Springfield Elks honor 75-year member Ray Latelle

Elks National Grand Exalted Ruler Malcolm McPherson visited Vermont on Tuesday and stopped at the Springfield Elks Lodge for a luncheon where Ray Latelle was honored for being a member 75 years.

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Springfield Elks honor 75-year member Latelle | September 28, 2017 Shown are, left to right: Andrew Cook, Past Vermont State President of Springfield Elks Lodge, Donald Bishop, Past Vermont State President of Springfield Elks Lodge, Brian Gaura of Rutland Lodge current Vermont Elks State President, Raymond Latelle of Springfield Elks Lodge, who has been a member for 75 years, Grand Exalted Ruler Malcolm McPherson and Vicki Siliski Exalted Ruler of Springfield Elks Lodge. SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — Elks National Grand Exalted Ruler Malcolm McPherson visited Vermont on Tuesday, Sept. 26, and stopped at Springfield Elks Lodge #1560 for a luncheon before continuing on to Rutland Lodge #345 for a banquet in the evening. During the luncheon, GER McPherson met 75-year member of Springfield Elks Lodge, Raymond C. “Ray” Latelle. Latelle joined Springfield Lodge in 1942, just before he went off to World War II to be a pilot in the Army Air Corps at the young age of 19. After completing pilot training, he flew B-25 Mitchell Bombers during the war. Latelle returned to Springfield in 1946 working at Fellows Gear Shaper for 44 years in engineering and sales. Latelle said, “It has been a privilege being an elks member of Springfield Lodge #1560, for all of these years.” McPherson marveled because he didn’t remember ever meeting a member with 75 years service to the elks. It is believed that Latelle is the longest-tenured Elk member in the state of Vermont at this time.