It is with sadness that we record the death of our Past Supreme Grand Commander Frank McClure. Frank was a stalwart of a number of Orders and his years of service to and knowledge of our Institution will be sadly missed.
He was in his 98th year and had until only a few months ago when hospitalised been not only present but playing an active and insightful role in meetings. He was a member of Olive Branch Encampment No.11 encamped at Ballinagarvey and held office for many decades before becoming Supreme Grand Commander.
He held this position with distinction and was a regular attender of all Encampments and was until his passing a lecturer of great skill and clarity. His smile and warm greeting will be sorely missed as will his wisdom and experience accumulated over decades.
He also held high office in both the Independent Loyal Orange Institution and the Apprentice Boys of Derry. Between the three organisations Frank potentially served 240 years with fidelity and ability. This is a record which will be hard to repeat let alone beat.
It was only in 2019 that Frank stepped down from the position as Supreme Grand Commander, but remained as a constant closure of encouragement and enlightenment. He had led the Order for many years and even recently when hospitalised he took great interest in events and activities and looked forward to welcoming many companions to his hospital bedside.
He recently spoke at a Queens Platinum Jubilee about how he could remember no less than four British monarchs. He of course lived to see his fifth and was looking forward to the King’s Coronation. At one Jubilee event Frank in his 98th year was photographed with the youngest member of the crowd who was just in their first year of life.
We pay tribute to the legacy of Frank McClure and assure his family circle of our continuing prayers and thoughts at this time. He will be irreplaceable but our ongoing work and witness will be a lasting tribute to him.
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