Obituary of Gary Russell Mason

Gary Russell Mason Age 61, of Oakhill, Lunenburg Co., passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 28, 2016 in the Q.E. II Health Sciences Centre, Infirmary Site, Halifax. Born in Lunenburg, he was a son of the late Ivan and Erminie (Hiltz) Mason. Gary was a school teacher at the former Lunenburg Regional Vocational School, Mahone Bay Jr. High School and Centre Consolidated; he also served as principal for the Adult Education and Alternate Schools, but foremost, Gary was an educator demonstrating this passion in every aspect of his life. He educated in the classroom as a teacher, on the basketball and volleyball courts as a coach and referee and as a consultant for Literacy Nova Scotia. He also developed curriculum for the Nova Scotia Department of Education. Gary served as the South Shore area Co-Supervisor for the Basketball Nova Scotia Officials association where he was always available to help any official make decisions and clarify protocol. Gary was invited to NASA and helped develop on-line material for the Educational Website - NASA 2002. Gary was also a volunteer for many organizations; he served on the Board of Directors for the South Shore Habitat for Humanity organization and was a former firefighter and first responder with the Oakhill and District Fire Department. Gary was an accomplished musician, he loved music. He played various instruments with the Mason’s Orchestra, Memory Lane, Top Side and Cattail Ridge Bands. In Gary’s spare time, he enjoyed woodworking and also loved technology; he was a techno guru when it came to videography, photography, cameras and computers. He also became an accomplished chef in his own right, where he made absolutely delicious waffles and many other interesting creations. No grass grew under Gary’s feet! One of the most respected qualities of Gary is that of being so well trusted and that of being a great confidante to many. Aside from Gary’s passions and hobbies, he was a fabulous family man, who was so proud of his family and their accomplishments and always put his family and friends first. Surviving are his loving wife, Janice (Rodenhizer); sons, Scott (Lorie), Renfrew, ON; Jamie (Julie), Dayspring; Michael (Ciara), Canning; grandchildren for which he adored, Tyler, Wyatt, Aaden, Marissa, Brogan and Nora; also, sister-in-law Diane and brother-in law Greg and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, February 2 in Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater. Service to celebrate Gary’s life, will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, February 3 in St. James’ Anglican Church, Mahone Bay. Rev. Ian M. Wissler officiating. A reception will follow in Oakhill and District Fire Hall. A private family interment will take place in Dayspring Cemetery, Dayspring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South Shore Chapter of Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia or the family have asked that “you pay it forward” to assist someone else in a meaningful way. On-line condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com or by messaging condolences@sweenysfuneralhome.com.