W Bro Richard Hayden PPSGW, PProvGStwd

Worshipful Brother Richard Woodley Hayden passed to the Grand Lodge Above on Sunday 4 February, after a short illness. His passing came as something of a shock to us all and his absence in the Lodge today is sorely felt.

Richard joined the East Hertfordshire Lodge on 13 May 1976, at the age of 42; becoming our 191st Initiate. Eight years later he was installed in the Chair as our 70th Worshipful Master; waiting a mere 32 years before deciding to have another go and becoming our 102nd in 2016; on which occasion I had the great honour of installing him as my successor.

Richard was appointed to Provincial Grand Lodge in 1991, with the acting rank of Provincial Grand Steward. He went on to receive no less than four further Provincial promotions; culminating in the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden.

Provincial honours aside, Richard will best be remembered by our members for his warmth, openness and commitment to both this Lodge and our fraternity as a whole. As a regular attendee at Lodge meetings and the Lodge of Instruction, he was extremely knowledgable of our rituals and customs; being ever ready to share his knowledge and advice and to step in, when called upon, to deliver substantial portions of ritual. As recently as last November, he faultlessly delivered the Traditional History; putting the rest of us to shame.

Richard was also a great supporter of our Lodge social activities and his family's team at our annual charity quiz night became a force to be reckoned with - there's was definitely the team to beat and we are hopeful that they will return again this year to continue his legacy.

Outside of Masonry, it would be fair to say that Richard (or Dick, as we have just discovered he was known to most) was an extremely active man; being a passionate golfer, cyclist and shooter. In 1970 he became the County Champion in the long-range rifle competition and was involved in the running and founding of several shooting clubs.

He was also a devoted family man; having been married to his wife Sylvia for over 62 years and having three children and several grandchildren. As many of you will be aware, Richard sadly lost his son Ross to cancer in 2015 and, although such a loss was undoubtedly devastating, he remained optimistic and positive; a strength of character which was a gift to this Lodge and which will be greatly missed by us all.