Masons Unite for Brother’s Stroke Recovery

On Oct. 3, 2025, Brother Kevin Soles, P.M., Tyrian Commonwealth Lodge No. 362, in Erie, was with his 24-year-old son, Jake, unloading their truck at a hunting camp in Warren County. Both were excited for the opening day of deer archery season — a weekend tradition they eagerly awaited each year.

Suddenly, Kevin’s face began to droop and sag. Jake, a physical therapy student at the time, immediately recognized the signs of a stroke and called 911 —an action that would save his father’s life.

Paramedics soon arrived and, given the camp’s remote location, requested a helicopter to airlift Kevin to UPMC Hamot in Erie. Nearly an hour later, he reached the hospital and underwent a series of urgent tests. Doctors confirmed he had suffered a massive ischemic stroke, caused by a blood clot blocking a vessel in his brain.

Kevin, 57, underwent multiple emergency procedures and spent days in the ICU with little to no movement. As his condition gradually stabilized and he began the long process of rehabilitation, he and his family faced unexpected insurance denials and mounting medical bills. Despite these challenges, Kevin remained determined, continuing to pay out of pocket for his care and recovery.

After more than 150 days in the hospital, Kevin returned home to continue his rehabilitation. Though the road ahead remains long, he is eager to reconnect with his community and resume his involvement in Freemasonry.

A Mason since 1989, Kevin has served three terms as Worshipful Master of Tyrian Commonwealth Lodge No. 362. He is also a dual member of Corry Lodge No. 365 and a charter member of Spartan Traditional Lodge No. 817 in Erie County. In addition, he remains actively involved with the Scottish Rite and Zem Zem Shrine in Erie.

Brother Ethan Sykes, District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District 24 describes Kevin as the kind of man who would “give the shirt off his back to help someone in need.” He played a key role in revitalizing the lodge in recent years. In fact, Kevin took a brief pause from rehab to take part in a meaningful moment — balloting on Jake’s petition at Tyrian Commonwealth Lodge in January. Though he arrived in a wheelchair, he found the strength to walk to the altar and cast his vote in the ballot box.

“We had to delay his [Jake’s] petition being read by a month because Kevin wanted to be there,” Ethan said. “There was a period of time where it was touch and go for Kevin, so for him to rally and not only be there, but to confer the degree, was very special and moving.”

Brother Jim Richardson, P.M., Lodge Secretary, shared that he and Worshipful Master Brother Harry W. Honard III visited Kevin once or twice each week during his rehabilitation, working with him to review the First Degree so he could confer it in February.

“We put a lot of time into it,” Jim said. “That’s who we are and what we do. Being a ‘brotherhood’ isn’t just a word — we live it.”

Kevin’s dedication to Jake and the fraternity continued to shine through in the months that followed. In March, he delivered the charge for the Third Degree, and in April, he presented Jake for the 32nd Degree in the Scottish Rite.

“I couldn’t have imagined him [his dad] not being there for that moment,” Jake said. “He was so excited for me to do it. The Masonic fraternity has always been a part of my life. As I prepared to graduate from physical therapy school, I knew this was a good time to join. This fraternity has a great foundation, and I know everyone will support me. That has been evident ever since my dad’s stroke.”

Since his medical emergency, Kevin’s fellow Masons have rallied around him. A GoFundMe campaign organized by Jake raised more than $15,000 as of April 2026, helping to offset the nearly $100,000 Kevin has already paid out of pocket for medical expenses.

Beyond monetary support, brothers have been visiting Kevin regularly and help drive him to medical appointments.

“I’ve known Kevin for over 20 years, and our dads knew each other way back when,” Jim said. “All of us are incredibly impressed by his hard work and dedication to his full recovery.”

Without his faith in God and the support of his fellow Masons and family members, Kevin said he would not be able to get through this difficult chapter of his life.

“Somehow, I survived the stroke,” he said. “I shouldn’t have survived, but I did, and I’m forever grateful.”