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We are sorry to learn that the following brethren have recently passed to that 'Grand Lodge above'. Their departed merit will be missed by Freemasons in Northumberland and our thoughts are with all who knew and loved them - family, friends and Masonic brethren : 
Freemasonry in Northumberland has lost some of its most distinguished Freemasons during the last year. Amongst them are Robert Carr Logan, Milne Ellison Hunt, Matthew Clark, John Gordon, Bill Wilson, Brian Gillespie OBE,TD,DL. A special mention must, of course, be made of the passing of our recently-retired Provincial Grand Master, Dr. George Usher - it is shown below. The Webmaster is not currently aware of any other recently departed Brethren. No doubt there are others - please let us know.
George Usher was Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent of Northumberland Province for some 9 years. He was appointed having had a successful academic career in teaching. His career was brought to an early end by the onset of illness which was controlled over many years. Unfortunately, in recent times it became worse and George's death occurred on 2nd August 2007 at the end of a long spell in North Tyneside General Hospital. His funeral was conducted by Very Worshipful Brother the Rev. Timothy Duff, Provincial Grand Chaplain, at Holy Saviour's Church, Tynemouth. George was a native of the Hexham area in the Tyne Valley and most of his Masonic career in many Orders was based around Hexham. Latterly he had moved with his wife, Cynthia, to Tynemouth. He formally retired from office, aged 75, in May 2007 to be succeeded in July by Right Worshipful Brother Peter Magnay. George Usher will have affected the lives of a great many Brethren in many ways and each will have his own particular memory, both Masonic and personal. My own (WEBMASTER) relate to his great courtesy and kindness. In particular, I recall the occasion, before he was appointed, when he and Cynthia entertained my wife and I at his home in Warden near Hexham in handing over to me the office of Secretary of Northumbrian Masters' Lodge. Also when, as Provincial Senior Warden, I gave the address to the Master when George was made the first Master of Epicure Lodge. Many Brethren will recall that, on almost every Masonic occasion, George would find an appropriate quotation of Groucho Marx. I offer one more to George. Groucho Marx said 'I intend to live forever, or die trying'. George Usher fought long and hard to overcome the effects of his illness. I feel sure that he will live forever in the annals of Freemasonry in Northumberland and in the hearts of all those Brethren whose lives he touched.
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