California Freemason: How did you first learn of Masonry?
Toshiaki Saruwatari: When I was ten in Japan, many of the Masons I knew were military members stationed in my city. They were from the Grand Lodge of the Philippines and involved in the community and local schools. That had a big impact on me and is what first interested me in Masonry.
CFM: Did your family upbringing influence the person you are today?
TS: Through the Masons I met as a child, I learned the importance of treating people with respect and equality. I grew up in a Buddhist family and attended a Catholic school, so I was surrounded by many different traditions and perspectives. My family has a long history of community service. There have been teachers and religious leaders in my family, and my father served in the US military as an interpreter. Those experiences helped shape my own commitment to serving others.
CFM: How did you become involved in Masonry?
TS: I joined when I was 67. I always wanted to join, but didn’t have the opportunity until I retired and completed my educational and vocational journey. I was a social worker for 45 years and have been involved with several service nonprofits—the Scottish Rite Language Center, Volunteers in Service to America, Peace Corps, Valley Regional Mountain Center, Friends of the Stockton Library Center, and the Stockton Homeless Shelter. After retiring I wanted to stay involved. I was looking for something that would continue to fuel my personal growth, and Masonry gave me that opportunity. I’m also a Shriner!
CFM: What inspires you to be a Grand Master Circle donor with the California Masonic Foundation?
TS: Seeing the Masonic Homes and the Masonic Outreach Services in action inspires me: The good work they do caring for vulnerable members of society motivates me to be a better Mason. Through the Foundation, we encourage Masons and their families to be more involved in charity and to continue that tradition of service.
Photography by:
Winni Wintermeyer
