It is with great sadness that we report the death of Right Worshipful Brother the Rev Canon William (Bill) Roan. PJGW. Bill proved himself as the consummate mason, unstintingly serving the province he loved throughout all of his distinguished Masonic Career. He was Initiated into Eden Lodge No 2285 Workington on the 8th April 1954 and Exalted into Sun and Sector Chapter 962 on the 28th February 1955. At this time he was the Licensed Incumbent at St.Mary Westfield, a Mission Church in the care of John’s Church Workington. Bill was tasked with the responsibility for the creation of a new Parish to serve the area of Westfield. He proved to be an excellent choice for this role and the fruits of his work in the building of the Church of St Mary Westfield still stand as testimony to his flare and vision. His undoubted skills and abilities were quickly recognised and he was moved to the Church of St Andrew Greystoke to look after both the Church and the then Pre Theological College. Because of this move he became a joining member of Beacon Lodge No 6202 becoming Worshipful Master in 1973. By this time he was back in Workington as Priest to St John’s Church. He was Eden Lodge Chaplain but he was also actively involved in the formation of St John’s Lodge 8660, He served as the Founding Master in 1975 and then as W.M. for 1976.
His talents were put to work at Provincial level when he served as Provincial Grand Chaplain from 1975 to 1982. He relinquished this role when he was appointed as ProvSGW, returning to his duties as ProvGChap again in 1984. He loved his membership of Chapter becoming our Grand Superintendent in 1986 a role he held for ten years. He proved an excellent leader with a very approachable style. He was well known throughout the Province and beyond, gaining many friends along the way. In 1996 he was recognised at a National level when he was appointed Grand Chaplain in the United Grand Lodge of England a post he held for three years. He also held high office in the Mark and RAM degrees along with the Rose Croix. Bill was afforded Honorary membership of six Craft Lodges and four Chapters, a clear indication of the High regard and respect he enjoyed throughout the province. He was a man of great charm and wit and he had that wonderful ability to put everyone at ease. We send our condolences to his wife Eileen and the rest of his family.
He lived respected and died regretted
Keith Beattie PJGD
Provincial Grand Orator
