Ramon Llull bids farewell to W. Bro. Roy Stead with a lodge of sorrow

Those who remember Roy will recollect as always being very smart and properly dressed. I am sure that this trait came from his military career, of which, he was very proud.
He became a Mason in the UK, excelled in the craft and achieved London Grand Rank.

Moving to Mallorca he soon found Ramon Llull, becoming an active member and taking on the roll of secretarty – my predecessor.
Joining Ramon Llull led him to the Majorica Chapter where his immense knowledge, experiance and skill of the Chapter ritual caused him to be the backbone of the Chapter.
He worked within the limitations of the temple that we had in C Monterrey and was always looking for ways to make improvements. He purchased and presented new banners which made a vast improvement to the presentation of the Chapter.
As the secretary of our lodge he brought his organisation skills to the office. He often visited my house in Portals in order to prepare the summons and carry out other lodge office work. He would come with his wife, Margaret, and present a bunch of flowers to Anita, always the perfect gentleman.
His ritual was extraordinary both in the craft and in the Chapter and I remember one particular occasion when Terry Hudson was in the chair. We had a meeting at the Pueblo Español and before the meeting we usually met across the road in the bar. Having had a drink and going to the meeting, Terry realised that no one had been asked to explain the tracing board so just before the meeting was about to start, he turned to Roy and said “would you mind doing it”. With his characteristic dry sense of humour he said that he would have like a bit more noticed and proceeded to give his usual perfect rendition.
His talents were not restricted to the ritual and he would often entertain us with renditions of humorous poems at the festive board. A favourite mine was Stanley Holloway classic – Albert and the Lion.
He and his wife Margaret always enjoyed the lodge Ladies Nights and he would appear with his flamboyant bow ties and they would put strictly to shame with their dancing.
There is one feature of Roy that I was asked not to mention and that was his wig. When first met him he had a full head of blonde hair that would put a certain American president to shame. The one meeting he appeared without the wig, completely bald.
His health began to deteriorate and attending lodge became more and more of a problem. Bernard helped with transport and would even take lunches up to him.
I also have fond memories of going to visit Roy and taking him for a menu del dia with Ian, David Strugnell and Brian Stapley.
Perhaps the last time I saw him was at the Juan March hospital shortly before he returned to the UK to be with his daughter.
Roy will be sadly missed by all who new him but he leaves us all with many fond memories.
May he rest in peace.