Andy at Devotion’s March 2015 meeting where we surprised him with a Birthday Party – this photo was taken moments after he walked into the South – and is how many of us will remember him – smiling with a drink in his hand, being Happy and Communicating Happiness to Others.
By Damien of Devotion
It would be easy not
to produce a edition of Devotion News this month as we mourn the loss of our
Secretary, Past Director of Ceremonies, and Four Times Past Master of Lodge
Devotion; Andy McKay. Sadly, Andy lost his fight with cancer on Sunday 24 May
at Cabrini here in Melbourne.
To say we’ve taken a
huge hit from the departure of our Brother is to completely understate the
effect of this loss. Andy’s absence is a substantial emotional and operational
challenge – but lodges don’t get to be 300 years old by giving up in difficult
of times like this. Nor is giving up in the spirit of Andy’s commitment to
Lodge Devotion’s success. We must be always vigilant about preserving the
strength of a lodge – they are fragile things Lodges, but good ones like our
also come together during times like these. And I look to Andy’s efforts to
hold and build Lodge Devotion and his perseverance and optimism in the face of
obstacles that have crushed other warrants. He set an example for us to emulate
and for those who knew him, his legacy and influence will live on, in ways we
will recognize, and in many other ways we will not.
In our Master’s
Message, Mike says there would be no Devotion with Andy. True I think. When we
were down less than 20 members, as DC Andy conscripted help far and wide to keep
us going. This is not something said in the emotion nor absence of a lost
member, it’s widely known and I’m not the only one who told Andy this directly over
the years. Really, he couldn’t argue with such an obvious fact, although
occasionally he did, or more commonly he’d just change the subject.
He was a proposer
and/or mentor to so many of us. His mark on us is clearly identifiable, but the
ripples of his influence are important and have had a knock on effect. For
instance, Andy proposed me, I proposed Glenn. Without Andy, Glenn would not be
a Freemason. Andy proposed Cameron. Cameron proposed Borris (seconded by Andy).
Without Andy, Borris would not be a Freemason. Without Andy, we would not have
seen joining members like Mark or Roger and Ivan who Andy shepherded towards
Lodge Devotion . You can write a very very long list of similar examples.
Without Andy I think our lodge would have folded.
Andy often used to
describe himself as “just a facilitator” (of others growth and success). His
ability to do that and develop members as lodge officers, leaders, friends and
men will be a lasting legacy. Give me any member’s name I know, and I will be
able to say how Andy introduced him or helped hold him to Devotion.
Whatever we write
about Andy – it’s bound to fail to do him and his contribution to our lodge
justice and is likewise certain to fail to convey the respect and love with
which he was held and will continue to be held until we join him.
As Todd sms’ed me on
the day of his funeral: “Such as sad day
for us but a happy day for GL above.. no doubt he will be imposing his unique
brand on everyone. Bless him.”
