Michael Savory came to Spain after retiring from a career as a commercial airline pilot. Michael had already been a Freemason in the UK and soon afterwards, became a Spanish Freemason under GLE. Along with several other like-minded Brethren, they decided to establish a Masonic presence in the southern Costa Blanca which at first met in local tavernas and restaurants until it was decided to look for a permanent ‘home’ in the Torrevieja area.
Michael was heavily involved in investigating the viability of acquiring a premise for such a purpose, and once a building was eventually found, and with insufficient funds to cover the initial costs, Michael placed his house as collateral against the mortgage needed to close the deal.
He, together with a number of other Brethren, over many months worked on digging out the area, taking down existing structures throughout the building ready for the construction of the Temple. This subsequently became Sociedad Compas, the Masonic Temple in Quesada. Although the original loan was paid back in good time, the collapse of the outside terrace required a further loan to be sought to not only repair the damage, but to vastly improve the temple building, ultimately producing a smaller, secondary temple known as the Heritage Temple. This loan was also subsequently repaid by the generosity of the Brethren, their Lodges, and their friends.
There is no doubt that without Mike’s forethought, fortitude, and the unwavering support of his wife, Jane, Brethren in the Torrevieja area would not enjoy the certainty of their Masonic future, free from the need to rely on a particular restaurant, hotel, or similar from which to conduct Masonic business, an uncertainty shared by a number of Brethren and their Lodges in the north of our Province at this time.
During his many years service to The Craft, Mike rose to Grand ADC where he was extremely active, attending all Grand and Provincial Assemblies and meetings. He was subsequently promoted to Past Grand Warden for his outstanding commitment and service over a great number of years. When called to the Grand Lodge above, he was just 1 month shy of 60 years in Freemasonry. Just a month earlier, the Provincial Grand Master R. W. Bro Rodney Charles Bignall was very pleased to present his Long Service jewel at the December meeting of Old Tower Lodge. A Lodge that Mike literally helped to build, and where he was looked upon with the very greatest love and respect, by everyone who knew him.
For those of us that call Sociedad Compas ‘Home’, we are forever in his debt.
R.W.Bro. Michael David Savory PGADC, PGSW
29th February 1944 – 8th January 2025
May the Grand Architect of the Universe keep him, until we meet again.
On behalf of the Province may I extend our sincere and fraternal condolences to all the Brethren of Santa Faz Lodge No. 48, and to the family of our dearly departed Worshipful Brother David Roberts, who has been called to higher office in the Grand Lodge Above on 26th August 2024.
May the Great Architect of the Universe keep him safe until we meet again.
W. Bro. Christopher S. Ward
Provincial Grand almoner
Harry Caunce was a member of Dama de Elche Lodge No. 163 for a number of years.
Sadly, Harry was summoned to the Grand Lodge above on Tuesday, 30th January 2024.
He will be sadly missed by his Brethren, his family, and his friends.
Danny Colburn – passed away peacefully on 17th January 2024. He will be sadly missed by his Brethren, Family, and Friends
Gerald Kittleson 1934 – 2024
On Monday, 15th January 2024 when the sun was at its meridian, family and friends joined together at Denia Crematorium to celebrate the life of, and say goodbye to Gerry.
Bro. Gerry Kittleson was born on 5th July 1934. He was initiated into Freemasonry on 6th May 1980 and installed into the Chair of his English Lodge on New Year’s Eve 2005.
On retiring to Denia, Spain with his wife, Lynn, he joined Oliva LaSafor Lodge 112 in 2002 and was honoured with the rank of Provincial Organist. He played the organ enthusiastically until his eyesight and other health problems made that impossible, but still managed to attend lodge meetings until last year.
Married for 65 years, he is survived by his wife, Lynn and their son, Alan, who, with his wife, Sarah, attended the service.
The ceremony was conducted by W. Bro. Ken Cornforth, current Provincial Grand Organist, and music was provided by W. Bro. Gerald Hales, Past Provincial Grand Organist.
W. Bro. Gerald Hales (L) and W. Bro. Ken Cornforth with a photo of W. Bro. Gerry Kittleson at his organ.