Alfred Norman Fryer, PPGSuptWks

12/12/2020

5th August 1926 ~ 4th December 2020

Born on the 5th August 1926 Norman went to school in Warrington completing his school education at Boteler Grammar School. Within months of leaving school in 1944, Norman was called into the Army where he was selected for Officer training in the Border Regiment. Completing his training in India Norman served with the 2nd Battalion the South Lancashire Regiment and had reached the rank of Captain when discharged in 1948.

Resuming his education at Manchester University, Norman completed an Arts Degree and Teachers Diploma in 1952 and began a career in education holding the post of Head of English at Secondary Schools in Solihull and Keighley and Deputy Head and Vice-Principal at Fairfax School in Bradford. Retiring in 1980 Norman continued as a supply teacher until 1991.

At the age of 17, Norman was smitten by a young lady named Dorothy who he married in July 1949 with a son, John being born in 1958.

John, after obtaining an Honours Degree subsequently emigrated to the USA where he married and has two sons, grandsons of whom Norman and Dorothy were very proud.

Norman and Dorothy had a wonderful life together celebrating their 60th anniversary shortly before Dorothy died in 2009.

Initiated into Merston-Culy Lodge No 6879 (Worcester) in January 1958 Norman became a joining member of Priory Lodge No 4671 (Yorkshire, West Riding) in January 1969 and served as Master in 2005. Following his year in the Chair Norman remained active in the Lodge holding various offices and was Senior Warden when the Lodge surrendered its warrant in 2014. He then joined Priory’s mother Lodge, Scientific No 439 where he received his 60-year certificate in 2016.

Norman’s pastime was singing at which he excelled, and we will all remember his fine Bass voice singing the Initiates or Masters Songs at many Lodges throughout the Province. An amateur singer Norman performed for many years with West Riding Opera and Dales Opera as principal bass singing many important and interesting roles.

Norman was a true Brother and gentleman and passed to the Grand Lodge above on 4th December 2020. He will be very sadly missed by family, friends and Brethren.

12 Comments

Colin Symes

16/12/2020 02:05:43 pm

A mason and true gentleman who will be sadly missed.

Andrew Calvert

16/12/2020 03:42:41 pm

A true and respected gentleman

Geoff Feather

16/12/2020 04:45:02 pm

A true Masonic friend for over 40 years.

J.T.Saville

16/12/2020 04:49:12 pm

We have lost a very good friend and a brother
he will be missed

Derek Radcliffe

16/12/2020 04:57:57 pm

Norman was a wonderful person with a huge heart. I will treasure his friendship and will miss him greatly. I will always remember the masonic evenings we spent together with immense fondness.

Richard Caukill

16/12/2020 05:40:52 pm

A truly wonderful, kind and interesting Gent. Always had time, always had a smile. They genuinely do not make people like this anymore. The world is a lesser place for your passing.

Andy Rawson

16/12/2020 09:18:33 pm

A true and respected gentleman and brother.

Carl Luby

16/12/2020 09:38:57 pm

Norman, I didn’t know you well, but, with someone like you, I didn’t have to know you well. As you always made me feel part of the lodge, through being extremely welcoming and kind. If I ever become half the man you were, I would truly be proud.

Richard Malt

21/12/2020 11:02:58 am

A true gent who made me feel very welcome when I joined Freemasonry. Many pleasant evenings spent in his company since then. His booming singing voice will be particularly missed.

Neil Stewart

22/12/2020 09:49:35 pm

Norman was a true gentleman whose singing was beyond compare

Glen Shaw

30/12/2020 09:07:30 am

A true gent and mason. He will be greatly missed by many. RIP Norman

Niall Dew

30/12/2020 09:39:12 am

I was always enthralled by Norman’s stories, both Masonic and non-Masonic. The adventures he told were often humorous but also acknowledged some sad times too.
Norman’s singing in the Temple and Festive boards were, of course, legendary, and always brought smiles and an acknowledgement of his singing skills in equal doses. Such fond memories of that bass voice booming out!
You were an exemplary mason and gentleman, and will be greatly missed.

In Memoriam