Ill∴Bro∴Michael Robin Bailey 31°
6 April 1945 – 29 July 2023
It was with great sadness that a fond farewell was given to Ill∴Bro∴Michael Bailey 31° at a superb, very well attended, and very moving service of remembrance on Thursday 14th September, at Rochester Cathedral.
The exemplary order of service, led by the Canon Chancellor, Reverend Canon Dr Gordon Giles, included a number of first-class renditions by the Cathedral Choir. Wonderful memories of Michael’s life were shared by his wife, Sandra, and by various family members, friends, and brothers, including W.Bros Michael Locke and Martin Ransom. A Bible reading was also given by W.Bro Norman Head.
Whilst he was most widely known for his seven-year period (from 2004 to 2011) as Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent of and over the Masonic Province of East Kent, he was also a highly valued and well-respected member of the Ancient & Accepted Rite, becoming a Prince Rose Croix at Saint Augustine Chapter No.144 on the 1st April 1981.
He subsequently joined St Mary in Ashford Chapter No 802 on the 9th March 1989, where he was the Organist until 1999 when he was appointed First General. He was Enthroned as Most Wise Sovereign on the 9th March 2000 and the following year he Enthroned his successor, Tony Denne (our Past Inspector General), following which he went straight back to playing the organ which he did up until his sad passing in July of this year.
Michael also belonged to Cornwallis Chapter No.444 for a number of years and was also a member of both Sitis Pro Scientia Chapter No.1213 & Kent Chapter No.1071, being the organist of both.
Farewell, Ill∴Bro∴Michael. You will be greatly missed.
Life is eternal; and love is immortal; and death is only a horizon.