
(From the 1983 Proceeding of Grand Lodge of Canada AF&AM in
the Province of Ontario)
Born of French, English, Scottish and Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry, Ronald Eric Groshaw grew up on the family farm near Moorefield, Ontario where he attended S.S. No. 5 Maryboro Public School, and subsequently Palmerston High School. While attending the University of Western Ontario at London, hostilities began in Korea. He enlisted in the R.C.A.F. while continuing his studies for a doctorate in medicine. Upon completion of a junior rotating internship at Victoria Hospital in London, he served with No. 408 Squadron in the Arctic and subsequently with NATO in Europe. Upon the completion of that tour of duty, he did postgraduate study in ophthalmology in both Europe and North America, culminating in a specialist qualification in 1962. Dr. Groshaw established a private practice immediately, and four years later was appointed to the teaching staff of the University of Toronto; a post he still holds with the faculty of medicine. Dr. Groshaw has been the Chief of Ophthalmology at Etobicoke General Hospital since it was built, and is also on the medical staff of St. John's and West Park Hospitals, as well as Sunnybrook Medical Centre. Since 1978, he has been a member of the Medical Advisory Committee of the Council for Ontario of the Order of St. John. In October 1982, at Ottawa, the Governor General invested him as a Serving brother in that Order.
The United Church of Canada has always been a part of his life. He was a member of the choir at Moorefield United Church and, more recently, has served on many committees of the official board of St. Luke's United Church, Islington. In 1960, he married Barbara Jean Bain, a graduate of the University of Western Ontario in public health nursing. They are the parents of two active
boys. George, age 19, is pursuing studies at York University in Fine Arts, and Eric, age 17, is in grade 12.
M.W. Bro. Groshaw first saw the light of Masonry in 1959 in Conestogo Lodge No. 295, Drayton. Several years later, after affiliation with Wellington Lodge No. 635, Toronto, he became Worshipful Master in 1971-72. A charter member of Heritage Lodge No. 730, he served as its Worshipful Master in 1980-81. Bro. Groshaw is a member of several Scottish Rite Bodies, including the Royal Order of Scotland. He was Thrice Puissant Grand Master of Toronto Lodge of Perfection in 1974-75. He received the 33° at Regina, Saskatchewan on September 10, 1976. In capitular Masonry, he was First Principal of Mimico
Chapter No. 295 in 1979-80, and is also a member of Geoffrey de St. Aldemar Preceptory No. 2. As a member of Rameses Shrine No. 33, Toronto, he served as its first Ceremonial Master in 1982, and is also a member of the Ceremonial Cast
and the Royal Order of Jesters, Court No. 83. Our Grand Master served as Grand Senior Warden in 1976-77 and was then elected to the Board of General Purposes in 1978 and 1980. Upon his election as Deputy Grand Master in 1981, he assumed
the duties of President of the Board of General Purposes and Chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee.
Recreationally, Dr. Groshaw enjoys being a tree surgeon, as well as tilling the soil at the three-acre cottage property on the western shore of Lake Simcoe. His hobbies also include fishing, sailing, golf and skiing.
Our Grand Master feels very privileged to have the opportunity to work with the brethren, being mindful of the fact that our Masonic teachings of morality, brotherhood and compassion, though shrouded in antiquity, are as relevant today as at any time in our history. It is his fervent prayer that we may strive to have peace, harmony, understanding and good will toward all people
in this beautiful and bountiful land.