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Mason Phelps

1925 - 2013

Mason Phelps obituary, 1925-2013, Lake Forest, IL

BORN

1925

DIED

2013

Mason Phelps Obituary

MASON PHELPS, 88

Mason Phelps passed away at his home in La Jolla, California on Saturday April 13, 2013, at the age of 88. He is predeceased by his parents, Mason Elliott Phelps and Louise Lamb Phelps Cowles, and his son, Taylor Phelps.
Mason is lovingly remembered by his wife of 32 years, Elizabeth, of Monessen, PA; sister Marian Phelps Pawlick of Lake Forest, IL; son Mason Phelps Jr. of Wellington, FL; daughter Evans Phelps of Nevada City, CA; step-daughters Maria Toglia of Newtown Square, PA and Kristen D'Alessio of Los Angeles, CA; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Mason was born in Evanston, Illinois on January 18, 1925. He attended Phillips Andover Academy before joining the U.S. Marine Corps on January 13, 1943 and deploying to the Pacific Theater on the battleship USS Indiana. When he returned home from World War II in November of 1945, he attended Yale University and graduated in the class of 1948. He went to work in the boiler room of the family business, Pheoll Manufacturing in Chicago, from where he worked himself up to Chief Executive Officer. In the early 1950s, Mason acquired Voi-Shan Industries (VSI), an aircraft fastener manufacturing company in Los Angeles, and moved with the business to Pasadena, CA. Mason served as CEO and Chairman of the Board of VSI from 1953 to 1980. He brightened the lives of thousands of employees with his personal dedication to the company and his leveling sense of humor. In 1980 Fairchild Industries acquired VSI and Mason remained as Senior Vice President and Director of Fairchild through 1981 before retiring in 1982. In 1985, Mason and Elizabeth moved to La Jolla, CA.
Throughout his life, Mason passionately pursued a broad variety of disparate interests and activities. His unquenchable intellectual curiosity and genuine delight in human interaction drove him to form innumerable deep and lasting relationships that he cherished and nurtured all his life. While he loved exploring and experiencing all the world had to offer-skiing the mountains of Colorado and Canada, trekking the Himalayas, big game fishing in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans among many other adventures, he was just as happy at home amongst loved ones engaging in lively, stimulating conversation. He had a gift for human engagement and found something of interest in people from all walks of life. No matter his audience, be it factory worker or President of the United States, Mason was consistent in character. His accumulated wisdom and generous nature allowed him to have a significant impact on all who came to know him.
Mason's interest in the world and desire to make a difference led to his dedicated involvement a number of non-profit organizations both before and after his retirement from business. A personal relationship with Louis Leakey led to Mason becoming a lifetime trustee of the L.S.B. Leakey Foundation in 1976, serving as it's President from 1988 to 1992. In retirement Mason broadened and cultivated his love of art, compiling with Elizabeth an exquisite and highly personal collection reflecting their shared experiences and sensibilities. His interest in art also led to his being a trustee of the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego from 1986 to the present and President from 1991 to 1993 as well as a lifetime trustee of the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego since its inception. He served as trustee of the La Jolla Playhouse from 1984 to 1990 and President from 1989 to 1990. Mason also notably served as a Director of Marshall Industries from 1962 to 1990 and Director of Clow Corporation from 1970 to 1985.
Mason, above all, loved his family and friends. Mason and Elizabeth's love for and dedication to one another was absolute and unwavering. From this foundation, he served as mentor, sounding board and occasional foil to his sister, children, cousins, nephews, nieces, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great many friends. Beneath his playfully gruff and boisterous exterior, he was principled, loyal, generous, compassionate and real. His love of life was infectious and ever-present. He was simply the most fun guy to be around.
A true exemplar of the greatest generation, Mason left a large and lasting footprint on the world. He will be profoundly missed by the many people who loved and admired him and whose lives he so enriched.

Published by Pasadena Star-News on May 5, 2013.
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I went to work for him when he had his R and D facility in Norfork, California and transferred down to Los Angeles when they close the plant in Norfork I got to meet him and thought he was one of the nicest person I had ever met enjoyed working for him very much. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I met his wife and sit next to her at dinner and found her to be a great person. Also will always have great memories of both

don trainer

October 21, 2015

So sorry for your loss of both your son and your husband. I knew and loved Taylor many years ago in 1974-5. I have a cassette tape of his voice still in my keepsakes. He was a delightful person.I'm sure you and his dad were great influences. I am sorry I never had the opportunity to meet you both. Taylor and I drafted apart after I moved back to Toledo,oh after the summer of 74.we had some wonderful times that I cherish to this day. So sorry he had a rough time of it. Sincerely Joanie
You can email me at [email protected] if you'd like. If not I understand. My condolences to you and your grief filled heart. I wish you peace and love.

June 4, 2014

I worked under his CFO in the Pasadena office in 1981-82. He was a very kind and generous man and Elizabeth is a fine lady as well. I remember many Friday late afternoons when Mason would either personally tell his office staff that he unlocked the bar at the lunch room in the back of the building or his secretary Linda would. He and Elizabeth genuinely cared for people even those on the lower parts of the totem pole. Those were the good old days! He left a very positive mark on my life.

Alex Asta

July 8, 2013

Dear Liz and Family,

I am so sorry to hear of Mason's passing. Your family and Mason affected me profoundly and I think of the wonderful times we spent together often. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and pass my love along to everyone. Mason was one-of-a-kind, and it was sheer joy to have spent such cherished moments in his, and your, company.

All My Love,

Chris Quinn

May 24, 2013

Mason and I were roommates at Phillips Academy Andover in 1940-1941. I have a home in Wellington, Florida where his son, Mason Jr.,is in charge of equestrian activities. Mase was fun, athletic, and an all-around great friend. I was hoping that he would be coming to our 70th reunion at Andover this June. I will miss him greatly and send my sincere condolences to his family.

Walter Cahners

May 23, 2013

My condolences to Mason Phelps' wife and family. I worked at an art gallery in La Jolla in the early 80's, and met Mason and Elizabeth. I remember being invited to their home for a small gathering after an opening. I was impressed by the art decorating their home, but even more impressed with the couple themselves. They were kind and respectful, and made me feel welcome. I've never forgotten that evening, and have told many people about it over the years. Mason Phelps was an honorable man, and I was lucky to have met him.

Claudia Hardin

May 12, 2013

May you draw close to God in prayer and find comfort in reading his Word.

May 10, 2013

May the God of all comfort be with the Phelps family and friends.

Cheryl

May 10, 2013

Al Huhn

May 8, 2013

Elizabeth and family, inlcuding Linda Rich .You are in my thoughts and prayers. I was part of your banking team and you were my favorite client. Such a special man and family.

Debbie Green

May 8, 2013

Mrs. Phelps,

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your lovely way of describing Mason in the paper will touch many.

You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Dan Palmer

Dan Palmer

May 8, 2013

Peggy Phelps

May 7, 2013

Mary Andreoli

May 6, 2013

While working with Taylor I had the chance to meet Mason and spend time at your home. I'll always remember him as gracious, humorous, and supportive.

Robin DeLugan

May 6, 2013

Dear Elizabeth and Family,
With our sincerest condolences of the passing of your loving husdand Mason.
Love,
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Nicolaidis and Family

Steve Nicolaidis

May 6, 2013

What a wonderful tribute to so honorable a man. Im so very sorry for your loss Mason and thinking of you and your family. Sincerely, John Posey

John Posey

May 6, 2013

Dear Elizabeth. My family and I send our deepest sympathy for your loss. Mason was a true gentleman and always made me feel welcome in his presence. He leaves a wonderful legacy and will live forever in your hearts. He is now at peace and in God's arms. It was a pleasure to have known him!
Jim Pieri and family

James Pieri

May 5, 2013

Dear Liz and family,
We are among the lucky ones to be a 'friend of Mason' ... and will treasure our memories of both fun times and inspiring talks in your home. It might be a cliche but he was truly "one of a kind" and we will miss him.
Much love,
Susan & Richard

May 5, 2013

Dearest Liz, all our heartfelt sympathy to you and yours on such a great loss. I told Robert that I will always remember being at the light on Nautilus and Muirlands West watching you cajole Mason to continue his walk when he so clearly was over it! What a great love you both shared.
Fondly, Judith and Robert

May 5, 2013

A beatiful tribute to Mason.
I will always remember Mason living by "the code"..Family, Friends, God and Country.

Nora Coleman

May 5, 2013

Elizabeth and Phelps family
I am so sad to hear that Mason has gone to God. You both were so generous and sharing your lovely home and garden for the Secret Garden Tour.
what a honor it was to meet Mason.

Helen Fox

May 5, 2013

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