2nd Feb 1935 - 16th Feb 2026
A personal reflection by the Deputy Grand Master R.W. Bro. Colin Woodcock MBE
We have lost Eddie. A man and a Mason, so admired, respected and universally liked that he was known to all who knew him and even those few who missed out on the privilege by the simple style of ‘Eddie’.
I met him over 40 years ago and to say it was always a delight to be in his company is an under-statement. We became firm friends. He had been involved with a company in London dealing in leather bags, cases and associated goods and retirement allowed him time to indulge his two great interests, his family and his Masonry. At home his wife was happy to support his masonry, and her time was spent following her great hobby, gardening, at which she was most accomplished. Many years ago, I asked him if he helped, ‘not really...’ he said, ‘I just get called in to do the heavy lifting…’ They were a devoted couple and he was hit hard when she passed.
Eddie was a member of Craft, Chapter and of all the Orders which meet at Mark Masons’ Hall, he held senior rank in all of them, he was Head of a number of them in London and also held senior rank at Grand level. He was excellent at ritual and a firm believer in his Lodge of Instruction which provided the basis of his high standards. Our friendship particularly developed in the Allied Masonic Degrees in London, he had already given me a District rank and then in 2009 offered me the role of his Deputy, I was elated and nervous but also so proud to be working alongside him. This did not last long as he told me that he was going to hand over the reins and ‘the 4th floor’ would select a successor which happily came to me. Throughout my 15 year tenure I kept him informed of progress and activity, which he appreciated, we went for lunch at least once a year to discuss – everything and anything.
As I was handing over the reins Eddie had slowed down and his health was much degraded, he was still interested but his health did not allow him to attend meetings. It is wonderful that all memories of Eddie are good, his friendly countenance, supportive nature, lack of pomposity, his company at the bar (pint in hand) and sharing a glass of wine at the Festive Board, I value them all. He was my mentor, my colleague, my boss and above all my friend. I am the poorer for his passing and as they say elsewhere – ‘a loss so great…..'