Friday 31st March 2023 – W. Bro Walker Lapthorne PAGDC, Festival 2023 Secretary, passed to the Grand Lodge above…
Walker Sykes Farrant Lapthorne 1960-2023
It is with sadness that I must report the passing of Walker Lapthorne who passed to the Grand Lodge Above on Friday 31st March aged 62.
Walker had been admitted to hospital for heart surgery earlier in the month but sadly the result was not successful, he died whilst still in ICU a few days after the operation.
Walker has had a long and illustrious career in Freemasonry, he was initiated into Philammon Lodge 3226 on 10th May 1990 and became their Worshipful Master for the first time 14/10/99 and again on the 10/10/13 he also undertook the role of Secretary for a total of 16years.
Walker served the province of Devonshire for many years holding the active office of Provincial Grand Steward in 2006, PPrJGD 2008, PPRGReg 2013 and then in 2016 as a result of the continued loyal service to freemasonry he reached the pinnacle of his masonic career by being promoted to the very high rank of Provincial Junior Grand Warden then the following year to Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden and was finally rewarded with the Grand Rank of Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies (PAGDC) in 2021.
On the 17th April this year we would have seen Walker promoted to the rank of Provincial Grand Charity Steward, a role for which he would have been eminently suited.
Walkers Holy Royal Arch career was equally meritorious, he was Exalted into Duncombe Chapter 1486 in 2002 and was also a Founder of the Devonshire Provincial Grand Stewards Chapter in 2016 and was promoted to Provincial Grand Steward in 2020.
It was part of Walker’s nature to be involved in and with many charitable organisations. Along with his strong administrative skills, this made Walker an ideal choice as Festival Secretary, this like every challenge, he approached with enthusiasm.
Walkers contributions to our province will not be forgotten, he will be remembered with great affection. He lived respected and died regretted.