Member Profiles
| GET TO KNOW YOUR BROTHERS
This is a new series of brief biographies of some of our hard working Brothers. Many of us see them briefly and then only a few times a year. I would like to learn more about my Brothers while they are alive rather than at a funeral. Please read on...
|
| J. DANIEL MILLER. Dan, who currently is our Junior Past Master, was raised on June 4, 1994. He was born in Oakland and grew up there and in Walnut Creek. He has resided in Martinez since 1965. He has been married for 40 years, has two daughters and four grandchildren. His wife was the sister of a classmate and they met in the traditional way. Dan Halstead, known by most of our members, is his uncle. That may account for his membership in our Lodge (instead of the Martinez Lodge) and the name similarity. Dan has one brother and one sister. He received a B.S. in chemistry from U.C. Berkeley and lists his occupation as a quality manager, but says if he could do it all over he would be a molecular biologist (?). (I don't think the moles in this area need any more help!) Dan has not been in the military, says he likes skeet shooting, golf, SCUBA diving and underwater photography. He likes so many songs and movies that he declined to name one favorite in either category. The most recent book he read was a Tom Clancy novel. (Good taste, Dan. Also try Michael Connelly and John Sanford.) He likes any food except broccoli. That's a very short dislike list. He must have the proverbial cast iron stomach. Dan likes Palau (probably has to do with that diving thing) and "anywhere" in Europe. He enjoys "tropical locations where the weather is nice, the water (is) warm and clear, and (there are) good golf courses." Dan admits that he would like to retire to a place "without car pool lanes." (I don't think Palau has any!) In response to a question asking if he ever met any famous people he said he had met several, but he wasn't impressed by any of them. (I'd like to see a list of the names, wouldn't you?) Dan has given a great deal of time to the Masonic order. He is a Past Commander of the Contra Costa Commandery (twice) and Past High Priest of Ancient-Antioch Chapter #31, RAM. Dan has an amazing command of Blue Lodge ritual and ceremony. He can (and has) fit in virtually anywhere he is needed, in any degree, in the Lodge. This Lodge could not exist without several key people like Dan. And, refreshingly, he doesn't take himself too seriously. He has a keen sense of humor and a ready smile. Both are appreciated by the membership. |
| RODNEY S. JOHNSON, Our current Worshipful Master, was born in San Francisco, but spent many of his growing up years in Louisiana. (That accounts for the "Louisical" or "Caliana" accent.) Rod's father died when Rod was young. His mother re-married and the new family moved to Louisiana. Rod says he has eight siblings. He was an ironworker for 49 years and states that if he had it to do over again he would specialize in elevator construction. Rod has been married for 41 years to Regina and they have eight children and thirteen grandchildren. Wow! There must be some prospective Masons in that group. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 through 1956. Part of that time was spent in Korea. Rod has been a Mason for seven years and has served as Jr. Steward, Sr. Steward, Jr. Deacon, Sr. Deacon and presently as Jr. Warden. His favorite song is "Unchained Melody," his favorite movie is "Forrest Gump" and his favorite foods are steak, rice and gravy. Yummm! Rod says his favorite destination is Spain. Can't argue with that. There are some beautiful cities there and the Costa del Sol is wonderful. A favorite hobby is fishing which ties into a current project of Rod's: fixing a small boat. Rod reported that the last book he read was the California Cipher. (I'm gonna have to help Rod expand his reading list. I've got some outstanding detective stories for him.) His unfulfilled dream is "to never have to worry about anything." I think most of us could join in that dream. One of the questions posed to the officers for these profiles was, "Do you know or ever meet a famous person?" Rod's response was, "Yes, Larry Dowell." Rod, you gotta get out more! All kidding aside, Rod is another of those indispensable Lodge members. He always shows up, knows his work, has a smile and a good sense of humor, and makes it a pleasure to be in the Lodge with him. |
| RICH BARBER, Treasurer. You all know him, but what do you know about him? Did you know that he has been married 42 years and has been a Mason for just as long? Or that his wife has an identical twin sister and that they moved to this area so his wife could be near her sister? Rich has no children (I'm asking to be put in his will). Rich was born in Des Moines, Iowa, obtained a BS from Iowa State University, where he was in the ROTC, and then worked as a pipeline engineer, manager and corporate officer. He was employed by Enron and once had the famous/infamous Mr. Ken Lay in his car. Rich is retired and now spends time working on his restored white 1955 Chrysler 300 (it's a beauty). He enjoys working with his computer, RV-ing, guns and coin collecting. It's no surprise he likes T-bone steaks, barbeque ribs and lemon meringue pie. He belongs to Aahmes Shrine and the Delta Shrine Club. He has served as Jr. and Sr. Steward, Jr. Deacon, Secretary and Treasurer of the Lodge and maintains his membership in his home Lodge in Iowa. Rich has served as Treasurer for the Hall Association and he does a lot of work for his church. He has spent a lot of time on projects for the Lodge. As with others, many of his contributions to our Lodge are unseen by the majority of the members. His favorite foreign destination is Australia although he admits to a desire to visit Havana, Cuba. He also harbors a wish to drive a drag racer at 100 MPH in the quarter mile (it's getting kinda late for that, Rich!). He lists his favorite movies as It's A Wonderful Life and Singing In The Rain. Both are classics! I wondered about his favorite music choices, "Deep Purple" and "Amazing Grace," until I remembered that I like opera AND country-western. No more 'splaining needed! When asked what career he would pick if he could do it all over he said he would again select engineering. That sounds like a satisfied man! |
| ARCHIE R. GORE, Secretary, was raised in our Lodge September 20, 2002. He was born in Sacramento and has lived in Arbuckle, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Lansing and Detroit, Michigan, Miami, Antioch, Sacramento, Oklahoma, Walnut Creek, Concord, Benicia, Tahoe Vista (Lake Tahoe), Pittsburg and now back to Antioch (he's moving in July). He attended school in Antioch from the 5th grade on. In 1952 he joined the Antioch DeMolay Chapter and met the late Vern Roberts. He and Jeri (from Pittsburg) married in 1954 and moved to Sacramento where he worked in a department store. In February 1955 he and Larry Dowell joined the army (ours) together and did their basic training at Ft. Ord. He did a two year hitch, most of it in the artillery at Ft. Sill, OK. Shortly after discharge he was hired by the Walnut Creek Police Department. He worked there from 1958 through 1962. He graduated from the Northern California Peace Officer's Academy, studied law for two years and has taken courses at DVC and Los Medanos in fits and starts. He is presently completing his degree in Criminal Justice. He became a private investigator in 1963 and has operated his own agency since 1968. Clients have included Frank Sinatra, Jr., the Oakland Raiders, a U.S. Cabinet Secretary, Joel Bartlett (TV weather man), many local politicians and judges and mass murders Juan Corona and Gerald Gallego. His investigations have involved more than fifty homicides, several plane crashes, many boating accidents and thousands of auto accidents. His "likes" include ice hockey (he coached youth teams), anything electronic, nice cars, movies, music (C&W, Dixieland Jazz, opera and 50s and 60s Pop), but his real passion is travel. He has visited 68 countries and all seven continents. His ambition is to visit one hundred countries. Cruising is his favorite type of vacation. Currently his favorite destinations are Russia (7 visits) and Scotland (3 visits). On his "to visit" list are Iceland, Greenland and South Africa. His two favorite movies are "Local Hero" and "The Ritz"—"somewhat obscure titles, but outstanding." He enjoys so many types of music he can't pick "one favorite song." For reading material he enjoys mystery writers Michael Connelly and John Sandford. "I've read ALL their books." The most recent book he read is non-fiction, entitled Men In Black, about how the courts are now making the law in the U.S. He and Jeri have been married 51 years; have four children and nine grandchildren. Their oldest grandchild, Jonathan Pearce, was made a Master Mason in our Lodge on September 16, 2005. Archie has been enjoying visits to other Lodges in the area with Larry Dowell, Dick Wallis, Richard Lowe, Steve Hosmer and Lou Koch. He is a member of the Aahames Shrine, the Shrine Ritual Cast, Delta Shrine Club and he is Secretary for our Hall Association. On the subject of favorite food he says, "I like Mexican, Chinese, barbecue, Italian, etc., but I'm really a meat and potatoes, salad and desert kind of guy. Can't you tell?" When asked if he ever met anyone famous he said several people, however he was most impressed with Ronald Reagan, Stan Musial ("a very nice guy") and Gordy Howe. He said he would do most things the same if he had it to do over again. He added that, "I certainly would marry the same girl, but I probably would have completed my degree work sooner and I certainly would have joined the Masons years ago. I thoroughly enjoy the friendship of so many of my Brothers." |
| RICHARD ELLIS WALLIS, Building Manager, was born. A long time ago (relatively speaking)! In Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania). He grew up in Dodge City (West Pittsburg, California) learning how to duck and dodge. He has two brothers. He writes that he met his wife through a mutual friend, immediately fell in love (who wouldn't love Shirley?), got married (now 42 years), looked around for a house he could afford and purchased his home in Antioch on William Reed Drive for $13,400. Amazing, eh? He attended school for twelve years and earned a gold medal in Pocket Pool (what's that?). He has two children and five grandchildren. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 thru 1963 at Disneyland. Dick has been in the Masons for 34 years and has served as Master of the Lodge twice. He was presented with the Hiram Award in February of 1999 for all his hard work, including being our building manager, in keeping the Lodge operating. Dick talks gruff and occasionally a little profanity slips out, but he is always willing to help any Brother in any way. Dick is a Shriner, he has been president of the Delta Shrine Club at least twice and he performs Masonic funeral services several times a year. Now this dates him! He says his favorite movie is Sherlock Holmes (which story?) with Basil Rathbone. His favorite songs are by Waylon Jennings. The last book he read, not counting Masonic research material, is called Nothing Like It In The World. His favorite pastime is sitting in a boat with a line in the water, eating a Lockford Sausage sandwich and bird watching along the shore with his binoculars. His current project is working on his boat so he can do all of the above. He also loves expensive big cigars, beer and oyster shooters. He is currently fighting with a new computer and digital camera. The last I heard Dick had control of the camera, but the computer had him! He lists his dream vacation as being on a nude beach in Argentina or Chile with Angelina Jolie (when Shirley reads this I'm not certain the marriage will make it to 43 years!). When asked if he ever met a famous person he listed Ed Sullivan. I would like to hear the story behind that. Dick retired from the phone company. When asked if he could do it all over what would he do he replied, "I'd be a left handed campanologist, sort of a lefty Larry Dowell." Regardless of his occupation or avocation the Lodge is lucky to have Dick. He and Brothers like him keep things humming and are our core support. Dick always has a quick laugh and a smile for everyone and he's ready for a "fun trip" just about anywhere, anytime! |
| LARRY CHARLES DOWELL, our Chaplain, a proud Hoosier, was born in Ft. Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. He along with his dad Chuck, his mom Mary Jane, and his younger brother John, migrated to California early on (at about age 10). Larry's dad was a devoted Mason and obviously influenced Larry. Larry joined the DeMolay while in high school, graduated in 1954, became a Master Mason in June 1963 and served as Master in 1969. He has served in virtually every position except Lodge Musician and was presented the Hiram Award in 1992. He is a member of Royal Arch Chapter #65. He and Betty have been married for 28 years. Between them they have six children, nine grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Larry has lived most of his life in Antioch; however, he was in the Army (ours) and spent a couple of years in Germany. He experimented with several occupations, but clearly was destined to be the successful pleasant popular purveyor of vehicles he became. With a personality that is a combination of Pearl Mesta (look it up), Dale Carnegie, Herb Caen, and Rodney Dangerfield, he has cultivated scores of friends and acquaintances. Larry KNOWS more people and more about them than anyone I have ever met! He cannot sit still in a room full of people becuase he has to greet so many individuals. His personal likes and favorites are no surprises to me as we grew up together. His favorite songs are "Impossible Dream" and "Stardust." His movie favorites are "Shane," "Casablanca," "High Noon," and "Pulp Fiction." He said the last book he read is something called Honda left turn 095. Typo or not, I don't think it will be on the NY Times Best Seller list! He loves steak, medium rare (and Sausage Skilletini). He would like to visit the British Isles; in particular London, Dublin and Glasgow (fine choices). He would like to visit his granddaughter in Alaska. Larry and Betty enjoy taking driving trips all over the US and frequently visit extended family in Northern California. He says he has never met a famous person. I find that extraordinary, considering all the people you know I know he knows! He is a dedicated and self-trained deltiologist, poobah, and nattering nabob. With appropriate self-effacement, Larry says that if he had to do it all over again, he would be in "retail sales of some sort." This is a man with a panoptic view of the community who found his niche and understands it! Larry would like to see membership and participation at the Lodge improve. He gets behind MANY projects in an attempt to accomplish that goal. He is on telephone committees, he is on the delinquent dues committee, he assists with the mailing of the Trestleboard/Bulletin, has filled in as Secretary for me, and offers to do just about anything the Lodge needs. This is a Brother living the Masonic life. Oh, that we had ten more Larry Dowells!!! |
| STEVE HOSMER ,, has been Senior Deacon, Junior Warden and twice served as Master of our Lodge. And he fills in at any other position as needed. Who could have known when he was born as a small child in Bath, New York (is that Freudian or what?) on May 1, 1947 that he would turn out to be the hard working, respected, friendly, witty and popular guy we see today? Steve grew up in upstate New York (Troupsburg, Jasper, Woodhull) in a family of eleven children (can you picture family reunions?); three sisters and seven brothers. Steve served in the Army (Germany for six months, Vietnam for a year) and ended up in Stockton. He met Carol (remember some of the great meals she prepared when Steve was Master?) in a restaurant where he regularly stopped while driving a truck from the Sharpe Army Depot. She was a waitress, the food was good, Steve was friendly, he left good tips and the rest is history! They have been married 37 years. They have three children, nine grandchildren and they are raising a grandchild. Steve works long hours as a supervisor for the manufacturer of artificial kidney machines. He has been with the company almost 26 years. He was raised December 12, 1995; fast approaching the ten year mark. He is also a member of the Woodbridge Lodge # 131 (near Lodi and 29.49 miles from our Lodge) and frequently attends meetings and dinners there. From personal experience I know Steve also visits other Lodges frequently. He says his favorite song is “When I Was Young” by Roy Clark and his favorite movie is “M*A*S*H*” Two pretty good choices! The last book he read is “Great Spirit” (A history of American Indians). Like many early risers he says his favorite foods are breakfast dishes: omelets, hash browns and coffee. His favorite destination is Australia. He says he has visited all the places he dreamed of; Hawaii, Alaska and Australia. He has no unfulfilled dreams and says he has no hobbies, however I know he likes to go camping (I’ve seen his beautiful trailer and big pickup) and I think that IS his hobby! In response to the question Steve says he has never met anyone famous. As for the standard “if you had to do all over again…..” he said, “I don’t know.” Maybe this is the first time anyone asked the question. Steve is one of the small solid nuclei that hold this Lodge together. |
| RICHARD A. CONVERSE, Our current Lodge Marshall, was born July 15, 1947 in Pierre, South Dakota, left there when he was three and he “grew up in Hayward”, California. His explanation for how he got to Antioch is that he “married a lovely lady (Ann) who was born and raised in Antioch.” The fact is he was a water skier, he went to an event in Bethel Island, saw Ann and trailed her to Hazel’s Drive In in Antioch (I guess he looked good in a bathing suit as Ann didn’t shun him!) He was confronted by a couple of her large brothers, but they liked Rich and allowed him to court Ann. (Whew!) Obviously he was successful. He and Ann have been married for thirty years. Rich has one brother, one child and two grandchildren (twins). He attended college for a year and a half, almost became a plumber, but fate steered him into the electrical field. He is an electrician, general engineer and an electrical contractor (Boy, is the Lodge grateful for all that training and knowledge!) He has been a Mason since April 19, 1974. Officially Rich has served as Tiler, Marshall (present office) and Hall Association President. Unofficially Rich has been/is a very important cog in the machinery that keeps our building viable. Rich has been involved in such projects as the recent re-roofing, electrical repairs and upgrades and brick repair. His peers demonstrated their appreciation by presenting him with the Hiram Award on January 31, 1997. That says it all, doesn’t it? But there is more to Rich. He loves to snow and water ski. His hobbies include horses, hunting and fishing. I guess the ideal day for Rich would be one wherein he rides his horse while hunting for a fishing spot. He is very active in the Shrine, the Mounted Patrol and the Contra Costa Shrine Club. (He also has been known to help Brothers with electrical problems.) His favorite songs are “Stranger In Paradise” and “Azure Blue.” His favorite movie is “A Man Called Horse.” The last book he read is Montana’s “Righteous Hangmen.” His favorite meal involves “macaroni, tomatoes and prime rib.” His favorite destination is Germany (he did some research regarding ancestors while visiting there). A favorite saying is, “You don’t have to be dumb to be stupid!” Hmmmmm! Is there a hidden meaning in that? Rich has an engaging personality, a quick smile, is always ready to assist a Brother and (based on watching him deal with tenants and others) he does not suffer fools gladly! Ya gotta admire a man who loves his family, horses and genuinely likes and respects his Masonic Brothers. No one has a better or more colorful collection of hats and shirts than Rich. And I haven’t seen him at full dress in a parade yet! |
| Lou Koch, Our Worshipful Master elect, was born in N.Y. City and grew up in New Hyde Park, N.Y. A job offer from Thomas Business Forms of Camarillo, CA brought Lou to California. He has two sisters; one in New Jersey and the other in Pennsylvania. He has a degree in Graphic Arts & Advertising and a B.S. in Printing Management. He was a district wrestling champion in the 145 pound weight class (in High School). He has been married to Georgia for 28 years and they have two lovely daughters, Kelly and Summer. Lou claims to be retired, but he still does odd jobs of several types and describes himself as a ‘Handyman.’ That is what Lou was doing when he suffered that terrible ankle fracture in a fall from a ladder. Despite the severe injury (and continuing pain) Lou has continued to meet all his Masonic obligations and then some. He has been a Master Mason for 8 years. He is a Past Patron of the OES and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite. He has served as Junior and Senior Steward, Junior and Senior Deacon and Junior and Senior Warden and will be Master in 2008. Lou lists his favorite song as “Silent Night” because it was written by a member of his wife’s family, Franz Gruber. A favorite movie is “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.” He lists the last book he read as “The Exporting of America.” His favorite food is Georgia’s fried chicken and lasagna. His favorite foreign locale is the Greek Islands. He would love to visit Italy or “cruise anywhere.” He likes to fish, wants to refinish his kitchen cabinets and looks forward to “holding my grandchildren.” He has met Clint Eastwood, but he didn’t provide any details. Probably sworn to secrecy! He seems to be satisfied with his life as he says he “wouldn’t change a thing” about who he is and how he got here. Lou has worked on all sorts of Lodge projects such as Child ID, cooking for the Rivertown Jamboree and manning booths at the Corn Fest and the County Fair. Lou is a part of that small core of Brothers who hold this Lodge together and make it function. We are lucky to have him. |
Officers | Officers Association Information | Member Profiles | Concordant/Appendant Bodies
Master's Message | Officers Messages | Pictures