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BILL MASON Obituary
BILL R. MASON
Bill R. Mason of Bethesda, MD, left this earth March 16, 2014, two days shy of his 50th birthday. He brightened our lives with his wonderful humor, decency, authenticity and generous spirit. Beloved by all who knew him, Bill is survived by his wife, Sonha; his two sons John and Brian; his mother, Carol Downs; his stepfather, Stuart Downs; his father, Robert G. Mason; his sister, Peggy (Jan) Smith; his stepsister, Taylor (Ray) Plunkett; his stepbrother, Steve (Cassi) Downs; his nephews, Peter, Raymond, Anthony, Preston and niece, Madison. Bill was a joyful father, kindhearted and loving husband, thoughtful son, loyal friend - just a great guy. He was an avid chess player, an undergraduate at Duke University, graduate of the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and Ft. Hunt High School in Alexandria, VA. For the past several years Bill worked in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Prior to that, he worked for the U.S. Department of Treasury. A memorial service will be held Sunday, April 13 at 11:30 a.m. in the Atrium, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, 9750 Meadowlark Court, Vienna, VA 22182. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to http://www.montgomeryhospice.org or to Bill's son, Brian's 529 education account at www.gradsave.com/brianmason.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for BILL MASON
Sponsored by Bill's Mom, Carol Downs.
Pete Roohr
March 21, 2023
It is hard to believe that Bill went to heaven already 9 years ago. Every time I pass thru Vienna I tell him I love and miss him. Pete
September 5, 2015
Bill, you are with me every day. Love,
Mom
Pete Roohr
Pete Roohr
September 17, 2014
All of Bill's friends and family. I will be running in the AF Marathon on September 20 in Bill's memory/honor, as I told his mom last April. I knew Bill since we were 12 years old, and he was an usher at my wedding. What a wonderful man he was. Pete
Susan Lee
September 16, 2014
If ever the adage, "the good die young" were true, it would apply to Bill. Sonha, this is Susan Lee, Bill's former co-worker who retired in 2011. I just heard, and am saddened, about Bill's passing. Bill was a wonderfully sweet, kind, and thoughtful person, and his love for you, John and Brian was evident always. My sincere sympathy for your tremendous loss. My thoughts are with you.
Tom Brownscombe
April 16, 2014
Bill was a fierce chess player. He always gave me a tough game. The world has lost a good man. Rest in peace Bill.
Patty Ribera
April 14, 2014
Memories of Bill always bring a smile. He brought joy and a sense of excitement into every interaction he had. My favorite was the time he gave his mother a piece of pottery entitled "Doggie Bag" it made me laugh out loud! The pottery was as unique and memorable as Bill himself. He will be missed by many and remembered by all who encountered him!
Mary Pham
April 9, 2014
I remember being pretty competitive with Bill on Math Team at Stephen Foster! Turned out he was not so bad. Turned out we had same birthday too. We got to know each other better during grad schools, while traveling miles and miles in his beloved Toyota Celica. I have many sweet memories and love many things about Bill, but most of all, that he was a very very nice, decent person.
Dear Carol, Stu, Bob and Peggy, I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family at this very sad time.
Sincerely,
Peter Roohr
April 8, 2014
Bill was the best friend I had at Ft Hunt. He was extremely nice, a joy to play tennis and bowl with...memories with him are too numerous to count and will be in my soul forever. Love you, Bill
Drew Taylor
April 8, 2014
To the parents and family of Bill,
My sincerest condolences. It has been many years since I have seen Bill, but the memories just keep coming since his passing.
I met Bill in 7th grade at Stephen Foster, and we remained great friends through high school, even when I wandered off to boarding school or to Ohio in 11th grade.
I will forever cherish our time together, whether working on school projects, getting epic lessons in chess, or just hamming it up on the tennis court.
I honestly believe I made it through college because I had such a tight knit group of friends in high school. We knew how to care for one another, how to keep the truth front and center, and how to just plain have fun.
Most of all, having friends like Bill during my teenage years taught me the value of my friendships now.
In my absence, I hope these words provide some small amount of healing. May the blessings of our Lord, Jesus Christ, be yours during this trying time.
Please know, I am,
Sincerely yours,
Drew Taylor
Greg Acholonu
April 5, 2014
Bill was quite a member of our chess fraternity.
He was always smiling and was very positive just about every time I ever saw him.
I am grateful for the shared moments and memories with him
Lewis Hucks
April 1, 2014
Condolences to the family of a long time competitor, pleasant companion at tournaments long ago. A joyful person. A friend to all.
Steven Mayer
April 1, 2014
Bill and I were good friends since the time we were 14. I've met very few people with his sense of humor and joy for life. He was also close to my dad, Jack, and was there for my family when dad died back in 1993. I will always remember our good times and chess tournaments together. My condolences to all his family and friends.
MaryAnn
March 31, 2014
Carol and Stuart, this has to be just the hardest time for you and your family! Please know that you are in my prayers.
March 30, 2014
The family of Shepherds Center friends
extend their sympathy to Carol Downs and her family at this sad time. Florence Andrews
Molly McCarthy Beilke
March 29, 2014
Sean Beilke (2nd grade) and family very sad to hear about Brian's dad. Wishing you comfort during this time
March 29, 2014
For Peg and Carol - please accept our sincere condolences at this sad time.
Paul and Tan Engel
Pam and Paul Coury
March 29, 2014
Dear Carol And Stu, I can't imagine the pain of your dear son, Bills' passing. I will always remember his absolutely delightful disposition. Bills' mortal life is over here, but he will continue his life beyond the grave for good in Heaven. Only God knows why he called his son home. You will see his shining face again.
March 28, 2014
Carol, My heart hurts for you and your loss. Wouldn't it be wonderful if life could be fair for all....our love can only do so much.
Carolyn S.
Donna Manz
March 28, 2014
Carol, "I'm sorry" is so inadequate .... I cannot imagine the grief you are feeling; I just hope you know that your friends truly are sorry for your loss.
Anne Forster
March 28, 2014
Dear Sonha, John and Brian. I knew your daddy from working at Homeland Security. He was one of my favorite people. One day he brought me a peach from your orchard picking. He was a wonderful man.
Kathi Taylor
March 28, 2014
Carol, There are no words to express the grief I feel for you and your precious family. I wish I could wrap my arms around you and just hold you. Sending my deepest sympathy and love, Kathi Taylor
Ken & Winnie Hill
March 27, 2014
Carol and Stuart, our hearts are with you at this difficult time! We're here to help in any way we can. Ken & Winnie
Carol Downs
March 27, 2014
Bill,
You will be in my heart forever. Love Mom.
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