W Bro Gerald John Puffett
Dear Brethren,
It with a heavy heart and great sadness I must inform you of the passing to the Grand lodge above of Worshipful Brother and Companion Gerald John Puffett on Friday 4th August 2023 (aged 71).
Gerald was initiated into Russell Lodge L4413 on 1st February 1996, and became Master 2003. He held the offices of Secretary, Treasurer and Charity Steward, a well-respected member of the lodge. Brother Gerald became a joining member of Bedfordshire Lodge of Installed Masters in 2004, and in 2014 a joining member of Bedford Castle lodge. Gerald was instrumental in lifting Bedford Castle’s membership and securing the lodge’s future. At Bedford Castle lodge Gerald became master in 2015, Secretary, Treasurer, and Hermes Administrator.
Companion Gerald was exalted into Russell Chapter C4413 in 1999.
First Provincial appointment PPrSGD came in 2008 and PPrGSwdB in 2014, the last promotion was in 2018 PPrJGW.
Gerald had been the Keep Limited Secretary, a role I know he took very seriously as he did all through his Masonic career, an excellent ritualist in all the offices. He had been suffering with ill health for many years but kept on working. Recently things had gotten worse, and last week was admitted into hospital where he very sadly, but peacefully passed away.
I have personally known Gerald for nearly 45 years, as we are related. Over the years we had some fun, maybe too much at times, many of us will remember his quick wit, keen eye for detail, but most of all his ability to soldier-on when physically things were tough and keep smiling and joking which we will all remember him for.
He bravely bore his ongoing condition but sadly and unexpectedly lost his brave fight and passed to the Grand Lodge.
I am sure that you will join with me in offering our sincere condolences to his wife Angela, daughter Andrea and all the family at this very sad time. I shall send a condolences card on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master, Executive and Brethren of the province.
Gerald you can now rest in peace.
Requiescet in pace
Yours sincerely and fraternally
Mike Fitz-Gerald – Provincial Grand Almoner
My Dear friend and Brother Gerald,
You will be dearly missed, a staple and the core of Russell Lodge. Your kindness and willing to help others, your wit and sharpness second to none, I will miss this especially at our festive board (with your favorite past time constantly trying to stitch me and others up for speeches !!, we all know how that worked out…).
I’ve known you for over 11 years since I joined and you have always been there me and for the rest if us, the work you did for Russell as our lodge secretary keeping us on the straight and narrow and the excellent work you did at provincial level, we owe you a great debt.
Gerald always had a great scene of humor, dry..but very funny always with a cheeky wink/glint in his eye, I remember him saying to my wife and I at the first Lady’s night we went to where he mentioned he had both of his legs amputated, I didn’t believe at him at first as he walked so well ! , I remember saying to him “your pulling my leg !” (post regrettable) , at which point he bashes his legs and then pulls up his trousers to show us (as he was laughing) .
Many great memories, and so sad to see you depart this world.
Rest in peace my Brother.
Stuart Potts
Almanor
Russell Lodge 4413