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Gary Mason Obituary
Mason was hit by a van on a residential road in Wallington, south London, on Thursday morning and died at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle was arrested by police on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.
Mason became British heavyweight champion in 1989.
Renowned for his strong chin, he lost just one of his 38 professional bouts — to Lennox Lewis in a 1991 European title fight — and retired in 1994.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
79 Entries
October 9, 2014
NEVER FORGOTTEN YOU NUTTER- MUCH LOVE -PAUL.
Stephen Kevan
October 21, 2012
Will alwys be remembered,a true champ.
neil pasquale
July 17, 2011
a great champ in and out of ring rip
joanna tomlin
May 1, 2011
A most wonderful man, remember the good old days Gary on Lansdown green!! Your laugh, your smile, your gentle love, will never forget you or your enormous smile... R.I.P joanna xxxx
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Elaine anon
March 6, 2011
Gary really listened to my distress at boxing injuries, but advised me passionately not to be put off boxing, as “fate can always step” in. In other words, any contender’s life would be an utter waste, had they avoided boxing to avoid tragedy, only to then die in an accident. Conversely, through following his boxing dreams before fate caused his death, Gary lived the fullest of lives. I do hope his loved ones take comfort from that. I wish them my sincerest sympathies. Boxers chase championships, ultimately to be admired for being tough and strong. Gary’s loss to Lewis proved that, if a competition existed whereby 2 opponents took turns to, hands-by-sides, take punches from the other, then he would have beaten Lewis. Let’s launch the ‘Gary Mason Belt’ for each division’s toughest/strongest boxer of the month, say, as a public reminder of those whose physical attributes are actually greater than some world champions’.
Collette Osullivan
February 11, 2011
Today is the day that you can finally rest in peace. I have good memories of you in your shop in south london! You may be gone but people will never forget you and your smile.R.I.P Gary xx
PAULETTTE BARNETT
February 10, 2011
the greatest tragedy is not death,but life without a purpose,your life was full of purpose,and meaning. RIP GARY
ty dowman
February 10, 2011
RIP Gary your biggest fight was leaving the earth plain but now you have a wider vision and you can keep an eye on us all god bless Sir xx
Victoria Batty
February 7, 2011
A great community musician as well as a boxer.
RIP Gary.x
E M
February 5, 2011
Gary was the toughest boxer of his day.
Amanda Palmer-Roye
February 1, 2011
You were a true social entrepreneur, a kind and thoughtful man who loved life and his community. We will all miss you and your great smile RIP Gary
Lacie Hall
February 1, 2011
R.I.P to a true gentle giant! You will be so missed by so many! May you find true peace once you find your final restingvplace! Xxx
Amanda Hall
February 1, 2011
Sometimes in life you are blinded, only now that you have gone do I really know how much you touched mine, and now I see xx Sleep tight Gary xxxx
gina witham
January 31, 2011
r.i.p.gary you will be missed by all and remembered by everyone sleep tight big man xxx
gina xxxx
January 31, 2011
gary you were such a down to earth bloke who said hello to everyone, you will be greatly missed by all the residents on the roundshaw estate r.i.p. gary you will never be forgotten
gina witham roundshaw wallington xxxxx
Christine Lindsay
January 25, 2011
GARY MASON'S FUNERAL - Gary's funeral will be in All Saints Parish Church, High Street, Carshalton, SM5 3AQ on Friday 11th February at 12 Noon.
Further information will follow
KEEP ON SMILING G XXXXXXX
Dionne Crossley
January 21, 2011
Gary it is so so difficult for me to accept the circumstances of your passing. So many people loved you and you touched a lot of lives. I have sooo many great memories of you and will never forget that you was ALWAYS there for me. The amount of joke we used to have :-)!! BIG CUZ REST IN PEACE UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN. NUFF LOVE DIONNE XX
Christine Lindsay
January 16, 2011
Gary, You were the very best.
The whole world is a lesser place to have lost you but
the lives of those of us who knew you were enriched so much.
May you Rest in Peace & Rise in Glory!
Christine Lindsay
I will post details of the funeral when the date is known.
January 14, 2011
Gary,
I'm so saddened..the world has lost your beautiful bright smile.
You always have and always will have a place in my heart.
My prayers go out to you and your family.
RIP Champ!
J.
xxxx
noel beckford
January 14, 2011
very sorry to here of this tragic death of gary.lost for words just dont know what to say o boy he will be missed by all old school jewellers of hatton garden london holborn ec1.r.i.p. noel beckford.
francis mcgovern
January 14, 2011
gary mason a wonderful man a great sportsman no fear boxer up there with the best will be sadly missed bye all
frank mcgovern
January 14, 2011
There will be an empty chair at the holiday table this year, but it will be filled with loving memories.
linda kwarteng
January 14, 2011
God Blessed You Gary in spirit and in life...Jovial Giant....rest in peace Amen
Linda Kwarteng Hackney
phil raggio
January 14, 2011
i met Gary in 1991,what a great bloke,a real inspiration to me. im now 42 and remember when i met Gary like it was yesterday. R.I.P. matey,you'll be greatly missed. phil from beckenham.xx
T H
January 13, 2011
Just cannot find the words........RIP Gary. May the Lord be with your family.
R B
January 13, 2011
R.I.P May God be with you, A Sad end to a great life, God Bless.
david s
January 13, 2011
I am watching you fight on TV I'm just a young man and I'm so excited at what I see. Tillis and Martin to name but two are good fighters but they are no match for you. Even the Great Lennox Lewis as much as he might try can't put you down even though you can only see from one eye. Then two decades later I'm walking down the street and there you are the boxer from the TV and I just want to say that really made my day. Thank you for the memories and all what you have done and it is really true what they say the good do die young. From a true fight fan rest in peace Gary.
JAD
January 13, 2011
"I met Gary in the mid 90's. Humble, unforgettable smile, a warm and friendly guy who left a lasting impression! I can't imagine how his close friends and relatives are dealing with this devastating loss. I can only encourage them to draw comfort from these awesome tributes which so appropriately reflect Gary's essence. RIP Gentle Giant. God Bless and uphold your family."
Bj
January 13, 2011
...I miss, the sound of your voice and of the joys you spoke...I miss, the way we drum! and the way we joke,I just miss you maaan,,,You're a ''TOP BLOKE'' PEACE
Alton
January 13, 2011
YOU WILL BE MISSED IN A BIG WAY.FROM CLAPHAM JUNCTION AND BATTERSEA OLD SCHOOL
Roberto Sterza
January 13, 2011
I met Gary an year ago and it took only a chat and some laugh after a drumming session together to feel connected with such a gentle and noble soul.
Drumming and boxing are bounded together and so Gary will always be with them.
Whether on the ring with million eyes on him or among us in a small community, he was a winner and an example for us.
With love
Steve Barbe
January 12, 2011
I met Garry a few times at music facilitation training.
I used to love a band called "Gentle Giant." Sadly they are not with us any more.
Love you always Gary XXX
Paul Topliff
January 12, 2011
Paul Topliff
January 12, 2011
Brilliant times we had from 94 to 96. Working for you at club 'Vogue' in Sittingbourne when I first got to know you was an absolute pleasure, (when you were doing your commentating for Sky Sports). We partied all of the time: Arches (Vauxhall), Gass (Panton Street), Koo (Leicester Square), The Yacht Club (Temple Embankment),oh and of course who will ever forget the Frog & Nightgown (Old Kent Rd), you loved it all mate as we all did. Then back to your flat at Canary Wharf, and party on..... remarkable !... Proper eye for the ladies. Love you my friend... I always said: not a dancer, just a bloody good bloke XXXXX
Chris Young
January 11, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sandra
January 11, 2011
I met Gary at a Barber shop at Frances Street. Plumstead where I heard he had a interest or was part owner. I waited and waited and the man turned up with that cheeky grin on his face and a long leather coat. I have never forgotten that smile. Until this day I can remember it. May you rest in peace Gary.
ANDY
January 11, 2011
what a tragic end to such a larger than life character!!!!...i would have loved to have seen you toe to toe with iron mike !!! what a fight that would have been RIP
Shereen
January 11, 2011
I met Gary just once in a community music leaders training course and found him to be a deeply spiritual man, keen to support positive change through unity and empowerment in his drumming workshops.
To his credit I didnt know that Gary was an acclaimed boxer; he was more celebratory of how his life had taken on a new creative fulfilling path and was deeply appreciative to his music mentor, Catherine for her encouragement..I was moved by his noble and humble spirit..and still am.
With all the warmth and big vision you have held I am sure the next round of your life will bring an even deeper joy. Thank you so much for your inspiration Gary...x
nam myo ho ren ge kyo
nam myo ho ren ge kyo
nam myo ho ren ge kyo
A D
January 11, 2011
I knew Gary not for his boxing but through his work as a music leader with the Rhythmical Empowerment Group. He was kind, genuine and so committed to his work. Such a tragic loss to the music community. RIP Gary, you'll be missed.
Frankie Black's Family
January 11, 2011
Will always remember Gary with the fondest of memories especially the laughs he had with Dad. Last see him at Dad's funeral surrounded by lots of friends. The world will miss a truely nice man ... R.I.P xx
Charles
January 11, 2011
I did a music course with him, and really enjoyed his company. He was just a really NICE guy. We spent so much time just chatting about music and stuff that it never even OCCURRED to me that he was "THAT" Gary Mason. He will be greatly missed.
Jay Crow
January 11, 2011
I met Gary in the good old 70,s when we were both 'naughty' boys. Even then he never stopped smiling! We met again a couple of years ago at Jazz Cafe and he was still smiling broadly!!! A great man who will be sadly missed! RIP ma man.
Donna
January 11, 2011
What an amazing man, awesome boxer, but I will remember you for your lovely smile that would light a room and your huge heart, you did so much for others and the community and we will be forever grateful, I hope the Rhythmical Empowerment Group continues and becomes the huge success you envisaged it would be. You will be so greatly missed Gary, All Saints Church Carshalton won't be the same without you. My blessings to your family.
Rest in peace xXx
karen connelly
January 10, 2011
God bless you, God must have needed an extra strong and extra special angel,thatis the only way he would have chosen you, May you Rest in Peace. Only the Good die young x
karen brown
January 10, 2011
I only meet his once but have mutual friends who new him back in the day, he was sterling.If any one can help, when is the nine nit(wake). Blessingsto his family.
[email protected]
GWEN BONNER
January 10, 2011
MAY THE LORD COMFORT AND CONSOLE YOU DURING YOUR SORROW,
MAY YOU CHERISH THE LOVE AND MEMORIES HE LEFT IN YOUR HEART.
WITH CARING THOUGHTS AND DEEP SYMPATHY.
david charles
January 10, 2011
Only knew him personally for a short time but has left a lasting impression!
RIP
Geoff Robinson
January 10, 2011
I only knew Gary for the last year of his all too short life. He was a fantastic man with an infectious laugh and a great sense of humour. Despite his boxing success, he was a humble man who threw everything into his Rhythmical Empowerment Group. I will treasure the memories formed from our brief acquaintance.
W. J. Mc
January 9, 2011
JAMAICA IS PROUD OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS. YOU DID WELL ON YOUR JOURNEY. NOW THAT YOU HAVE REACHED YOUR FINAL DESTINATION, I SAY FAREWELL AND RELAX YOUR BOXING GLOVES.
Lovely Guy R.I.P... Will never forget you....xx
Katrina Etim-Duke
January 9, 2011
I will never forget the great time we had at the Royal Albert Hall in the early 1990'S watching you fight and the V.I.P Service from your team was second to none..got to go behind the scenes and meet your Coach and Manager.. and the after party in Wandsworth!..And then there was the wine bars of Wardour Street and coffee bars of Marylebone... We lost touch, but I have often remembered what a lovely and special person you were...who deserved so much more... R.I.P. Gary .. I will always remember your laugh and that smile... xx
January 9, 2011
MASON FAMILY,
I am so sorry for your sudden loss. May the God of all comfort embrace your family and give you strength to endure. The memories will forever remain in your heart.
Your neighbor
January 9, 2011
Dear Gary
I had the pleasure of meeting you when you worked as security at St Helier Hospital. You were very kind, very humble nice man , and I will remember that day for ever. Sad you have gone at such a young age. RIP Mr Mason x
January 9, 2011
Will be missed a larger than life man,passed through the village daily always smiling and never to busy too talk ty for all your charity work...The Greyhound public house
January 8, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Qxq9blAsY
LLoyd Ledgister
January 8, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
P Wilson
January 8, 2011
My condolences to the Mason family on the loss of your loved one. He is just asleep resting until the day comes when he will hear the voice of Jesus and rise.
So until that day may the God who gives all comfort be with you.
Victoria&Andrew VZj
January 8, 2011
A young competitor
inside the Sports
World of Boxing-
MMA=MartialArts=
Our Condolences to
Mason family`many
more associations of
Boxing era legacy~~
In memory of 'GARY'
Neil Doc
January 8, 2011
Sad, sad loss but what a guy. See the end of the 7th against Lewis. He knew he was beat yet what a way to lose, fought like a lion and never gave up. taken from his family far too soon. Rest in peace Gary. love to your grieving family. XXX
January 8, 2011
My dear friend. We spent many an hour laughing. I will miss you so much. We will met again, I'm sure. To Garys family, my heart goes out to you for your loss. Gary was a wonderful man, brilliant boxer and the most sincere person I have ever had the pleasure of spending time with. RIP my friend xxx
Norman Giller
January 8, 2011
Gary was a great, lovable character – a black Delboy, full of fun and mischief. He was a better all-round boxer than our mutual mate Frank Bruno but (and he admitted this) did not have Frank's dedication. I was his publicist for much of his career and considered him a jewel of a human being. Rest easy you wonderful big guy who brought sunshine into a lot of lives.
Euten Lindsay
January 8, 2011
R.I.P Gary,nuff respect for all the wonderful things you gave to this world in such a short space of time.I am at loss that you are gone.
Peace n Love.
R Golay
January 8, 2011
To the the family of Gary Mason - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Gary will be missed by many.
Seon Brooks
January 8, 2011
Gone Toooooooooo Early!!...Proper,Proper Gentle Soul & A Joy To Be With.. R.I.P Mate x
Seon Brooks
January 7, 2011
Gary Your Missed Mate,Such A Loss & The Circumstances Behind It Is Even Worse...I'll See You With That Mad Laugh Of Yours..When I Get There...R.I.P xx
COLIN FISCHER
January 7, 2011
I MET GARY MASON IN PUERTO RICO IN 1994 OR 1995.THE MOST UNASSUMING GENTLEMAN WAS HE.HIS DEATH IS TRAVESTY.HOW SAD.
COLIN FISCHER.
david wallace
January 7, 2011
R.I.P Gary... you were probably the best boxer not to hold a world title... real boxing fans know class when they see it and u had it in abundance... u may have been taken from us far to early in ur life but our memories of u will live on and on.... legends never die..
Lee Heron
January 7, 2011
Complete tragedy that he died so young and in such an avoidable way. Love to all family and friends who have lost such a nice guy.
Jackie O
January 7, 2011
I know you went home mate... see you someday..you where awesome
My sincere condolences to Garys Sister and All the Family lord [email protected]
Lord Gerald Robinson
January 7, 2011
Gary Mason gone but not forgotten a real jewel in the Crown, you will be sadly missed a Diamond Geezer. Keep smiling Gary , we shall all miss you .
Lord Gerald Robinson ( London )
Michaela Mihalop
January 7, 2011
Words cannot describe how I feel to hear this news, a very special person the world has had to loose. My thoughts are with your loved ones and those to whom you were close I cant imagine how they feel if I just an aquaintance feel such loss. You were a blessing to have met, a blessing to have talked to, a blessing to many lives I am sure and may your family be blessed with support and love at this time. Devastated. Michaela & Georje
N B
January 7, 2011
Your footprints on this planet will always be a shrine to a warrior and true gentleman. One Love Homie.
Brockley Boys.
January 7, 2011
May God comfort the family and friends of Mr. Mason. We can all look forward to the time when death will be no more and instead of tears of sorrow there wil be tears of happiness.
D.A. Willingboro, NJ
Lisa Scott
January 7, 2011
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.
Glenn Morgan
January 7, 2011
Keep smiling Gary
Christine Gibson
January 7, 2011
Family & Friends
Know that others share in the loss of your loved one. While tears may fall in the night know that joy will arrive in the morning. He is still a great contender and boxer!
Sincerely
January 7, 2011
RIP, Warrior. You work here is done. Enjoy the rewards that were promised. We will pray for you, and would ask that you 'put in a good word' for us.
F
Nicola Burgess
January 7, 2011
RIP Gary you will be missed x
January 7, 2011
A true hero and gentleman. Will be sadly missed. PR
FF
January 7, 2011
Champions may fall but not their legacy. may the memories of Gary comfort you today and in the days to come.
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