WBro Alan Kersley was born on the 30th March 1958 and called to the Grand Lodge Above on the 21st March 2017 after a fight against cancer. Alan was married to Moraid and they had three children: Matt, Coll and Rhiannon. He also had three grandchildren: Lexi, Logan and Rae Eryn.
WBro Alan Kersley PPSGW
Alan started his working life at East Midlands Allied Press much to his father’s disgust. He wanted him to become an architect, but Alan decided to earn his keep instead of studying for a few more years.
After leaving EMAP and moving from South Wales to Peterborough, Alan started his own business. He sold this some time ago and formed another just before he was diagnosed with cancer.
For those that did not attend the service at Peterborough Crematorium on Thursday the 6th April, Alan wrote his own eulogy, which was read-out during the service. It was a very moving history of his life, and his sense of humour was still very evident. During the piece, Alan told how he had at last been promoted to the “Grand Lodge Above”, but with this promotion he would not have to buy an apron!
Alan had a distinguished career in Freemasonry. He was initiated into Peterborough and Counties Lodge No. 2996 on 18th December 1990 and became Master in 2001. He held various offices at Provincial level including the acting ranks of Assistant Director of Ceremonies, Sword Bearer and Junior Warden. He also joined the Richard Sandbach Lodge of Research where he held the office of Secretary. It was through RSLoR that he launched the Daily Advancement website, which he ran right up until the time of his death.
Alan was exalted into the St. Peter’s Chapter No. 442 in 1993 and occupied the 1st. Principal's chair in 2007 when he obtained the rank of Provincial Deputy Grand Director of Ceremonies.
Alan was also a Mark Master Mason. He was advanced in the Norman Rolfe Lodge of Mark Master Masons No. 1643 in 1995 and became Master in 2005. He held the office of Registrar of Marks up until his death. He also held the rank of Past Provincial Grand Junior Overseer.
Alan was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2015 and underwent treatment up until December 2016. During the period of his illness, Alan remained very positive, cheerful and active.
He attended his mother lodge on Tuesday the 21st February 2017, whereupon he was paid a living tribute culminating with a promotion to the rank of Past Provincial Senior Grand Warden by the Provincial Grand Master, RWBro Max Bayes.
Alan also attended St. Peter’s Chapter in February, where he was Director of Ceremonies. He informed the companions that it would be his last meeting.
Alan will be sorely missed by us all. He certainly lived respected and died regretted. May he rest in peace.
Russell Laxton
April 2017