ROY PICKARD

We would like to feature Roy Pickard in this issue of the Mocha News. Roy became a Mason when he was initiated May 17, 1981. He was passed June 17, 1981 and raised to a Master Mason Oct. 21, 1981. Since then he has had a very distinguished Masonic journey. He was installed as master of Malahide Lodge #140 in June of 1988. He received his 32nd degree in Hamilton May 8, 1999. He has served as Secretary for Malahide Lodge for five years and currently is Secretary of St. Thomas Masonic District acting as D.D.G.M. Bob Cresswell's right hand man. If you want a job done well, ask a busy man!

Roy was inspired to look further into Masonry by relatives. The Pickard Clan have been involved for a long time. His father, W.Bro. Frank Pickard was a past master. His uncle V.W.Cecil Pickard, cousin W.Bro. Larry Pickard (a member of the Mocha Provo Corp) are members of St. Marks #94 in Port Stanley. His cousin W.Bro. Dale Pickard joined St. Marks as well. He was initiated into Mocha in Chatham on May 22, 1999 in the rain, he tells me. And they say it never rains on a Shrine parade!

Roy started doing a few parades driving Ev Graham's bug. That turned him on and he joined the unit in the fall of 1999. This unit got his interest as there were wheels and motors involved and Roy has always been a car enthusiast as long as he can remember. His son, Ryan, had a 1974 Sunbug that he was not using and was sitting in the garage at home. It was an obvious choice. Fix it up and use it in parades. After many dollars spent on Ryan's brown and cream bug, Ryan decided to once more lay claim to it. Roy then went out and bought a 1978 Super Beetle Convertible in triple white and in pristine condition. He purchased it in October 2002 and paraded with it this past summer.

Roy wants to give many thanks to Mark Walker for his hours of time spent on all our cars.

Roy and his lovely wife, Betty were married on Sept. 9, 1972. I think he must have robbed the craddle, as she is just a little past 39! She and Ruth Prentice attend as many of the parades as possible during the year. Roy and Betty have two sons, Ryan who is also a member of Malahide #140 and Mocha and lives in Guelph, and Bradley who lives and works in Toronto.

Roy has worked for Hydro One in Aylmer and currently in his 31st year as Customer Service Representative. When asked of any memorable experiences with the Love Bugs, he says whenever the bugs get together some always happens. It's all about good times and fellowship while raising money for our #1 purpose. HELPING KIDS!!!!

Featured in Mocha News: May 2004 Edition