John Michael Hooton 1936-2012
V\Ill\Bro Mike Hooton 33° was installed as Inspector General in November 2011.
Unfortunately, all too soon, pancreatic cancer was diagnosed; a disease with a very high fatality rate. Mike enjoyed Rose Croix, and he was happy paying as many visits as he could to the Chapters, and contributing to the ceremonies. Sadly, it was to last for less than a year.
Of course Mike Hooton was an excellent mason. Initiated in 1966, a member of the Executive for 21 years, and Provincial Grand Master of Berkshire from 2003 to 2011. An enviable record.
Mike was born in Nottingham in 1936. He went to Mundella Grammar School where he met his future wife who attended the same school but in different years. After his National Service, they married in 1958. Their family was completed with a son and daughter.
He was a very good salesman, and ended his business life with Private Liquor Brands, exploring the New World wines of Australia, South Africa and South America. When he took over as PGM, we had excellent house wines.
V.Ill.Bro Mike Hooton passed to the Grand Chapter above on Thursday, 11th October 2012.
His funeral took take place on Monday 22nd October at 3pm, at the Easthampstead Park Cemetery and Crematorium, followed by a reception at Sindlesham Court.