Many of us spend our free time dreaming about traveling to far-off places. However, few of us actually get to turn those dreams into reality. George West of Springfield Masonic Community is one of those lucky few. George took his first cruise in 1977 with his wife Phyllis. Their journey aboard the Queen Elizabeth II from South Hampton to New York launched a
life-long passion for travel.
On October 27, 2014, George embarked on a 15-day cruise on the Island Princess. Departing from Fort Lauderdale, George and his daughter Sharon sailed south to travel the Panama Canal, celebrating the 100th anniversary of its opening.
Passing through the canal was a full day enterprise and was George’s favorite experience of the tour. The Island Princess falls into the largest category of ship that is currently able to enter the canal. Motorized “mules” steadily pulled the Island Princess from lock to lock, until they reached beautiful Gatun Lake.
Hotels and restaurants line the shore of the canal where people turn out on balconies to cheer and wave to the passing ships. In preparation of this party atmosphere, cruise passengers are encouraged to make signs and posters representing their hometowns. George and Sharon worked on a poster honoring George’s 62 years as a Mason and his fondness for his home, the Springfield Masonic Community. Once finished, the posters were hung from the ship’s railing to celebrate the diversity of those making the passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
Upon arrival in Los Angeles, California, George’s next destination was the famous Queen Mary. George and Sharon spent their time aboard touring the beautiful ship and enjoying its many attractions such as the Princess Diana exhibit.
George has already begun planning his next excursion, a “bucket list” cruise to Nova Scotia, to celebrate his 90th birthday with a family reunion in New Brunswick. George, the son of a Mason, was born in 1927 in Guysboro, Nova Scotia. He became a Mason in 1953, joining Burns Lodge #10 in Halifax. In 1957, he moved with his wife to Vermilion, Ohio joining Ely Lodge #424 and serving for many years as the Chaplain Emeritus. George and Phyllis moved to Florida in 1998 after raising three daughters and one son, who also joined the Fraternity in 1980. When Phyllis’ health began to decline, they made the decision to call Springfield Masonic Community (SMC) home in 2011.
George says his favorite part of SMC is the underground walkway. He can walk anywhere he needs to go without stepping foot outside. He appreciates the ease of access to all parts of the campus, including the skilled care facilities, which were tremendously important during his wife’s illness. Phyllis left this world for a better place in October of 2011 and George stayed at Springfield Masonic Community where he lives actively and comfortably when he’s not traveling the world.
Resources: www.pancanal.com, www.queenmary.com
