning and plant sale at Stokesley Masonic Hall. I had the privilege and pleasure of presenting John’s certificate to his wife Pam and daughter Nicola.
I believe this is the first time a posthumous honour has been conferred and is a fine accolade for a man and mason who lived respected and died regretted.
