Bert R. Ferris April 11, 1930 - August 31, 2013 On August 30, 2013, Bert passed away at Little Company of Mary, TCC in Torrance, CA, He was born on April 11, 1930 in Chappell, Nebraska, the only child of Albert and Avonelle Ferris. The family moved to Hermosa Beach in 1941 and California was forever home to Bert. He attended Pier Avenue School and graduated from Redondo Union High School in 1948, where track was his chosen sport, especially the 440 and 660 races. After graduation, he joined the Navy Air Corps to enjoy his love of flying and the ocean. Bert continued his education earning his Engineering Degree from the U.S.C. Hughes Aircraft Company was his choice of employment for 37 years, until retirement in 1989. Bert enjoyed the monthly breakfasts with the other retirees sharing memories and laughs as “Bert F. Ferris, Boy Executive, Retired.” In 1948, at St. Cross Episcopal Church, the small little brown church on the corner, in Hermosa Beach, Bert and Beth were married by Reverend Parker. Over fifty years ago, Bert and dad joined Redondo Masonic Lodge No. 328, the beginning of a long Masonic journey. He served as Master in 1977 and was honored to receive the “Hiram Award” from his Lodge brothers. For over ten years, he served Grand Lodge as Inspector for the 475th District of the Lodges in Redondo Beach, Torrance, Lomita and San Pedro. The International Order of Jobs Daughters received his dedication to our youth as Associate Bethel Guardian of the Bethel No. 61, Redondo Beach and Betel No. 50 of Torrance. His Fraternal memberships include the Royal Order of the Scotland, Los Angeles Al Maliakah Shrine, Long Beach Scottish Rite and the Order of the Eastern Star. In 2005, in Washington D.C., Bert was awarded the 33rd degree in the Scottish Rite. Twenty-five years ago, he joined Torrance Chapter No. 380, Order of the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Patron four times and an officer for twenty-two consecutive years. Torrance Chapter consolidated with Alpha Star No. 171, Lomita in 2010. His service to Grand Chapter of California included his appointment as a Vendor Chairman in 2002, Grand Representative to Florida 2003 - 2004 and Grand Chaplin of California in 2007. These many years of service granted his entire family wonderful memories with friends and acquaintances throughout California and Canada. Bert is survived by his wife, Beth; daughters, Debbie and Linda; grandchildren, Sean (Michelle), Julie, Devin (Jackie), Megan (chad); great grandchildren, Brookley and Brant; brother-in-law, Earl (Kathy), Noel (Carol) and Steve Smith; and many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. Bert is preceded in death by his grandson Bryan Jones. Special thanks to Drs. William E. Kim, J. Mollenkamp and M Del Vicario for their years of friendship and support, the staff at LCM and TCC, Home Nurses Madeliene and Bill, White Day Colonial Mortuary and the Cremation Society of the South Bay. At his request, there will be no funeral services and cremation will be a family affair with his ashes taken to sea. In lieu of flowers, if desired, a donation in his memory would be appreciated to any of the following: L.B.S.R. Language Center, 855 Elm Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90813-4414, Alpha Star No. 171 Order of the Eastern Star, Lomita Scholarship Fund c/o Laurel Holland, Sec., 3659 W. 244th Street Torrance, CA 90505-6545, The City of Hope, 1500 Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA 91010.