I know John for his passion for life, preservation and, most of all, his family whom he loved dearly and cherished with pride. I was invited to his home in late 2013 to talk about finding a proper new owner for his wonderful historic property, only to find him on the roof with a hammer, nails and shingles in hand. Although, it was quite a pitched Victorian roof, John was walking around without being tied off. I came to learn he would be turning 87 years of age shortly. A short time later I came to his home and he was out with a chain saw removing some of the falling branches after an ice storm which had passed through Caledon recently. It was clear to me that when a job needed doing, John was always up to the task without excuses or complaint, and sometimes regardless of the risks. It was clear he spent his life with an attitude and values that you do what needs to be done as best as you possibly can do it.
John demonstrated a passionate love for his family and the property they had cared for over the past 45 years. This was based on a respect for life and work of previous generations. He honoured the past and enjoyed the present with his family and friends. He did love his antique cars and, especially, his Rolls-Royces.

I remember and respect John as an honest, straight-forward man who demanded that things be done properly with preservation of the past, and that family was the centre of his World.

Sincerely,

David Walmsley and Family

Mrs. Mason, Roy, Nicole and the rest of the family, we are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

John was a great person. He was always there for you and was always ready to help in any way. He taught me so much in our time together. He was amazing with his family and with his grandchildren. I couldn’t have asked for a better father in law. Rest now John, you have earned it. Miss you!

Mary and I were married in 1970 in Saint John, New Brunswick, Helen and John , with Martin and Alex drove some 1000 km to be at our wedding…we have been friends for some 45 years plus. My condolences to Helen, she was married 46 years, I was married 43 years before Mary died of cancer so I have some understanding of how Helen must be feeling. Helen …I feel for you….Chris from New Orleans, Lousiana .

My wife and I had the pleasure of having known John Mason for a good number of years: I, for 46 years and Joan, my wife, for 31 until her passing in 1998.
John was a very kind, generous, friendly person with a great sense of humour abundantly displayed at the annual Christmas parties held at his Hawthorne place. Those gatherings were lots of fun, as we all know,, which included cutting of trees we all took home, compliments of John.
And to you, Helen, let me offer you my most sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved partner.

John Mason, it was very good to have known the great person you were! You’ll be missed!

It is hard to sufficiently express what a great person John was and the positive impact that he had on my life. I thought of John as another father figure as he was always very kind and supportive of any of my pursuits as long as they made me happy. And that caveat was key, he thought about my happiness and would gently guide me towards it.

The amazing memories I will hold forever and I will always remember what a dear sweet man he was. His laugh, smile, sense of humour and kind nature were powerful and they were representative of the depth of his warmth and love.
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I will forever be inspired by his understanding of the importance of the celebration of life. I miss him dearly as we all do, but he will always be with us in our hearts.

Peace to you John.

It is with deep regret that I read of John’s passing. Sincere sympathy goes out to Helen and the family.

Our most sincere condolences to you and the family,Helen
Our thoughts & prayers are with you
Mike & Arlene

So many great memories of John, the Mason family and their wonderful old home, that made a lasting impression on the young boy that I was.

I remember John’s sense of pride as he took me on personal tours of the barn to show off his cars or whatever automobile project he was working on at any given time – his inventiveness and resourcefulness was truly amazing.

I remember thinking he was the luckiest man in the world to have such a magical place where he could go and play in hay and talk one-on-one with animals all day long – but of course his work ethic was impeccable.

I remember John yelling out “Calm down! It’s just nature!” when the family dog cornered an unlucky groundhog, then proceeded to toss it around like a rag doll as it screeched… and I bawled… and bawled – his practicality was refreshing.

I remember John’s smile after I went swimming in the pond, and then running out after discovering a leech or ten.

Most of all I remember how simply alive he was. How his eyes sparkled with mischief as he traded snowball volleys with his wife Helen. How his face came to life when he talked about his children and what they were up to. How happy he looked with his life when he surveyed a room full of family and friends at his annual gatherings… which makes his passing that much harder to accept.

May we remember and live by his examples.

(The other) John and Helen

Helen and family;

My sincerest condolences to you with the passing of John. It has been a real privilege to know John, albeit only for a few short years. The twinkle in his eye, that smile that could light up a room, his kindness, his wisdom, his common sense and his energy will always have a place in my heart. What a sweetheart!

May John’s spirit walk beside you each day and ease your pain. May your lifetime of love and the laughter bring peace and comfort to your grieving hearts.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.