Bruce Frederick Mason |
| Posted 2008-12-05 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Arizona Sunday, December 16, 2007 Memorial Bruce Frederick Mason, 61, of Clarkdale, Ariz., passed peacefully at his home holding his wife, Susan's hand on November 29, 2007. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on December 28, 1945 to his surviving parents, Harold F. and Louise M. (Reimers) Mason of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. Bruce graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970 and received his Master's of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 1987. He joined the US Army in 1972 and served as a nuclear medicine technician at Beaumont General Hospital, El Paso, Texas. He remained in El Paso after the army, working as manager of the internal medicine department at Hotel Dieu Hospital until 1979 when he accepted the position of Imaging Laboratory Director (1979-1987), at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Tucson, AZ. He worked there for 21 years until his retirement in 2000 as Facility Financial Planner (1987-1995) and later as Administrative Director (1995-2000) where his leadership, dedication and organizational skills were paramount in the development of the new wing for the expansion and re-opening of the CODAC - Trudeau Child Development Center, where he served in a voluntary capacity as Treasurer (1991-1997) and President (1997-2000). After his retirement, he relocated to Flagstaff, Arizona, where he performed over 1000 hours of volunteer service at the Coconino County Parks and Recreation Department, the Museum of Northern Arizona and the University of Arizona County Extension Service, doing various activities from teaching classes to writing grants. Bruce was proud of his many accomplishments and contributions to the communities in which he lived and will be especially remembered for his great love for the out-of-doors. The following represents most of his accomplishments and interests Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow. Society of Nuclear Medicine 1977, and Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist 1978. Commercial Pilot's License and Flight Instructor Certification (1978). Glider pilot and instructor. American Mountain Man and Tucson Mountain Man (1980-1988) and gun maker and restorer. Member Titanic Historical Society 1991-1995. Boy Scouts of America Scout Master 1992-2000. Southern Arizona Academic Decathlon AssociationBoard Member 1996-2000. Project ASTRO Astronomy classes and activities for 5th and 6th grade students, a National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NAOA) sanctioned educational program at the University of Arizona, Partner 1998-2000. Boy Scouts of America Summer Scout Camp Staff Member 1999. Coconino County Parks and Recreation Commission, Commissioner for District 4 (2001-2006). Instrumental in the formation of the Board of Friends of Coconino County Parks & served on the Board (2001-2007) whose main mission is to support Coconino County Parks & Recreation's efforts in the areas of land conservation and management, and park development and operation. Coconino County Fairs (2004-2006) educational opportunities and quality cultural presentations and entertainment. Docent - Museum of Northern Arizona (2004-2006). Certified Master Naturalist from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Service, Flagstaff, 2003. Member Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Member CAM (Central Arizona Modelers). Member Astronomers of Verde Valley. Member Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. FFOTM (Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music) proposed the annual bluegrass festival "Pickin' in the Pines", 2006. Bruce was a warrior and a gentleman. He made a difference in so many lives with his dignity, diverse knowledge, kindness and his gentle manner and ability to bring humor to any situation. Respected by family and friends alike, he will leave a tremendous void in so many lives. Bruce and Susan were married in Clarkdale, Arizona on May 20, 2006. He leaves behind his wife, parents, sister Laurel (David) Wright of Columbus, Ind. and his brother Michael (Polly) Mason of Columbus, Ohio, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, six children and 19 grandchildren, and his two cats Boo and Pawley, and a yellow lab named Mikey. Memorial funds have been created in Bruce's memory at the following organizations Send to Bruce Mason Memorial Co Museum of Northern Arizona, 3103 N. Fort Valley Flagstaff, Ariz., 86001. Attn Karen Enyedy. Or to Bruce Mason Memorial co Friends of Coconino County Parks HC 39, Box 3A Flagstaff, Ariz., 86001. |
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