Most Worshipful Brother Frederick Silas Sandoz was born on March 25, 1917 on the same Buena, Washington ranch where he worked to raise apples, pears, plums - and a family. Graduating from Zillah High School in 1935, he enlisted in the U. S. Marines. After being discharged in 1939, he completed training at the Curtiss Wright Technical Institute in Glendale, California, worked as an airplane instructor, then as aircraft representative for the Lockheed Corporation. He returned to farming and the Buena ranch in 1948.
On October 25, 1941 he and WillaminaDaling, a high school English teacher and the daughter of a Waterville grain farmer, were married. Willamina, known to all as "Bill," was teaching at Zillah High School as our distinguished Brother was finishing his high school education and just happened to have him in her class. Therein lies the first glimpse of the two together. Fred was smitten and Bill was impressed with this tall, straight, upright lad; and after a few years to gather his courage to ask her, she finally succumbed to his proposal thereby forming a union to enjoy and be enjoyed.
Bill was a correspondent for a local weekly newspaper and the Yakima Herald, becoming a celebrity in her own right. She was proud of her surroundings with the many friends, and those in the "Valley" enjoyed her presence and cherished their association with her. Her concern for those around her proved itself in her writings. She told of those good deeds people did for each other and the community usually neglecting the same for herself. She was active in the Order of Eastern Star, becoming Worthy Matron of Illahee Chapter in Toppenish. Bill continued to encourage Fred, especially in his Masonic career, and was a great contributor during his year as Grand Master.
One son, Clark, was born of the union. He was brought up on the ranch, and having majored in horticulture at Washington State University ran the Buena farm. Clark was installed Master of Toppenish-Meridian Lodge No. 178 by his father during Fred's year as Grand Master. A cherished honor to both.
Our distinguished Brother's record of service to those around him and to Masonry is long and impressive. His life was active, colorful and exciting to say the least. He was Raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason in Meridian Lodge No. 196 on May 11, 1954. He at once became intensely interested in Masonry, became active in the work of the Lodge, serving in various stations, and was elected Worshipful Meister in 1960. He became a Charter Member of Compass Lodge No. 306, when that Lodge was constituted and a member of Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281.
Fred served as Grand Lecturer in 1966-67 for Most Worshipful Brother E. Haskell Johns. During that time, he was Instrumental in stimulating interest in the workable and worthwhile Junior Achievement Awards Program that MW Brother Johns had put before him. We enjoy and benefit from their efforts to this day.
Our Brother was appointed to the Research and Education Committeefor 1967-68 and from 1968 to 1970 served as Deputy of the Grand Master in District No. 20. In 1970 he was appointed Grand Marshal, returning to the Research and Education Committee in 1971, and then as chairman of that committee for 1972-73. He was elected Junior Grand Warden at the 116th Annual Communication in June 1973. He subsequently served as Grand Master of Masons in Washington and Alaska in 1976-77.
His theme as Grand Master,"Put More Masonry in Masons", charged the brethren to practice out of the lodge those important duties that they learned in it. With this theme he never lost touch with his brethren. His kindly spirit, his ready wit, and his cheerful year as Grand Master is recalled as one which bore fruit of kindness, affection, good will and did, indeed, put more Masonry into Masons.
Most Worshipful Brother Sandoz honored this Grand Lodge and himself by being asked to give the Keynote Address at the Annual Conference of Grand Masters held in Washington, D.C. on February 22, 1977. Fred revealed the philosophy of his life during his memorable address when he said, ". . .wemust not run pellmell just to stay even." In his case, he was "running pellmell" to share his life with his Brethren.
Being a farmer, Fred was a member and Past Meister of the Buena Grange, a member of the Sunnyside-Pomona Grange and the NationalGrange,as well as the acting-Master in the Sixth Degree at the StateGrange Sessions in 1973 and 1974. He gave up the post when he was elected Junior Grand Warden of our Grand Lodge.
Fred was also interested and active in the Boy Scouts of America, contributing greatly by teaching the youth character-building values in life. He was also a volunteer fireman in Buena, hurrying many times with "gusto" to save a neighbor's belongings just as many bore witness to his hurrying to aid and assist a troubled Brother.
Fred was a member of both the Scottish Riteand the York Rite's Royal Arch. He was a vital cog in the Scottish Rite Valley of Yakima, contributing to many of the lessons taught in all the Degrees especially the 18th and 30th. He served as head of all Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley, and was decorated Knight Commander of the Court of Honour in 1967. He was Coroneted a Thirty-third Degree Inspector General Honorary in 1981.
He did not limit his activities to the masculine side of Masonry. He became Worthy Patron of Illahee Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, twice. The second time was when his wife was Worthy Matron.
Most Worshipful Brother Frederick Silas Sandoz left us on December 25, 1985 for that Great Beyond from which no one, no traveler, returns. His record is closed, but his works and the memory of him will continue in the hearts of those who really knew him as friend, brother, counselor, and Grand Master.