TERRENCE MASON

Terrence Patrick Mason To say Terrence Patrick Mason of Des Moines, Washington lived life to the fullest is an understatement and a warming thought to those who knew him. His life ended on March 1, 2011 at the age of 76, peacefully in his sleep. It is remembered full of good times, hard work, love, class, generosity, solidarity, family, and a little bit of mischief. Terry was born June 28, 1934 in Bremerton, Washington to Lynn Patrick and Louetta Mason. He was raised in Seattle then served a stint in the U.S. Navy after high school. After logging in Alaska and bartending for Vito's in Seattle, he followed his uncle to the waterfront where he spent the rest of his career as a longshoreman, union leader, crafty card player and - for better or worse - a bit of a legend. In May 1967 Terry joined the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 23 in Tacoma. During his 40 years in the union he served on the Executive Board, as a dispatcher and on the historic Strike Committee of 1971-1972 when the ILWU, led by Harry Bridges, went on strike coast-wide. It lasted for 134 days and resulted in the first paid holidays on the waterfront and some job protections in a changing industry. Terry took great pride in his brothers and sisters on the waterfront where he was joined by his sons and grandson and took many more longshoremen under his wing. He spoiled his kids and grandkids with extravagant outings, trips around the country and pure fun. Terrence P. Mason was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Christel, who he missed dearly. He is survived by his brother Michael Mason, DVM (Joan); children Scott Mason (Patricia), Devin Mason (Diane), Lori Lynn Mason (Sian), Michele Buergel (Tom), and David Swanson; nephew Michael Ryan Mason; 15 grandchildren; 4 1/2 great-grandchildren; and many former wives and girlfriends. There will be an open celebration of his life on Saturday, March 12th at C.I. Shenanigans (3017 Ruston Way, Tacoma) at 1:00 pm. Donations can be made in his honor to the UW Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies ( depts.washington. edu/pcls ) or the Working Waterfront Museum in Tacoma (www.fosswaterwayseaport.org ).