Loyal Stark, 33°
Most Worthy Grand Patron
2003-2006
Past Grand Patron of California

Loyal Leroy Stark peacefully transitioned from his earthly life to “that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at the age of 88 years old. He was born on March 24, 1935, in Greenville, California, to the late Jack and Twila Stark, who instilled in him the desire to make each day better than the one before. He remained in California throughout his life and for the last 60 years he lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. As young people, Loyal and Joan — his wife of 67 years — were active in DeMolay and Job’s Daughters, respectively, and they were destined to meet and marry at Carmichael Presbyterian Church on May 19, 1956. They are the parents of two children: daughter Patty (Neil), and son Jim (Marisa). They are the proud grandparents of one grandson Kurtis (Alec).

Loyal retired after 46 years with IBM Corporation as a Senior Information Technology Specialist.

While raising their children, Joan and Loyal were both active in school and youth activities including Job’s Daughters and DeMolay. Loyal also served on the local YMCA Advisory Board and as a Little League coach and manager.

The Masonic Fraternal Family was always an integral part of the Stark Family. Loyal was raised a Master Mason in San Juan Lodge #732 in Fair Oaks, California, in 1956. After affiliation with Acacia Lodge #243 in 1972, he progressed through the line to become Master in 1982. A proud moment was to raise his son, Jim, as a Master Mason. After working with the local lodge, Loyal became active in Grand Lodge of California programs, serving as a Masonic Inspector for 5 years, Grand Marshal in 1991, Chairman of the Charters Committee in 1993 and the Policy and General Purposes Committee for 8 years. He had the real pleasure of working with the Grand Lodge Warden’s Leadership Training Programs from 1994 until 2002 when his travels with Eastern Star began in earnest. Upon their completion, Loyal once again served Grand Lodge in 2011 as Grand Orator. One of the highlights of that year was when Loyal and son Jim took part in raising grandson Kurtis as a Master Mason.

Loyal’s other fraternal activities and honors included: 33^rd Degree Inspector General Honorary of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite; DeMolay Active Legion of Honor; DeMolay Cross of Honor; Chairman and Dad Advisor for Hayward Chapter, Order of DeMolay; Grand Cross of Color, International Order of Rainbow for Girls; Aahmes Shriners, Past Master’s Unit; and the Royal Order of Scotland.

Eastern Star became a part of Loyal’s life when he was initiated with daughter Patty, in 1977. (Joan thought it would give them something to do after the children were raised; did that ever come true!) Joan and Loyal served as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron of San Lorenzo Chapter #103 in 1985. They worked on various Grand Chapter Committees until that memorable day in 1988 when Loyal was elected Associate Grand Patron of California. He was most honored to serve with Kay Cosby as Worthy Grand Patron in 1989-1990. Past Most Worthy Grand Matron, Maxine Flint Justice, asked Loyal to serve as Worthy Grand Chaplain of the General Grand Chapter during the 1994-97 Triennium. Soon after, Pat Rasmusson honored Loyal, Joan, and California by inviting them to join her, Gary, and Minnesota on a journey of service throughout the Eastern Star world.

Loyal was elected Right Worthy Grand Sentinel in 1997, Right Worthy Associate Grand Patron in 2000 and was installed as Most Worthy Grand Patron of the General Grand Chapter on November 6, 2003, in Portland, Oregon. Loyal said that he was privileged to serve alongside such a dynamic and sincere Most Worthy Grand Matron as Pat and to have the good fortune to meet and greet the many wonderful Eastern Star members throughout the world.

His motto was to do everything with DIGNITY – QUALITY – SUBSTANCE – STYLE, and a TOUCH OF CLASS and he especially showed that as he and Pat presided over the 45^th “Fabulous Fraternal Family” Triennial Assembly in Minneapolis, Minnesota, October 27 to November 2, 2006.

During his most recent years, Loyal continued to enjoy his lifelong passion of golf, which he was able to play regularly. He had recently taken up bocce, a great way to showcase his enthusiasm for teamwork and where his competitive spirit thrived.

In many facets of Loyal’s illustrious service to others, he was inspired by the symbolism of the candle. He often admonished friends and co-workers by saying, “May the candle in all our hearts and lives burn brighter each day, because the world really needs our beautiful Order.” In that same spirit today,

“We light a candle for each sunrise and sunset our brother’s eyes beheld.
We light a candle for each star that his heart wished upon.
We light a candle for the tears that spilled out of his eyes in moments of sorrow and moments of sheer awe.
We light a candle for the sound of his laughter echoing still in our hearts.
We light a candle for the lessons he learned and in return shared,
We light a candle for love!”

(– Author Unknown)

Tribute by Michael Berry, RWAGP