Most Worshipful Brother
Randall Burton Boates, PGM
Grand Lodge of
Prince Edward Island, A.F. & A.M.;
Grand Master 1979 – 1980

Randall Burton Boates was born on the morning of the 26th of August 1923 and became an important part of the happy home of Mr. and Mrs. H. Burton Boates, at that time residing in Tyne Valley, Prince Edward Island. While Randall was yet a young lad, the family moved to the lovely farming community of West Point where he attended Montgomery school and received his formal education. When Randall reached maturity, he was called to the Armed Services. He served with the Royal Canadian Air Force, from which he was honourable discharged with the rank of Leading Aircraftsman.

After being released from the R.C.A.F., Randall wanted to do his own thing and become an entrepreneur. He forthwith established Boates Feed Mill in O’Leary, which he owned and operated many years. The Feed Mill was Registered and Licensed to manufacture Animal Feeds, he also merchandised Purina Feed Products and Animal Health Aids. As a sideline business he became the O’Leary Livestock Dealer, representing Swift Canadian Company, and he bought and sold weaner pigs, handling some 1500 yearly. In 1974 Randall wanted a change, he sold his mill and took employment with Canadian Industries Limited, he is manager of the O’Leary Plant.

In Community life, Randall served many years on school boards. He served ten years as Commissioner on the Town Council, and he served ten years as Chief of the O’Leary Fire Department. Randall chose as his life partner, Miss Thelma Ellis of West Cape, who is now the mother of four daughters, the pride and joy of Mother and Dad, and the Mothers of nine children, Grand Children. All live within the Province The Religious life of the Boates family is with the United Church of Canada in O’Leary. Randall has been an important part of the life of that church for many years. He served many years on the Session. He served as Superintendent of the Church Sunday School. He served on the Board of Stewards, and he still takes his place on Sundays as teacher of the Intermediate Church School Class.

Brother Boates now resides at West Devon, and he maintains a Camp at the sea shore. He enjoys boating, water skiing, fishing and motor cycling in summer, and when the snow comes, he cranks up the snowmobile and takes off with his family and grandchildren. Randall and Thelma have always placed strong emphasis on the impact on society of the family unit. They are very proud of their nine Grandchildren.

Most Worshipful Grand Master Boates was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Corinthian Lodge No. 19 in O’Leary on the 18th of June 1952. He became a member of Grand Lodge in 1962 when he was elected to the office of Junior Warden. After serving as Worshipful Master in 1964 Brother Boates became Chaplain, and has served since in that important and Honourable office. He became interested in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and a member of Albert Edward Lodge of Perfection in Summerside.

Randall served in Junior Offices in Grand Lodge, and in 1978 he was elected to the office of Deputy Grand Master. In June of 1979 he was chosen for the Great Honour of being elected to the Office of Most Worshipful Grand Master.

Most Worshipful Brother Boates feels strongly that masonry, like the church, provides a rule and guide, an inspiration and pattern, for conduct through life, and he believes that age is a state of mind. He is untiring in his efforts to promote the welfare of the craft, He is known far and wide for his consideration and kindness to all who meet him. Randall says Work Work as though your life depends on it.

It really does.

From the Proceedings of the 104th Annual Communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Prince Edward Island A.F. & A. M. (1979).