Brother

Vaughan McPherson Galbraith

(died June 1942, aged 49)

Temple Lodge, No. 33

Here is a brief biographical sketch of Brother Vaughan McPherson Galbraith taken from local newspaper reports of his death and funeral:

“Galbraith – Residents of Youbou in particular, and his many friends throughout the district and elsewhere on the Island, were shocked to hear of the sudden death, following a heart attack, on Friday evening  of Mr. Vaughan McPherson Galbraith, aged 49 years, manager of Industrial Timber Mills Ltd.


Mr. Galbraith, a veteran of the first Great War, was second in command of No. 8 Co., Cowichan Rangers, and it was while parading on Friday night that he suddenly collapsed and quickly passed away.


Born on March 26, 1893, in Nanaimo, he received his education at the grade and high schools there. At the age of 19 Mr. Galbraith was engaged with an exporting company at Hongkong and remained with the firm for two years.


He returned to Canada and went overseas with the 72nd Bn., Seaforth Highlanders. After demobilization, Mr. Galbraith was employed with a number of timber companies and became manager of Industrial Timber Mills Ltd. seven years ago.


Mr. Galbraith was a man of outstanding character, always willing to lend his support to any worth-while project. He had seen Youbou grow from a small mill town to its present size and it was largely through his efforts and public spirit that various organizations and activities were successfully carried out.
A keen Mason, Mr. Galbraith was junior warden of Temple Lodge, No. 33, of Duncan, and he also belonged to Tzouhalem Chapter, No. 26, Royal Arch Masons.


He leaves, besides his wife, Mrs. Ada Jane Galbraith, two sons, Daniel Ewen and Arnold Vaughan, all of Youbou; his father, Mr. D.A. Galbraith, Victoria; and a brother, Mr. John Cecil Galbraith, Washington, D.C.


The funeral service, held on Tuesday afternoon in Duncan United Church, under Masonic auspices, was largely attended. Included in the congregation were many friends in and out of the lumber business, and East Indians and Chinese. The Rev. J. Currie Thompson, Lake Cowichan, officiated. Mr. P.R. Dobson was organist and hymns sung were “Breathe On Me, Breath Of God” and “Forever With The Lord.” Mr. Frank Reed, Youbou, sang “No NightThere.”


Cowichan Rangers, under their O.C. Brig. E.J. Ross, lined up outside the church on one side, and Masons on the other side when the casket was carried in and out of the church.


Pallbearers were: Wor. Bro. Claude Green, Duncan; Wor. Bro. Winter Cook, Bros. J.W. Whittaker and Harvey Hanson, all of Youbou; Bro. H.J. Parsley, Duncan; Bro. D. Shand, Victoria. There were many lovely floral tributes.


Interment was made in Royal Oak Burial Park, Davis Funeral Service making the arrangements. At Victoria there was a firing party and a bugler sounded “The Last Post.” Members of the Canadian Scottish were also in attendance.”

Source: Cowichan Leader, 2 July 1942

Brother Galbraith held several chairs in Temple Lodge. He served as Chaplain in 1939, Inner Guard in 1940, Senior Deacon in 1941 and was Junior Warden at the time of his death in 1942. If he had lived, Brother Galbraith would have been Worshipful Master of Temple Lodge, No.33 in 1944.

- Vancouver Island Masonic History Project -

- Deceased Brethren -

- Royal Oak Burial Park, Victoria -

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