The Elephant Express October 2013 | Page 6

State Rainbow Dad

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My name is Zane Sampson and I am your State Rainbow Dad. First a little about me: If you attended Grand this year, I was the guy in the kilt. I am of an age somewhere in the range of 42 yrs. plus or minus (in your head, please think minus). My trade for the past 21 years has been working for MRL. I have built railroad tracks from Huntly, Montana, to Sandpoint, Idaho. I am a fervent Star Wars fan (if dress code allows and I'm not wearing a kilt, I will probably have a Star Wars t-shirt on) and I am a borderline-rabid GRIZ fan (extra maroon at Fall Fling, I promise!)!

I am a 4th generation Master Mason like my father before me, raised to the 3rd degree by him when he was Worshipful Master of Lodge 13 in Missoula. I went on to join Scottish Rite and Algeria Shrine, where I was a member of the Calliope Patrol for years along with my grandfather, father, and brother.

My first interaction with The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls was through my sister, Crystal Sampson, who eventually served as Worthy Advisor of Garden City Assembly 55. As you may be able to tell, Masonry has always been linked to family for me. So, it is with great happiness that I find myself in a position to share my daughter’s Journey On The Silk Road year with her. For years in our house, Rainbow has been a mother / daughter endeavor, with the exception of when an extra pair of hands was needed. Now I have a chance to follow along and meet all of the people that have been a part of Hailey’s Rainbow life all of these years. I am trying VERY hard to learn the ritual and floorwork involved, but will probably need help. And I do take correction well. (Hint: my right ear hears much better than my left.)

As State Rainbow Dad, I would like to impart the feeling of Masonic family to Rainbow. It is my intention to make myself available at as many Rainbow events as I can. I am working to recruit as many Masons as possible to help with Grand Assembly this year, and, so far, the response has been great. I look forward to the year ahead and getting to know all of you better.

Best,

Zane Sampson

Zane Sampson,

State Rainbow Dad