Worshipful Brother Datuk Babu Singh Ramday of Lodge Kinabalu has laid down his Working Tools after 59 years of love and service to the Craft

By: W Bro Nash Hon Nai Shan

Lodge Kinabalu NO 7047 E.C., Sabah, Malaysia

Worshipful Master Jeremy Adriano and esteemed Brothers Dr Daljit Singh Parmar, Jim Stouph, Adrian Wong, and Johnny Then (pictured from left to right)

In profound reverence, the District Grand Lodge of the Eastern Archipelago mourns the passing of our esteemed Worshipful Brother Datuk Babu Singh Ramday on May 8, 2024, as he ascended to the Grand Lodge above. His unique contributions to Freemasonry, spanning 59 remarkable years, were acknowledged and celebrated by a gathering of his Brethren from Lodge Kinabalu on March 27, 2024. During this event, Worshipful Master Jeremy Adriano and esteemed Brothers Dr Daljit Singh Parmar, Jim Stouph, Adrian Wong, and Johnny presented him with a special lapel pin, a testament to his long years of meritorious service.

W. Bro. Datuk Babu Singh, aged 104 (officially noted as 102), warmly welcomed his Brothers, showcasing the camaraderie cherished within Freemasonry. His generous hospitality, often accompanied by his favourite drink, whisky, not only symbolised the bond that unites us but also created a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that will be deeply missed.

He was the station master with North Borneo Railway. He ensured that the train service exclusively for the Masons ran on time when the Beaufort Lodge actually met in Beaufort, making the return trip from Beaufort back to Kota Kinabalu well past midnight. The historical significance of this route, which was recently relived in 2023 when Beaufort Lodge conducted a meeting in River Park Hotel, where the attendees took the train from Kota Kinabalu to Beaufort and back, is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the Freemasonry community.

For many years, every Worshipful Master of Lodge Kinabalu has upheld this timeless tradition of visiting our revered Brother, fostering moments of camaraderie that not only add a touch of joviality but also remind us of the unbreakable bond that unites us all in the Freemasonry community.

Initiated into Lodge Kinabalu on November 12, 1964, and later served in Beaufort Lodge before taking the chair of Lodge Kinabalu in 1974. Though not a member of an English Chapter, he attained his Grand Rank of Hon. Grand Sword Bearer in the Scottish Sabah Chapter.

W. Bro. Datuk Babu Singh's contributions, for which we are deeply grateful, will be deeply missed. His legacy leaves an indelible mark on the Freemasonry community in Sabah, a testament to the unity and friendship at the heart of our fraternity.

HE HAS LAID DOWN HIS WORKING TOOLS

(Anonymous)

“My Brethren, the roll of the workmen has been called,

and one Master Mason has not answered to his name.

He has laid down the working tools of the Craft and with them he has left that mortal part for which he no longer has use.

His labours here below have taught him to divest his heart

and conscience of the vices and superfluities of life,

thereby fitting his mind as a living stone for that spiritual

building

— that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Strengthened in his labours here by faith in God, and confident of expectation of immortality, he has sought admission to the Celestial Lodge above."

Sub-Editor’s Note:

In this digital age, it is surprising how some individuals leave very limited traces online. I attempted to find more information about our late W.Bro. Datuk Babu Singh Ramday  PDSGW, Past Master of Lodge Kinabalu No. 7047 EC but was only able to locate his obituary advertisement.

Here is an extract from his writings, collected in the 2016 edition of the Pentagram.

There is undoubtedly more information available about W.Bro. Datuk Babu Singh Ramday's remarkable life. If any reader wishes to contribute additional details, please email us at theashlar.dglea@gmail.com. We will strive to include these stories in this article.