When Curt Edic wanted to become a Shriner, he joined the Masonic Lodge in Carson Iowa, then joined Scottish Rite before becoming a Shriner in Omaha. He found the Scottish Rite ritual and the friendship to be very rewarding and began to volunteer in the ritual and became an officer in a leadership role. After several years, he applied for the job of General Secretary (the equivalent of Executive Director) and was hired. Scottish Rite is a fraternal organization that requires membership in a Masonic Lodge before members can join Scottish Rite. The Masonic organization is for men who want to better themselves through association with other good men. The ritual provides lesson to sustain these moral and ethical ideals.
Tell us a little about your family.
I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for 46 years. We have four grown children and seven grandchildren.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
To have the opportunity to have my job as General Secretary of Scottish Rite. I was raised in a small community and without all my volunteering here I wouldn’t have had the chance to have this great job.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Being in a nonprofit, there are many evening and weekend meetings. To get away just to relax is a blessing sometimes.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
Being raised on the farm, I still enjoy riding a tractor and watching the farming that goes on today.
What are you the most proud of?
I think my family and especially my wife. I traveled for many years in my work and she raised four wonderful children who have married wonderful spouses, gotten good jobs and know how to be helpful around the house (not one of my strengths).
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Let others talk and listen. You will learn more about the individual and be more helpful to them if you do those things first.
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
I’ve been blessed to reach many preset goals but I think the one in the vision today is to make the Scottish Rite known as a community minded organization.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
RiteCare Language Disorder Clinics for Children is our national philanthropy. We raise money to support the clinics in Nebraska at present but there is a larger need. If I could I would like to provide for all the children in Nebraska and surrounding areas the opportunity for proper treatment. We’ve seen children who could hardly speak grow to be good in school and become successful in business. It would be good if we could do that for everyone needing help.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I would like to be a better reader and writer.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
What is your favorite movie?
Indiana Jones and The Crystal Skull
What is your favorite TV show?
NCIS
What is your favorite local restaurant?
There are so many good ones here in the area, I guess I would pick Sullivan’s.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
George Washington
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
They can email me at cedic@scottishriteomaha.org. They can also visit our website at www.scottishriteomaha.org.