ABOUT
Leading with Vision, Service, and Inspiration — My Commitment to Shriners International and the Imperial Line.
Biography – Richard Loomes
A strategic leader and dedicated Freemason, Richard Loomes has spent more than three decades advancing the causes of service, leadership, and philanthropy. His lifelong commitment to strengthening organizations and enriching communities reflects the highest ideals of integrity, stewardship, and compassion – hallmarks of true servant leadership.
Shriners Leadership and Philanthropy
A Life Member of Shriners International, Richard currently serves on the Board of Governors (Associate) for Shriners Hospital for Children – Canada. His strategic insight and dedication to the world’s greatest philanthropy help advance the organization’s mission of transforming children’s lives through compassion, innovation, and world-class medical expertise.
As Potentate of Tunis Shriners No. 179 in 2022, Richard guided the organization through a post-pandemic period of uncertainty, revitalizing member engagement through transparency, outreach, and collaborative leadership. Among his key initiatives were joint Shrine–Masonic planning sessions focused on strengthening lodge membership, and the creation of a Lodge Ambassador Program to promote greater awareness of the Shrine within local lodges.
Richard continues to contribute to the wider fraternity through his role as Vice President of the Canadian Association of Shrine Temples (CAST), where he works to enhance collaboration and strengthen Shrine communities across jurisdictions. He was especially proud to participate in the delegation to Ivory Coast in October 2025, helping to establish a new Club under Karnak Shriners and exploring the potential for a local Shriners clinic.
Over more than a decade on the Divan and Board of Directors of Tunis Shriners, including his tenure as Membership Director, Richard helped reinvigorate member involvement and fostered unity across the organization. He remains an active member of several units, including the Hillbillies, Air Force, and Culinary Club, as well as the Capital Shrine Club and Land O’Lakes Shrine Club. His leadership has always been characterized by accessibility, mentorship, and an unwavering sense of camaraderie.
Masonic and Youth Leadership
Within the broader Masonic family, Richard has earned respect as both a leader and mentor. He is a member of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Ottawa, and served as District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM) of Ottawa District 2 for the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario (2015–2016). His contributions to Grand Lodge Committees including Leadership Development and Youth Initiatives, among others, demonstrate his commitment to education, mentorship, and supporting Freemasonry across generations.
A long-standing leader in The Builders’ Lodge No. 177, Richard has held numerous offices, including Worshipful Master (1996–97, 2008–10, 2017–18) and currently Secretary (2023–present). His leadership is recognized for its balance of administrative excellence and heartfelt dedication to ritual, tradition, and brotherhood.
Richard’s commitment to youth development is especially evident through his long service to DeMolay Canada. As Chairman and now Treasurer of the DeMolay Ottawa Advisory Council (2007–present), and as a Board Member of the DeMolay Foundation of Ontario, he has helped shape the next generation of leaders. His contributions were honoured with the Honorary Legion of Honour, one of DeMolay’s highest distinctions.
Professional and Civic Contributions
Professionally, Richard is a senior management consultant with more than 35 years of experience spanning the private and public sectors, both domestically and internationally. His expertise in business transformation, strategic planning, enterprise architecture, project and change management, and results-based frameworks has made him a trusted advisor to senior leaders. His work consistently focuses on enhancing organizational effectiveness, guiding complex change, and delivering measurable results.
His civic involvement mirrors his professional dedication. From 1988 to 2009, Richard served on the Boards of Directors at multiple levels within the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), contributing to meaningful advancements in cancer research and vital support services for patients and families. He also played an important role in advancing Canada’s technology and professional standards as a Board Member of the Canadian Information Processing Society – Ontario (1986–1992).
Recognition and Legacy
Richard’s service has been recognized with several significant honours. The Canadian Cancer Society awarded him the National Certificate of Merit in 2008 for his longstanding contributions. In 2024, he received the A.J.B. Milborne Medal from the Grand Lodge of Quebec, one of its most respected distinctions acknowledging exemplary conduct, leadership, and devotion to the Craft. He also continues to serve as Trustee of the Dr. John Dobbie Trust Fund, supporting important charitable and educational initiatives.
Richard Loomes embodies leadership through service. Whether in the boardroom, lodge room, or community hall, he brings clarity of vision, compassion for others, and an unwavering belief in the power of collaboration to make a lasting, positive difference.
The Shriners fraternity will always hold a special place in our hearts
Biography – Andrée Riffou
Richard has been married to Andrée Riffou for over 30 years. Andrée lives her life with passion and purpose, bringing depth, energy, and a rich breadth of experience to everything she undertakes. With a foundation in Economics, she has held prominent leadership roles including President, Founder, Vice- President of Operations, and Senior Management Consultant in several management consulting firms.
A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in both Ottawa and Paris, Andrée launched C’est Bon Cooking in 2008, offering immersive cooking classes that blended culinary excellence with joyful, hands-on learning. Her corporate team-building workshops uniquely integrated strategic planning and project management, fostering collaboration, creativity, and meaningful engagement. Frequently featured on local television and radio, Chef Andrée has long championed the belief that cooking and eating are experiences best shared with family and friends.
After selling her consulting firm and cooking school, Andrée turned her focus to a deeply meaningful mission: providing healthy, nutritious food to underprivileged children in the elementary school system. In addition to securing support from local businesses, she recruited and organized a dedicated team of volunteers who, for the past 10 years, have prepared healthy lunches and snacks for the students. Andrée also taught the children how to prepare meals themselves—an essential life skill she believes every young person should have.
She further expanded support at Chez Fezzy, the food bank at Shriners Hospital for Children – Canada, by directly engaging clubs and units to significantly increase contributions of food and essential items.
Andrée and Richard are the proud parents of two wonderful children, Dominic and Mireille, who both reside in Montreal.
Why Joining Shriners International Is Truly Rewarding
Becoming a member of Shriners International offers a unique and fulfilling experience rooted in brotherhood, service, and purpose. As a Shriner, you join a global fraternity that values camaraderie, personal growth, and meaningful impact. Members enjoy a vibrant fraternal life filled with “fun with purpose”—from parades and social events to club activities and lifelong friendships. At the same time, Shriners support one of the world’s most respected pediatric healthcare networks through Shriners Children’s. Whether you’re seeking fellowship, leadership opportunities, or the chance to make areal difference for families in need, Shriners International provides a rewarding journey built on compassion, integrity, and shared mission.