In Memoriam

      Orren Delbert Ellis was born January 25, 1918, in Raton, New Mexico and moved with his family to Imperial, Pennsylvania at age 6, and moved a few years later to Langdon, North Dakota, where he finished his elementary and high school education. He also attended the University of North Dakota for a period of time. Del moved to California in 1941 and gained employment at Lockheed Aircraft where he remained on staff for 55 years. A record for the company.

      Brother Del was raised a Master Mason in Burbank Lodge No. 406 in 1945 and joined the Scottish Rite in Pasadena in 1946. He served as Wise Master, Chapter of Rose Croix and Master of Kadosh of the Consistory. He was an active member in all plays and had roles in most of the degrees. He eventually became Director of the work, a position he held for eleven years.

      He was a major participant in the 18°, 20°, 21°, 27°, 31° and 32°, and other degree roles for over 50 years. There weren't many questions you could ask about any of the 29 degrees and their staging that he couldn't answer. He was a master of degree work.

      Del was Master of Burbank Lodge No.406 in 1952 and affiliated with Claremont No. 436 in 1963. As an active member of the Lodge he received the Hiram Award in 1991 and most recently had served as Lodge Chaplain. He was a member of Al Malaikah Shrine, The Royal Order of Scotland and served on the Advisory Board of the Claremont Chapter of De Molay. He was a recipient of the De Molay Legion of Honor and Cross of Honor. For eight years he served as Associate Bethel Guardian of Bethel 301 in Claremont and had a stint on the Grand Guardian Council and in 1976 he was elected a Member of Honor of Bethel 301. He was also a member of the Claremont Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star.

      Worshipful Brother Del was preceded in passing by his wife of many years, Bonnie. Brother Del joined the Great Architect of the Universe on April 24, 2005.

      The Pasadena Scottish Rite commented that it has always been blessed with a variety of talent. IIIustrious Orren Delbert Ellis, 33° was one of those in a chain of fine Scottish Rite Masons.