Star in the East Lodge #59 of Free and Accepted Masons
63 Water Street Exeter, New Hampshire 03833
In Memoriam
To the Brethren who have laid down their working tools.
Stephen Merrill Murad
Entered - March 27, 1986
Passed - April 27, 1986
Raised - May 22, 1986
Master of the Lodge - 1992
Born in White Plains, NY - Dec. 29, 1945
Departed - October 20, 2013
Resided on Cape Cod, South Hampton and North Hampton, New Hampshire
Steve was born in White Plains, NY, on December 29, 1945, and lived most of his life on the Cape with the exception of his school attendance at Eaglebrook School; Kimball Union Academy; and Wentworth Institute.
He had a great love of the ocean and spent many years around the ocean sailing. He had many friends in many circles and never hesitated to help anyone in need. He later moved to New Hampshire, where he held a variety of jobs. He became a Freemason in 1986 and he was Master of Star in the East Lodge #59 in Exeter, New Hampshire, in 1992.
He is survived by his wife Heidi (Briggs), son Rene and his wife Jenna, son Adem Althor (whose help with getting this website up and running will not be forgotten) and wife Emily, sister Priscilla and husband Marc, and brother Christopher and wife Linda; nephews Paul, Merrill, and Derrick and niece Beth.
He once referred to dying as "Life shouldn't be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly shouting Wow! What a ride!"
Steve will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Philip R. Stockbridge
Entered - March 25, 1954
Passed - May 13, 1954
Raised - June 10, 1954
Born in Exeter, NH Dec. 20, 1932
Departed June 30, 2011
Resided in Seabrook, NH
Robert M. Swasey
Entered - May 15, 1947
Passed - June 27, 1947
Raised - Sept. 11, 1947
Born in Brentwood, NH
Departed May 6, 2011
Resided in Exeter, NH
Ralph E. Roberts
Entered - Jan. 25, 1990
Passed - Feb. 22, 1990
Raised - Mar. 22, 1990
Born in Haverhill, MA Nov. 22, 1924
Departed April 29, 2011
Resided in Chester, NH
James R. Valentine
Entered - Aug. 15, 1984
Passed - Oct., 1984
Raised - Nov., 1984
Worshipful Master 1989 & 1994
Born - Jan. 16, 1934
Departed - July 1, 2011
Charles H. "Chick" MacDougall
Born; July 18, 1932
Departed: March 13, 2022
Chic was born in Amesbury MA on July 8, 1932 to Malcolm and Josie (Coffin) MacDougall. He graduated from Exeter High School in 1951 and then joined the Navy. After the Navy he returned to Exeter to start his career as a carpenter. He worked many years for Charles Hartmann Construction before opening his own construction firm with his long-time business partner Verne ‘Buckie’ Rawson. Chic and Buckie built many quality homes around the N.H. Seacoast area and remodeled/uplifted countless others. They were later joined in their work by his son Daniel MacDougall, who carries on the original business.
Chic spent many years managing and coaching The Dodgers in the Exeter Junior League Baseball program. He had a positive impact on scores of Exeter youth and supported many local athletes as they progressed through high school and college careers, always providing positive feedback and encouragement. Chic had a positive, consistent influence on youth development around Exeter.
One of his passions was the Exeter Brass Band. He spent sixty-five great years as the Bass drummer and thoroughly enjoyed representing and promoting the band.
Chic was also a long-term member of the Bektash Temple in Portsmouth NH. One of the high points for him was when his son Daniel played in the annual Vermont/NH Football Shrine Classic held in Hanover, NH. Chic was also a dedicated member and past Master of the Star in the East Lodge #59, F&AM, Exeter.