George Joseph MASON

MASON, George Joseph
We are saddened by the peaceful death of George Joseph Mason, 82, on April 12, 2002, at St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto. George fought a courageous battle with heart disease. He is survived by many loved ones: his wife, Joyce (Lowe), his daughters Monica MasonKnott (Douglas) of Oakville, Mary Margaret Mason-Kohara (Donald) of Toronto, Ann Mason (Garth Dangerfield) of Burlington, his son, Michael (Paivi) of Moonstone, and his step-son, Dane Hill. Also, by his grandchildren Matthew Sheridan (Angela), Mary Elizabeth Sheridan Maida (Dominic), Tanner, Tae and Torey Kohara, Mikko and George Mason, and Wyatt Dangerfield; great-grandchildren Kailen and Marina Sheridan, Mykael and Quentin Maida; his Atkinson cousins, Sister Camilla Brown, CSJ, Loretta Kirk, Joan Brayley, and Gordon Atkinson; his Richardson cousin, Helen Connor; his sister-in-law, Joanne Crocker (Bill Redford); and many surviving family members of his first wife, Monica Josephine (Houston) who predeceased him in 1985. He was predeceased by his parents, Percy and Bertha (Atkinson) Mason. Born January 10, 1920 in Toronto, George was an early member of St. Michaels Choir and graduated from St. Michael's College High School. His long and distinguished professional career at Queen's Park began in 1934 when he became a page boy at the Legislature. He later served as a special assistant to Premier Mitchell Hepburn. His government career was interrupted by his services in the Canadian Intelligence Corps during the Second World War. In 1945 George resumed his government service and among his many achievements he was most proud of his work with Operation School Supplies and Project School to School on behalf of the Education Minister and Premier, William Davis. This work fulfilled the goal of the Premier and the government to share Ontario's educational resources of classroom desks and textbooks with teachers and school children in other countries, particularly those in the Bahamas and the outer Caribbean islands. Following retirement in 1978, George spent several months each year on his beloved islands of Carriacou and Grenada where he will be fondly missed by his many friends, especially Popo. In Toronto his family and friends will miss his humour, laughter, concern for all family members and their achievements, and his love for this city and country. The Mason family wishes to thank all the staff of the Intensive Care and Coronary Care Units of St. Michael's Hospital whose professional competence and loving care far exceeded the ordinary. Resting at the Paul O'Connor Funeral Home, 1939 Lawrence Avenue East (between Warden and Pharmacy), from 7-9 p.m. Saturday and 2-4 p.m. Sunday. Funeral Mass on Monday morning at 11 a.m. in St. Timothy's Church (Leith Hill, off Don Mills, north of Sheppard). Interment Resthaven Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George's memory to Dr. Warren Cantor's Research at the Coronary Care Unit, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto.