Richard Lyons

Golden Spike Lodge # 719

Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler

As the new Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, I want to thank Ken Kay for the great job

that he did in his 10 years of serving in this position.  I know that we all owe him a big “Thanks”

for dedicating his life to Elkdom for such a long time.  Geri and I wish Ken and Marty

success in their new adventures.

For those of you who don’t know much about me, following is a bio of my life in Elkdom.

Local Level: 

     I was initiated into the Roy Elks Lodge #2338 in June 1966, was appointed chaplain in November 1966 and progressed thru the chairs and served as exalted ruler 1972-1973.  I also served as lodge trustee and as chairman on many committees. After the merger of the Roy Lodge #2238 and Ogden Lodge #719, I served as Exalted Ruler in 2001-2002 and for a short time again in 2002.

     I was selected “Lodge Elk of the Year 2003” and went on to be nominated and selected as

“State Elk of the Year 2003”.

     Christmas time was always special for me and my role as “Santa Claus” for the lodge and a convalescent center for over 30 years, also assisted in organizing the

Christmas Charity program each year.

    I assisted the Lodge in putting on parades for Ogden and Roy Cities and participated

in presenting Flags and Certificates at Eagle Scout Courts of Honor.

State Level:

      I served the Utah Elks Association on numerous committees and was chairman of the Hides for Veterans Committee, receiving national recognition in 1972.   I served as sergeant of arms for Utah Elks Association in 1974-1975, served as state chairman for major projects fund raiser 1985-1986, and served as Utah State Chairman of the Government Relations Committee 2000-2003.  I was elected to 3^rd Vice President of the Utah State Elks Association in 1991-1992, progressed through the chairs and was elected President of the Utah State Elks Association in 1994-1995. 

National Level:

     I served the Grand Lodge as District Deputy for the Utah North 1998-1999, and was appointed as a member of the Grand Lodge Americanism Committee 2002-2005.  I was appointed to a special steering committed by Grand Lodge for 2004 and again in 2005. I was elected and installed by the Grand Lodge as the Grand Esteemed Lecturing Knight for the 2006-2007 lodge year.  While in this position I was invited to attend the lightening of the Christmas Trees at the Elks National Home in Bedford, VA.  What a wonderful experience that was.   While there Geri and I had the privilege of visiting the D-Day National Memorial.

     I was appointed and installed by the Grand Lodge to serve as the Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in July, 2008 in Anaheim, CA.

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