SERVICE CLUBS:Lodge 406 honors member for service

The Burbank Masonic Lodge No. 406 recently honored Norman A. Furman, past master and present secretary, with the prestigious Hiram Award.

The Hiram Award is presented to a master Mason who has unselfishly served both his lodge and the Masonic Fraternity with devotion far exceeding what is considered to be ordinary. Furman, who has more than 40 years of membership in Masonry as a Freemason, commented that he's been a member of the fraternity "since it was dirt."

Aside from being selected to serve as the worshipful master of the lodge, the Hiram Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a brother master Mason. Following a delicious dinner, Worshipful Master Kenneth L. Barnes welcomed members to the special evening. Master of ceremonies Christopher K. Barnes presented Furman with the Hiram Award.

Furman was accompanied by girlfriend Cynthia Popham at the event.

The Hiram award is presented from the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California. The award consists of a certificate accompanied with a gold medallion suspended by a blue ribbon worn around the neck. "I am very honored," Furman said. "I was flabbergasted when the announcement regarding the award was first made."

Raised in the Wilshire Lodge 445 in September 1968, he became an officer the following year and served as worshipful master in 1975. He was elected secretary in Wilshire-Garfield Lodge and served for nine years. In 1997, Furman affiliated with Burbank lodge. He was appointed secretary and happily continues to serve the Masonic Fraternity.

Aside from also serving as secretary of the Burbank Shrine Club, secretary/treasurer of the Past Masters Assn. and treasurer of the Burbank Masonic Building Assn., Furman's service to his community also includes 14 years as a member of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce serving on the board of directors for six years.

He is a member of the Little White Chapel Christian Church, Disciples of Christ and has served as a deacon, and elder and chairman of the board. His past services include being a member of the board of directors of the Burbank Boys & Girls Club, serving as secretary, and at the city of Burbank on the Civil Service Board for two terms.

Furman works part time as a funeral counselor at J.T. Oswald Mortuary in the city of San Fernando. With this many hats, Furman said, "Retirement is not in my vocabulary; it's for other people."

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