True Resolution Lodge No. 16

Submitted by:  RW David Henry, DDGM No. 5

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RW ISAAC GAITERS, DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER EMERITUS, is an exemplary Mason, his commitment and contribution to True Resolution Lodge has been outstanding. Six years ago True Resolution Lodge started "The Isaac Gaiters Scholarship" in his honor, this scholarship is awarded annually.

On April 17th, RW Gaiters celebrated his 87th birthday. His life story is one of intrigue and interest. This remarkable, enterprising man was born in Plaquemine, Louisiana, the son a Minister.

At an early age, he ventured out from home and made his way to California, where he got a job in Hollywood at Universal Studios, he was hired as a personal porter (gofer) to a noted film producer, where he was well acquainted with movie stars such as Humphrey Bogart, Noah Berry, Jr. and others.

Afterwards he became a Merchant Seaman, worked on ships under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard during the war, which exposed him to much danger on troop carriers traveling to the orient and elsewhere.

Thereafter he worked mostly on passenger freighters. Eventually through experience and hard work he was promoted to Chief Steward. He was given an executive position as agent for Marine Cooks and Stewards Union, which enabled him to meet many notable and infamous Union Leaders at conferences throughout the United States.

He later went to Honolulu, Hawaii on an assignment as purchasing Agent for a shipping company and lived there for four years. He was a proprietor of a cocktail lounge there, which hosted such entertainers as Louis Armstrong and others. He also resided periodically in Australia, and owned racehorses there.

RW Gaiters married his wife Edna in 1951. They will be celebrating their 50th Anniversary in September this year.

He settled in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. In 1960 he was raised to Master Mason in True Resolution Lodge No. 16, was the Worshipful Master of that Lodge from 1976 to 1978. He is a member of Prince Hall Consistory No. 67, Beni Hassan Shrine Temple No. 64, and is an Honorary Member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Washington and Jurisdiction.

Over the years RW Gaiters traveled back and forth to meetings, functions and other Masonic activities throughout the Puget Sound area, where he is well known.