It is with sorrow that the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International marks the passing of Most Puissant Companion Dalvin L. Hollaway, Past General Grand Master, who passed to the Celestial Lodge Above on May 5, 2026, in Lander, Wyoming.
His decades of leadership, service, instruction, and devotion to Freemasonry touched countless Companions and Brethren across the fraternity.
Early Life and Family
Dalvin L. Hollaway was born in Ontario, California, on April 1, 1941, the son of Dean and Virginia Wolfe Hollaway.
He received his formal education in the public schools of Ontario, California.
On January 23, 1960, he married Shirley M. Wylam in Ontario. Their union was blessed with one son, one daughter, a granddaughter, and a grandson.
Professional, Religious, and Civic Service
Professionally, Companion Hollaway was an insurance agent and broker who owned and operated his own agency for more than a quarter century. He was also called upon to teach insurance courses in Oregon for student accreditation and established a travel agency in his hometown of Canyonville, Oregon.
He was a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where he was ordained a Deacon and taught Sunday School for more than thirty years.
His civic service was equally extensive. He served as a past Secretary of the Lions Club, was a member of the fire department, and served as Fire Chief for five years. He also chaired the Canyonville Pioneer Days Celebration for several years and was a life member of the National Rifle Association.
A Lifetime in Freemasonry
Symbolic Masonry
He was a life member of South Umpqua Lodge No. 72, A.F. & A.M., where he served as Worshipful Master in 1974 and again in 1978.
He was also a member of Warren Lodge No. 10, Progressive Lodge No. 225, and Glacier Lodge No. 10, F. & A.M. of Anchorage, Alaska.
He entered the progressive line of the Grand Lodge of Oregon in 1986 and served as Most Worshipful Grand Master of Oregon in 1989-1990.
Capitular Masonry
He was a member of Laurel Chapter No. 31, R.A.M., serving as Excellent High Priest in 1972.
He was the Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of Texas near the Grand Chapter of Oregon and was ordained a member of Hodson Council, Holy Order of High Priesthood.
In 2024, he was made an Honorary Past Grand High Priest by the Grand Chapter of Oregon.
Cryptic Masonry
He was a member of Laurel Council No. 17, where he served as Illustrious Master in 1973, and served as Master of Arch No. 6 in 1975-76.
He progressed through the official line of the Grand Council of Oregon and was installed as Most Illustrious Grand Master in 1982.
He also served as Grand Representative of the Grand Councils of Maine and California near the Grand Council of Oregon.
Chivalric Masonry
He was a member of Ascalon Commandery No. 14, where he served as Eminent Commander from 1971 through 1974.
In 2024, he was made an Honorary Past Grand Commander by the Grand Commandery of Oregon.
Service to General Grand Council
General Grand Master, 1993 – 1996
Companion Hollaway's service to the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International reflected decades of commitment to the Cryptic Rite.
He served as General Grand Sentinel from 1984 through 1987. In 1987, he was elected General Grand Principal Conductor of the Work and served in that office through 1990.
From 1990 through 1993, he served with distinction as Deputy General Grand Master.
On September 14, 1993, he was elevated to the highest station in Cryptic Masonry and became General Grand Master of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International.
He subsequently presided over the Triennial Assembly held on November 4, 1996, in Asheville, North Carolina.
General Grand Sentinel
General Grand Principal Conductor of the Work
Deputy General Grand Master
General Grand Master
Service Throughout the Masonic Family
Most Puissant Companion Hollaway's service extended well beyond the Symbolic Lodge and York Rite.
He was a member of the Allied Masonic Degrees and served as Sovereign Grand Master of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the USA in 1997.
He also participated in numerous other Masonic bodies, including the Scottish Rite, Knights of the York Cross of Honour, York Rite College, Royal Order of Scotland, and Red Cross of Constantine.
In Grateful Remembrance
Most Puissant Companion Dalvin L. Hollaway passed to the Celestial Lodge Above on May 5, 2026, in Lander, Wyoming.
His presence, guidance, leadership, and wisdom will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
May his memory remain an inspiration to the Companions of Cryptic Masonry and to all whose lives were touched by his service.
