Obituary of Charles Ralph Mason

Charles Ralph Mason - Age 93, of Bridgewater, Lunenburg Co., NS, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater. Both he and his family would like to thank the medical staff that provided his continuous care.

Born on March 1, 1933, in Sydney, Nova Scotia, he was the son of C. Roy and Greta Muriel (Cockell) Mason and grew up alongside his older sister, Carol and younger brother, Roger. He attended Sydney Academy and later Horton Academy at Acadia University, where he discovered a love for learning, sports, and the friendships that would become some of his fondest memories. Upon returning home from Acadia, he went to work for his father in the largest wholesale fruit and vegetable business in Nova Scotia.

After working for two years, he continued his education by studying business at Maritime Business College in Halifax. It was there that he met Diane Fox, who would become his beloved wife. When the college later closed, he continued his studies at Success Business College in Moncton, where he completed his business course in 1955. Despite the distance between them, he and Diane stayed close, corresponding regularly and making the most of every opportunity to spend time together. He would often hitchhike from Moncton to Halifax on weekends to visit Diane before catching an early Monday morning flight back to Moncton in time for class. In 1957, he married the love of his life, Diane Fox, in Halifax. Together they built a family and shared many adventures. They welcomed two children, Bruce and Donna, and were blessed with five grandchildren.

After completing his education, he worked alongside his father in the family businesses, eventually becoming manager of a furniture business in Sydney. He was active in his community, including through the Sydney Downtown Merchants Association and the Sydney Lions Club, where he held several positions and contributed to community projects.

A lifelong creative spirit, he followed his passion for photography later in life, returning to college at age 39 to study photography at Red River Community College in Winnipeg. He went on to build a successful photography business specializing in weddings, portraits, commercial work, and aerial photography. He found great joy in capturing memories for others and continued exploring his creativity long after retirement by restoring old photographs.

He and Diane enjoyed travelling, including many memorable trips to Grand Cayman, and later made their home in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia where they enjoyed a quieter life and continued to explore new places together.

He is survived by his wife, Diane (Fox) Mason, New Germany; his son, Bruce Mason (Darlene Mason),  Dartmouth; his daughter, Donna (Mason) Hanson, Albert Bridge; and his grandchildren, Matthew, Max, Jasmine, Tia, and Chelsea.

He was predeceased by his sister, Carol, and his brother, Roger.

He will be remembered for his curiosity, determination, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and the many stories he shared from a life well lived. He had a deep love for animals and was especially fond of the many pets who brought companionship and joy to his life.

By personal request, no services will be held. No flowers please, donations may be made to the SHAID Animal Shelter, the SPCA or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater, where on-line condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.