ObituaryKeith Ansell 1930 – 2006 He was initiated into Freemasonry in London in 1971. For the next 35 years Masonic and Chivalric Orders became the focus of his interests. He was a Past Master of three Craft Lodges and a Past District Grand Prefect for East Anglia in the Allied Masonic Degrees. At the time of his passing he was Grand Preceptor for the Province of East Anglia in the Order of St Thomas of Acon, and Provincial Grand Master (East Anglia) of the Masonic Order of Athelstan. He was Grand Supreme Ruler of Canada in the Order of the Secret Monitor from 2001 – 2003. Keith’s interest were wide and varied, encompassing history, chivalry, the occult and world travel. He wrote and presented many papers relating to the history and traditions of the Knights Templar, holding Grand Rank in the Masonic Order, as well as in many others. He was instrumental in propagating new Masonic and Chivalric Orders not only in the UK, but also as far afield as North America and Australasia. Keith passed away on 12th August 2006, following a short confinement
in hospital. He was mentally and physically active right up to admission
and even from his hospital bed was in regular contact with colleagues
concerning Masonic matters. His funeral was held in the Centenary Baptist
Church, March, Cambridgeshire and he is interred in the Eastwood Cemetery.
On 24th September 2006 a Thanksgiving Service was held in his memory
at Great Shelford Parish Church, near Cambridge, at which over 100 of
his friends heard his son, Dr Christopher Ansell, give a warm eulogy
on Keith’s remarkable life. |