Joss Naylor MBE (King of the fells), sadly passed away at the age of 88.
In December 1971, Mr Joseph Naylor, age 35, a farmer from Bowerdale, Wasdale, was Initiated into Scawell Lodge in Cumbria.
Although he did not hold office in the Lodge, except as a Steward, in 1978, he was given Provincial Honours as Past Provincial Grand Pursviant in recognition of his services to Freemasonry through his charity sponsorship as a noted fell runner.
In 1986, at age 50, Jose ran all 214 Wainwrights in seven days. When he turned 60, he ran 60 Lakeland fell tops in 36 hours, and at 70, he ran 70 Lakeland fells, a true and amazing athlete.
The sheep farmer and Freemason broke the Lake District 24-hour record three times and ran the fastest known times on the Three Peaks, Welsh 3,000ers and Pennine Way.
Over the years, Joss raised tens of thousands of pounds for both Masonic charities and other charities, a true and proud Freemason.
He also became the holder of the MBE.
Joss will be sadly missed as not only was he a national here, but also international, as his fellow running talents were incredible.
He lived respected and died regretted.
