Richard W. Mason

Richard William "Hall" Mason was born May 27, 1927 in Coldwater, Michigan. He passed away on February 25, 2011 in his home in Niles, Michigan.

Richard was known to all of his friends as “Dick,” per his request. Those nearest and dearest called him “Poppy.”

Richard William Mason was born Richard William Hall. His parents were Olive Mason and R.J. Hall, both of Coldwater Michigan. His father was killed in a horrible car accident when Richard was a baby, which put his mother in the hospital for a long time. Richard’s grandparents Ethel Amanda Rosenberry and William Garfield Mason adopted him, changing his last name to Mason.

Richard was raised and went to school in Coldwater Michigan. Later in life he lived in Portage and Niles, Michigan and all across the USA on naval ships and bases.

Richard was married to the love of his life - Betty Jean (Schlothauer) Mason - in Las Vegas in November, 1946. They would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year.

They had three children - Gary Dean Mason (who died at birth), Belinda and Danny Lee Mason.

His friends and family will always remember Poppy as a courageous man of great stature. He was a retired Naval Officer, a military man who had seen war during his 29 years in the U.S. Navy.

Richard also worked for, and retired from, The Michigan State School for the Deaf and Blind and General Motors in Michigan.

Richard was loved by all who knew him. He was a fine, honorable man and a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. But what made him a hero in our eyes was his selfless love for his wife and two children.

Grandchildren Jessica, Jennifer, Tiffany, Danielle, and Rick,Charlie, great-grandchildren Fallon, Dustin, Abigail, and Damian; and son-in-laws all referred to him lovingly as "Poppy", as did many who knew him. He loved visiting his son and his family in Texas and his daughter and grandson Charlie.

He loved the cartoon Garfield, mashed potatoes, ice cream and Betty’s homemade cookies. He loved taking photos of Betty, Belinda and Dan – thanks to him we have hundreds of family photos as his legacy for us to pass down to the future generations. These photos have brought many a laugh and tear to all that loved him as we said good-bye.

He was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in February and less than 2 weeks later he died at his home. His son Danny, three of his daughters – Jessica, Jennifer, and Tiffany, great-granddaughter Fallon, and grandson-in-law Thomas Clement all drove to Michigan to be with Poppy and Betty.

Upon arriving back home in Texas, Danny called his mom to let her and Poppy know they’d all made it home safely. She passed the news onto Poppy and while she sat there holding his hand and talking to Danny, Poppy went on to Heaven. We now look towards the darkened night and see his star shining down upon us.

Their daughter Belinda sent Richard Stargazer Lilies when he was ill, which brought a smile to Poppy’s face during his last days. Danny’s four daughters and four grandchildren decided to plant and make this his flower in honor of their Poppy. Each time it blooms they will think of him and know life and love is not lost even when you are gone – it keeps blooming. We will keep looking up for your star, and we hope you like the Stargazer Lilies we planted in honor of you.

We will miss you dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Richard’s name to the American Cancer Society, Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Center, or one of the national organizations working to find a cure for Pancreatic Cancer.

Children

* Gary Dean Mason, who died at birth

* Belinda and Lance

* Danny Lee Mason and wife Deborah "Debbie" of Santa Fe Texas

Grandchildren

* Rick and wife Christina of Michigan

* Charlie and wife Michelle

* Jessica Lynn Mason and husband Thomas Clement of Santa Fe Texas

* Jennifer Lee Mason and Andrew "Andy" Simonis of Gresham, Oregon

* Tiffany Ann Mason of Santa Fe, Texas

* Danielle Jean Mason and husband Kenneth "Kenny" Botsford of Portland, Oregon

Great-grandchildren

Jessica: Fallon Elizabeth Mason, Dustin Lee Mason, Ashley Clement, Christopher Clement of Santa Fe, Texas

Jennifer: Abigail "Abby" Simonis of Gresham, Oregon

Tiffany: Damian Shindel of Santa Fe, Texas

Charlie: Justice, Kiley

Rick: Theresa, Rachel, Michelle, Richard, Thomas, Mathew, Angela, Anthony, Gabe, and Gabby of Michigan.