Edmund Wellford Mason

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Edmund Wellford Mason, born on April 24, 1952, who left us too soon on July 17, 2025.

Edmund or Ed as his friends and family called him, was a man of extraordinary character-fun-loving, loyal, kind, funny, intelligent, wise, and insightful. His infectious laughter and brilliant sense of humor could light up any room. He was a fountain of knowledge, and always encouraged others to question everything and not take life too seriously.

He leaves behind an enduring legacy of generosity and family. Ed was a man who prioritized loyalty and understanding above all else. These were the lessons he lived by and shared with those around him.

Ed is survived by his daughter, Katharine Penner and his sons, Edmund Mason, and Frank Mason. He is also survived by his beloved granddaughters, Islie Penner and Rosalie Mason. His love for his family was unmatched. Each one of them was a source of immense joy in his life. He loved teaching his children life lessons and clever tricks to navigate this crazy world. Although he was a father only to 3 by blood, there are many people who look to him as a father figure in their lives, many who lovingly referred to him as "Old Man Mason". He also leaves behind his beloved, Bonita Wingate which he spent many years with, laughing loving and navigating life together.

He was predeceased by his sister Heather Mason Winfield, mother, Frances Mason and father John (Jack) Tenney Mason, whom he adored and idealized. He leaves behind many dear friends, some of which he had kept his entire life, marking his loyalty to those close to him.

He grew up on his parents family farm, Squirrel Hill, in Ellicott City Maryland, where he would eventually raise his own kids. Precious memories never relinquished.

Since a very young age he was a handyman, able to fix almost anything you threw at him. He loved figuring out how things worked. His mother Frances used to gloat that when he would stay home, sick from school, she would hand him items from around the house that needed fixing like lamps or radios, and he would spend his time in bed tinkering with the item until it worked again. Most of his technical skills were self taught. He enjoyed reading about all sorts of new technology and built many computers for his children to play or work on while they were growing up, in the house he built himself, with his best friend Paul Mitchell one summer, for fun.

He had found memories of sailing with is father Jack on his sailboat The Imp, when Ed was younger. This inspired a love for the water, and as a young man purchased his motor boat "Red". Ed got in plenty of trouble with Red and had a blast doing so.

Ed was one of the first students to attend Glenelg Country School, an institution his parents help found. Later he attended Blue Ridge Boarding School in Virginia for his high school career, and he also attended the University of Maryland.

Obsessed with History, but particularly interested in WWII, he would have made a fine History teacher or professor. He constantly was learning new things in history and science, but could still find time for a good science fiction from time to time.

Although he worked at the Post office for well over 20+ years, he shockingly became a shepherd later in life on his little farm which he adored in Mt. Airy Maryland. He loved his sheep and found great solace in just watching them do what they do. He loved animals of all sorts, but had a special place in his heart for cats. His two cats Henry and Bob will miss him terribly.

A Remembrance event in honor of Edmund will be held on December 13, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Claret Hall in Clarksville Maryland. Those who knew and loved Edmund are invited to gather, remember, and celebrate his remarkable life. Together, we will share stories, laughter, tears, and keep his memory alive. His burial will be at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond Virginia. Date to be announced.

There is so much more to this man than an obituary can share. His love for his family and friends was always evident. He was not only a wonderful father and grandfather but also a cherished friend to many. His departure has left a void that will never be filled. As Ed steps into eternity, he leaves behind a tapestry of beautiful memories for his loved ones to cherish forever. We will miss you, Dad but your legacy will continue to live on in our hearts and minds.