A MASONIC link between Forfar and Warwick, which extended back to the second world war, has been broken with news of the death of Jack Coles.
Coventry-based Jack passed away on Thursday at the grand old age of 97.
A Freemason for 65 years, and long-standing member of St. Mary's Lodge No 7244 in Warwick, Jack's link with Forfar began when he came to the town to work with the Coventry Too
l and Gauge Company during the war.
At that time the firm was based on the site of the current Tesco store, with the adjacent Reid Hall used for canteen and socialising purposes.
During his stay in Forfar, Jack was initiated within the Ancient Lodge of Forfar Kilwinning No. 90, returning home after the war to become the founding member of Lodge St. Mary's.
Links with Forfar were rekindled ten years ago when Jack made contact with Doug Nicol, a Past Master of Lodge Kilwinning.
Several reciprocal visits involving members of the Kilwinning and St. Mary's have taken place over the past decade, with Forfar brethern playing a leading role in the 2001 ceremony down south that saw Jack being made Past Provincial Grand Senior Warden of Warwickshire at the age of 90.
Diplomas and letters of congratulations were passed on to Jack to mark the fact that two Lodges had a share in his marvellous Masonic career - Kilwinning, where he was installed as a Mason and St. Mary's, where he dedicated his service to the craft.
Saddened to learn of the passing of Jack Cole, Doug Nicol said: "He was a grand old guy who lived a long and happy life, remaining active until about a year ago.
"His passing breaks a long historical link between Forfar and Warwick."
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