Biography

Bob and his Lady Genie are from Danville, California. They have been happily married for 34 years and have one son and one daughter, and two grandchildren. By way of background, they both came from the Island of Guam, which is Bob’s birthplace.

He came to California in 1976 to attend the University of San Francisco, where he graduated in 1979 from the McLaren School of Business with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Bob has a passion for math, finances, and marketing.

 For several years, Bob worked in the family business, Guam International Motors. After graduation from USF, a career was started in the maritime cargo transportation industry. First, with United States Lines, then American President Lines. At some point during those many years, almost every facet of the maritime management business was learned, from vessel cargo handling, union labor supervision, container operations, sales, hazardous cargo transportation, and cargo stowage. Bob has since settled into a Real Estate career as a Licensed Broker in the San Ramon Valley, where he has practiced this profession for the past 20 years.

Having grown up on an island, he has a passion for anything involving the ocean. There is a love for diving, swimming, fishing, and outdoor sports. Other hobbies include the financial markets, and collecting things with history and craftsmanship involved. He has a deep love for architecture and historical buildings. Bob has traveled extensively around the world but his favorite places include Mazatlan (the people), Spain, (the Moorish architecture), and Italy (the entire package).

Bob was Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason by Huntington Beach Masonic Lodge #380 in 1991.

Bob served San Ramon Valley #724 as Master in 1997 and then Pleasanton Lodge #321 in 2004.

He has received the Hiram Award from the Blue Lodge, The Distinguished Service Medal from the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and the Grand Master of Ish Sodi from the Grand Council.

He is a member of both the Scottish Rite, as well as the York Rite and takes great pride in both Rites.

He has served as High Priest of Doric Chapter #66, Royal Arch Masons in Pleasanton, Illustrious Master of Oakland Council #12, Cryptic Masons in Alameda, and Commander of California Commandery #1, Knights Templar in San Francisco.

Bob has also competed in Templar Drill Competition for the past several years with California Commandery #1.

He has served as President of the East Bay York Rite Association, Director of Ritual for St. Philip Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, and currently serves as a Trustee for several Masonic organizations.

He has served as the Fraternal Services Ambassador for Pleasanton Lodge #321 since 2005.

Other affiliations include:
Pittsburg Masonic Lodge #429, Pittsburg, Ca
California Lodge #1, San Francisco
Oakland Scottish Rite as a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and Orator for several years in the 14th Degree conferral
San Francisco Priory – K.Y.G.C.H.
Bay Cities Council, Allied Masonic Degrees
Arthur McBain York Rite College
The Chinese Acacia Club of San Francisco
Societas Rosicruciana (SRICF) - Golden State College, Los Altos, CA
Battalion and Belles
Oakland Commandery No. 11, Knight Templar, Oakland, CA

Warmest Regards to All,

Robert A. L. Whitfield
Illustrious Grand Master
Grand Council of Cryptic Masonry of California