John Burge Mason

John Burge Mason
August 27, 1934-January 14, 2013
Resident of Los Altos
Born in Klamath Falls, Oregon on August 27, 1934 and a resident of Los Altos for 42 years, John Burge Mason died Monday, January 14, 2013 after a short illness. John graduated from Oregon State University in 1957 where he was a proud member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Following graduation he served in the US Army Corps of Engineers. He was married in 1958 to Mary Glenn of Vale, Oregon and began a 40-year career in flexible packaging sales with several national companies. John, Mary and their children settled in Los Altos in 1970.
John fondly remembered childhood camping trips, and later enjoyed going fishing, riding dirt bikes, and climbing the local mountains around the family cabin at Diamond Lake, Oregon. He spent many hours on mid-peninsula soccer fields as a referee for high school and adult soccer leagues. A man of quiet and deep faith, he was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church, Los Altos, serving many years on the vestry, twice as senior warden. His strong and resonant voice often read the Sunday lessons.
An avid reader and sports fan, John also enjoyed travel and family visits. He will be missed by countless friends who remember the golf trips, late night poker games, and other good times. He was a member of SIR Branch 35, serving as president (Big Sir) and Area Governor.
John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary, of Los Altos; daughter, Janet Wilhoite (Rick) of Ferndale, Washington; son Richard (Kari) of Irvine, California; grandchildren Caitlin, Brandon and Sara Wilhoite, and Matthew Mason; nieces Sandra Manning and Marcia Martin. He was preceded in death by his parents Burge and Mildred Mason, sister Clarissa Manning, niece Suzy Manning, and brother-in-law Bill Glenn.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Christ Episcopal Church, 1040 Border Road, Los Altos, California. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the Endowment Fund of Christ Episcopal Church or a charity of your choice.