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David William Mason

1955 - 2016

BORN

1955

DIED

2016

About

University of Kansas

David Mason Obituary

David William Mason, 61, passed away on Aug. 24, 2016, in Anchorage, Alaska, after a two-year courageous, hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. A celebration of Dave's life will be held from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016, at the Petroleum Club of Anchorage, 3301 C. Street, #120, Anchorage, AK 99503. Dave was born on April 29, 1955, in Shreveport, La., to Ovid and Lorraine Mason. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1977, and worked for more than 35 years as a geoscientist for ExxonMobil in Midland, Texas; Houston, Texas; and Anchorage, before retiring in 2013. He married his wife, Joan, in 1984, and together they had two children: Alex and Jenna. Dave was known as "Coach Dave" when Alex and Jenna were growing up due to his love of coaching their soccer, softball and baseball teams. Dave loved the outdoors and was thrilled when he was transferred to Alaska in 2008. He enthusiastically enjoyed fishing, camping, rafting, hiking, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, biking, golfing and cheering on his Kansas Jayhawks basketball team. He was preceded in death by his father, Ovid William "Mace" Mason; and his brother, Don Mason. Dave is survived by his loving wife, Joan Mason of Anchorage; son, Alex Mason of Waco, Texas; daughter, Jenna Mason of Washington, D.C.; mother, Lorraine Mason of Lawrence, Kan.; and brother, Larry Mason of Lawrence, Kan. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Daves name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, http://support.pancan.org/goto/davemason. Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.alaskacremation.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Sep. 2, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for David Mason

20 Entries

Moira & Nathan Sanborn

September 14, 2016

Dear Joan,
We were so very sorry to hear of Dave's recent passing, and send our sincere condolences to you and your family. Though we didn't get the chance to meet Dave, it's obvious that he was a very special person and loved by all who knew him. You, your children, and his family are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Kay Triplett

September 8, 2016

So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. We had lunch a few months ago and he was upbeat and optimistic. I am happy to remember him in this way. My thoughts are with you, Joan and his family.

Jim Flannery

September 7, 2016

Joan, I am so sorry to hear this news. Dave was one of the nicest men I had known in my life. He was a great colleague and friend and I will always fondly remember working with him and traveling on business with him. He always made everything more enjoyable with that nearly constant smile and friendly demeaner. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Mike Porter

September 7, 2016

A true gentleman in every sense of the word. A work colleague that everybody considered a good friend as well. RIP

Andy Gombos

September 6, 2016

I knew Dave from Angola Block 15 days. He made going to work a joy and a pleasure once I was there. He was always smiling and always helpful. He will be missed a lot.

Ruben Uribe

September 6, 2016

David was a great co-worker and mentor during my early days at ExxonMobil working on West Africa Block 15. Always smiling and ready to help. Deepest sympathies.

Bill & Julianne Brackin

September 6, 2016

A scientist of this great Earth, an adventurer of the highest order and a true and loyal friend, Dave lived this life well, and lives on in our hearts.

Dave with his friends and co-workers on a field outing

RD Kissling

September 6, 2016

I first met Dave in 1998 when we were forming the Development Company Angola Block 15 team. His energy and positive attitude were infectious and he was an integral part of a great team. We also shared coaching stories and it always amazed me that not only could he give so much to his job but to his family as well.

Kurt Hohensee

September 6, 2016

Dave was truly one of the good guys! He always had a smile on his face and was readily available when you needed him. The world has lost a wonderful person! Best wishes to Joan and your family.

Bonitta Saulsberry

September 6, 2016

David was a pleasure to be around. I really enjoyed the time we spent in the Geoscience group in Houston. He was a bright light in the group. Joan you and the kids are in my prayers.

Brian and Kathy Butler

September 5, 2016

Memories have flooded in and I think it's Dave's way of saying hello and "remember how much fun we had when"...golfing, parties, barbecues, music, pubs, pool games, house moves, kids, work... we always had fun and laughed.

Dave was a trusted mentor, confidant, advisor and friend. Even when our lives took us to different parts of the world or country, when we got back together the time and distance vanished. It's the fun, laughter, and Dave's positive attitude & spirit that remains as a gift. Much love and deepest sympathies.

Dave Sharing a Laugh!!

Mark Ingram

September 5, 2016

Dave was always so friendly and always had a ready smile. We had some great experiences and conversations, and shared many laughs over the years. He was a good friend and a fine man.

Michael Smith

September 5, 2016

Dear Dave, I will miss your bright eyes and sweet smiles, your endearing laugh and your love for adventure. But I won't forget you and I will see you soon. In the meantime when the rain beats upon my window pane, I'll dream of summer days again and think of you. Love to you and your family.

The Dear Big Fisherman

Michael & Meg Smith

September 5, 2016

Dave Kasper

September 5, 2016

I will always remember Dave's wonderful smile, laugh, and kindness. Great guy.

Jim Fleming

September 5, 2016

I knew Dave from junior high , and high school, he was always a good friend. I remember when he flew in to speak at Dave Bills funeral ,it ways such a good example of the friendship he shared so easily. I won't be able to get to Anchorage, but my thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Jim Fleming

September 4, 2016

Dave will always remain very much alive in the memories of those who loved, respected and treasured him. We feel privileged to have counted Dave as a dear friend. Our love to Joan, Alex and Jenna.

Pat & Bill Hanenberg, Chapel Hill, NC

Meg Smith

September 4, 2016

We are so blessed to have known Dave- a true friend and a loving and caring man. As the "Anvik 8," we shared wonderful experiences together and the memories of our times together will always be on our minds and hearts. We love you and sweet Joan, Jenna and Alex.

September 2, 2016

Dave has been a great friend for a very long time. So many memories of growing up, playing sports, all the extra curricular activities. It really is amazing to think he left KC 40 years ago.

September 2, 2016

"For if we have faith that Jesus died and rose again, so too God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in death through Jesus."- 1 Thess 4:14

Condolences from Austin, Texas

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