My Grandfather was a Mason, but he passed away before I was of age to join. In the back of my mind I always was intrigued by the possibility of joining, but other activities, a wife, demanding jobs, kids and their activities kept in the back of my mind.
After our oldest graduated from High School I was an Elder in our church and I noticed one of my fellow elders, who I held in high esteem due to his kindness, dedication to the church and his family and friendliness always wore a tie with a Square & Compasses. This led me to ask him about Freemasonry. Which, in turn, put me on the road towards the East.