Past Exalted Ruler Jason Spence, American Legion bugler Lou Tirado, and Lodge Officer Mike Long
Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444 (“Elks Lodge”) held its annual memorial service (“Program”) to remember fourteen (14) of its members that passed away during the past year.
The Memorial Program was attended by Elks Lodge members, friends and family of the departed. Fronting the podium were a flower wreath, fourteen white candles and Elks Lodge Emblems.
The Program was opened with the presentation of the colors by Boy Scout Troop 603 and a welcoming message from Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Derek Randles.
Lodge Chaplain Kevin Hughes assists Reiko Clutts lighting a candle for her deceased husband Joseph Clutts
The departed honored members and the city of their residence were:
Robert W. MacFarlane, Joseph Smith, Dennis Sllead, and David Lee Richardson of Lake Forest
William McLellan of Laguna Woods
Nicholas Caterino, W. James Kemerer, Louis Phil Lajoie, and Joseph Clutts of Mission Viejo
Frank “Lido” Buonaguidi of San Clemente
Jessie K. Welch, and Ronald E. Johnson of San Juan Capistrano
William C. Kohler of Laguna Hills
Donald Raiche of Vallencia
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As each deceased Elks Lodge member’s name was announced by Secretary Norm Jones, a candle was lit by Chaplain Kevin Hughes or a family member of the departed while chimes were struck by Inner Guard Mike Long.
Memorial Ritual Officers, Loyal Knight David McLeod, Exalted Ruler Derek Randles, and Leading Knight Camacho Alvarez
Throughout the Program, music was provided by Elks Lodge Organist, Andy Costello. The Memorial Service was closed with the playing of Taps by American Legion veteran Lou Tirado, and the recitation of the Elks Eleven O’clock Toast by Derek Randles reflecting an Elk creed: “Elks are Never Forgotten, Never Forsaken.”
Altar of Remembrance
Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating 44 years of service to Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of 10 lodges in the Orange Coast District of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) whose headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 146 history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share”
Andy Costello, Lodge Publicity
Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444
Photos provided by Elks Member Dennis Lumley
