Category: The Legacy Series: Oral Histories with Past Grand Masters of Michigan Masons
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Grand Master W. Don Baugher 1993-1994
W. Don Baugher was born on October 20, 1938 in Senath, Missouri. He graduated from Senath High School and moved to Michigan in 1956. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, he went to work for the Whirlpool Corporation in Benton Harbor. He attended Lake Michigan College, and majored in Business Administration while working…
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Grand Master Lary R. Smith 2003-2004
Lary R. Smith was born on April 24, 1942 in Plymouth, Michigan. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in teaching physics from Kalamazoo College and obtained a Master of Science degree in theoretical mathematics at The Ohio State University. He also took course work at Wayne State University and other universities, including the University…
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Legacy Series: MWB Donald J. Van Kirk Most Worshipful Grand Master, 1996-1997
Most Worshipful Grand Master, 1996-1997 Donald J. Van Kirk was born on January 6, 1935. When he was seven years old, his family moved to Dearborn. He graduated from Dearborn High School and received a two year associated degree from Henry Ford Community College. He served in the U.S. Navy and continued his education as…
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Grand Master Henry A. Wilson, Jr. 1984-1985
Most Worshipful Grand Master, 1984-1985 Henry A. Wilson, Jr. was born in Detroit on June 12, 1939. He attended Southeastern High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Genetics from Michigan Lutheran College in 1968. In 1978 he received a Masters of Art degree in Computer Science from the University of…
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Grand Master Robert W. Sanborn 1982-1983
Robert W. Sanborn was born in Geneseeville, Michigan on February 10, 1929. His family moved to Clio shortly after his birth. He graduated from Clio High School and started his own retail gasoline business at the age of 19. In 1952 he changed to the wholesale petroleum business and owned the Sanborn Oil Company in…
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Grand Master Wayne Turton 1990 -1991
Most Worshipful Grand Master, 1990-1991 Wayne E. Turton was born in Felicity, Ohio on January 1, 1929. The family moved to Centerville, Ohio when Wayne was five years old. He obtained his elementary school education in the Centerville and Miamisburg schools and his high school education at the Centerville High School, graduating in 1947. After…
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Grand Master Richard P. Ruhland 2005-2006
Richard Patrick Ruhland was born on September 29, 1950 in Denver, Colorado. He spent his formative years there. During his junior year of high school his family moved to New Jersey. Immediately after graduation from high school the family moved to Michigan. He attended Oakland Community College and majored in Business. He received his Bachelor…
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Grand Master Robert P. Conley, PGM 2000 – 2001
Most Worshipful Grand Master, 2000-2001 Robert P. Conley was born on March 21, 1959 in Harbert, Michigan. He completed his education in the River Valley School System and settled into life as an apprentice Engraver working in the company his father founded in 1961. He took over the ownership of Robert Conley Engravers in 1991.…
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Grand Master Robert W. Stevens, PGM 1997 – 1998
Robert W. Stevens was born on March 21, 1943 in Saginaw, Michigan. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw and began employment with the General Motors Corporation as a Journeyman Patternmaker. He retired in December 1994 after thirty-three years with the Corporation. At that time, he became the Assistant to the Secretary…
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John G. Polzin Tribute Dinner
The Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation hosted a dinner on October 15, 2012 in the Kalamazoo Anchor Lodge #22 to pay tribute to MWB John G. Polzin, PGM (1975 – 1976).