Honored Elks

JUNE ELK OF THE MONTH

Mike Page

The month of June highlights an Elk who has been
exceptionally busy this past year. Initiated a few years
ago, this member waited for the perfect time to get
involved and has since made a significant impact.
Contributing his expertise to the maintenance
department, many projects owe their success to this Elk
and his fellow volunteers. Always ready to lend a
helping hand and exemplifying the mottos of our Order,
he is a true asset to our community. It is my honor and
pleasure to announce Mike Page as the well-deserving
Elk of the Month for June 2024.

Elk of the Year 2023-2024

Henry “Rick” Ross

I was born on September 30, 1934. I was raised and educated in Brooklyn, New York.
I am the youngest of four children following my brother Ray born in 1933, we were very close and spent a lot of time together.
I attended and graduated “Cum Laude” from Boys High School on June 30, 1952. I participated in the Track & Field team as a member of the Shot Put and Discuss events, winning several Metropolitan and State events. I was awarded a scholarship to St. John’s University and competed in all the throwing events. I graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Math.
I married in 1956 and was blessed with four children and in 1960 an adopted daughter was added to our family. I divorced in 1979 and moved to California and met my current wife Fran in 1980 and we have spent the last 44 years together. Unfortunately, in 2001 I lost my oldest daughter and in 2002 lost my oldest son, these were very difficult times.
I joined the Garden Grove Elks Lodge in 2006 and immediately became active as an Assistant
Tiler for 6 months. I was asked to be the Esquire for John Miller IV, moving up the chairs to become Exalted Ruler in 2012, our team did very well in all the District and State competitions. Some of the other positions I have held are, Investigation Chairman, Lodge Hoop Shoot Chairman, District Hoop Shoot Chairman, State Hoop Shoot Chairman, I founded the “Orange Coast District Olympics” which will be celebrating its 12th year this year.
I truly enjoy our Lodge and plan to be an Elk until my time is up!
Thanks to all of you that have helped me in the past and to Exalted Ruler Tina for naming me Elk
of the Year – What an honor!