Lodge History

Charles Donaldson

Freemason

Charlie Donaldson, the Dundee shipyard engineer who became a teacher, lecturer and ultimately college governor died on 4th January 2011 at the age of 84 after a short illness

Educated at Glebelands and Stobswell schools, Charlie began his early career in the Caledon Shipyard starting as an Office Boy.

He then under took an engineering apprenticeship before becoming a draughtsman and rising to the position of Chief Estimator.

At the same time he started a distance learning course with the National Council of Harbour Colleges and Ruskin College, Oxford along with evening classes at Dundee College of Technology and gained a large number of professional and educational qualifications.

Charlie was Initiated into Freemasonry on 19th December 1944 when he became a member of the Operative Mason Lodge of Dundee No. 47. He was Passed on 16th January 1945 and Raised on 6th February 1945. Charlie received his Diploma for 65 years service to the Craft and was ony one month short of reaching 66 years.

The crowning glory of his engineering career was the opportunity to serve as President of the Dundee Institute of Engineers.

He wrote numerous articles for professional magazines and also published the first book on " Nuclear Propulsion for Merchant Ships" in 1962.

In 1963 Charlie followed his love of learning and became a teacher. He taught at Linlathen School until 1970 when he began lecturing in Business Studies at Dundee College of Commerce until he retired in 1991.

Charlie was a governor of Dundee College of Technology and the Dundee Institute of Art and Technology.

After his retirement Charlie found a new lease of life and was well known as a speaker on the local lecture circuit.

He is survived by his wife Sheenagh, a former Dundee Solicitor, a daughter Cherie, wife of Scott a minister in Clackmannen, son Charles in Australia and two grandchildren Rebekah and Stephen