Leroy Hayes Newcomer

Most Excellent Companion Leroy H. Newcomer

Honorary Past Grand High Priest of Royal Arch

Masons in Washington

1905-1986

Leroy H. Newcomer, was born in Seattle, Wash. at fourth and Battery streets, then known as Bell Town, on September the 1st 1905. The son of Samuel H. and Matilda Newcomer. One brother, Harold E. Newcomer, living in Seattle, Wash. He was educated in the public schools in Seattle, attended B.F. Day Elementary School and Lincoln High School, and graduated in 1925. He was a member of the big L club, and a member of the track team for three years, running the high hurdles. He also played saxophone in the school orchestra. He left school in 1925 to go to work for his father in the cleaning and dyeing industry, namely, Ravenna Dye Works, at 4555 University Way N.E. and stayed there until the business was sold in 1945. He then went to work for the New Richmond Laundry as a driver salesman, and drove until he retired in 1963 after 22 years of service. He was also a member of the Laundy and Dry Cleaners Local for 42 years. He married, Marguerite M. Lowe, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James A. Lowe of Seattle, in the University Masonic Temple, on the 25th wedding anniversary of his folks. They live at their present address at 7803 8th Ave. N.E. Seattle, Wash. He has two sons; James L. Newcomer, wife Marilyn, daughter Debbie and son Jim Jr. of Redmond, Oregon and Douglas C. Newcomer, wife Lilia, and daughter Sherry of San Diego, California. Leroy is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marguerite and grandson, Stephen Newcomer. He was raised a Master Mason in Century Lodge #208 F.&.A.M in March 30th 1927 and after the span of a year affiliated to University Lodge #141, which was closer to the dry cleaning business. He served the lodge as Master in 1943, and is a 50 year member. He also served on the Board of Trustees of the building association for 15 years. He was also president of the University Masonic study club of District #4. He joined Washington Chapter Order of DeMolay in June 3rd 1922 and received his 50 year certificate from the International Supreme Council Order of De Molay. He is also a member of University Chapter #32 R.A.M. and served as High Priest in 1957. He has served the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of Washington as Grand Chaplain, four different times, appointed by, M.E.C. Anton L. Marek, 1969-1970 by M.E.C. William E. Scheele, 1970-1971, by M.E.C. Richard D. Hein, 1971-1972, and by M.E.C. Frank R. Dixon, 1977-1978. He also served the Grand Chapter as Grand Orator, three times, appointed by M.E.C. Duke T. Fife, 1958-1959, and M.E.C. Obert C. Skodje, in 1967-1968, and also by M.E.C. Ted R. Fonis, 1978-1979. He also served as Deputy of the Grand High Priest for District #6 under two M.E. Companions, namely, M.E.C. Lloyd E. Reeder, 1975-1976 and M.E.C. Wayne Deming, 1976-1977. He has a life membership in the Royal Arch Masons Children's Heart Foundation, and has served as its Secretary-Treasurer since 1969 and still going strong. He is also the Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons of the District of Columbia near the State of Washington. He was Annointed, Consecrated and set apart to The Holy Order of High Priesthood, May 23rd 1957 in Pasco, WA. He is a member of The Society of Royal Arch Masons of British Columbia, Canada, and a Honorary Past High Priest of the Following Chapters. Ellensburg Chapter #11, Bellingham Bay Chapter #12, Rainier Chapter #52, Anacortes Chapter #59, Keystone Chapter #37, and Edmonds Chapter #64. He has been installing many Chapters each year since 1966 and is still installing with his team. He has received three Awards, as follows; Recipient of The General Grand Distinguished Service Award in 1973. Knights Templar Cross of Honor, May 19th 1980 in Longview, WA. Gold Honor Award by Rainier York Rite College #54, May 24th 1979. He is a member of Adoniram Council #17 Royal & Select Masters. He is a member of University Commandry #23 K.T. He was elected an Honorary Past Commander in 1979, and has served as Prelate since 1973, and has conducted funerals since that date with S.K. Albert Jensen, Past Grand Recorder. He is also a life member in the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. He served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve on the waterfront of Seattle during the World War II, as a temporary member for the duration of the war. He was discharged in 1945 after three years of service as Lt. JG. The greatest honor anyone could hope to recieve, was presented to me at Grand Chapter which met in Kelso, WA. on May 22nd 1985. At that time I was elected Honorary Past Grand High Priest of the M.E. Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons in Washington, and presented with the honor and apron of the office. My appreciation and thanks go to every Royal Arch Masons who attended that convocation. I most certainly will live up to the dignity and the expectations of the office to the best of my ability. I am, among all men most richly blessed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Royal Archmason's Children's Heart Foundation.