Jon P. "Pat" Sweet, 82, long time Boulder and Arvada, CO resident passed away peacefully on December 30, 2013 after a long illness. Born in Morris, MN on July 21, 1931 he was an Air Force veteran and attended the University of Colorado. Pat was a proud, lifelong, and very well-known member of the Boulder Masonic Lodge holding numerous local, regional, and statewide high offices. His wife of 52 years, Betty A. Sweet, survives him as well as his daughter Laura, two stepsons, and their extended families. A Masonic funeral service will be held at the Chapel of Peace, Olinger Crown Hill in Wheat Ridge, CO at 12pm Saturday, January 11, 2014. Donations may be made to the American Lung Association or the Colorado Mason's Benevolent Fund.
Pat became a Master Mason in Boulder Lodge No. 45 in Boulder, Colorado on April 1, 1959. He later affiliated with Columbia Lodge No. 14 in Boulder, and served that lodge as its Worshipful Master in 1978. He became active in the Boulder York Rite Masonic bodies, joining the bodies in 1960. He served as High Priest of Boulder Chapter No. 7 in 1970, served as Thrice Illustrious Master of Boulder Council No. 17 in 1971, and presided as Commander of Mount Sinai Commandery in 1974. He was also a member of St. Bernard Commandery for many years, where he served as its Armourer. As a past presiding officer in all four York Rite bodies, Pat was honored by being elected as a member of the Pikes Peak Priory, Knights of the York Cross of Honour, and was inducted into that honorary body in 1979. Pat was very active in the Pikes Peak KYCH, serving as its Prior in 1998-1999 and later as registrar for many years. Pat served as Governor of Centennial York Rite College No. 87 in 1988, and was elected to receive the Order of the Purple Cross by the York Rite Sovereign College of North America.
Pat was a well-loved leader in the York Rite in all of Colorado. He was well known as a superb ritualist taking many parts in the various degrees and orders. He rose to the highest rank in the state-wide organizations, serving as Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Colorado in 1982-1983 and serving as Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Colorado in 1993-1994.
Pat took an active role in many other Masonic organizations as well. He was a member of Denver Consistory of the Scottish Rite, where he was honored by being invested as a Knight Commander of the Cross of Honour in 1993. He belonged to Kincora Council No. 8, Knight Masons, serving as Excellent Chief. He was a member of Pikes Peak Council, Allied Masonic Degrees where he served as Sovereign Master, and was later a Charter Member of Front Range Council No. 288. Pat belonged to Sangre de Cristo Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, where he served as Puissant Sovereign, and was an honorary member of Mount of the Holy Cross Conclave as well. Pat was also a member of Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests.
In addition to the organizations he supported, Pat ran a side business called The Rite Source which served as a source for uniforms, jewels and ritual paraphernalia for many years for the various Masonic bodies. Pat had reputation for fairness, quality and service in his business affairs with the Rite Source. He was well respected by his peers in the fraternal paraphernalia business community, and developed many friendships around the country through his fraternal business.
Pat deservedly acquired many titles, honors and recognitions for his Masonic activities over the years. But above all else, he was our friend and Brother.
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