MIKE MASON

MIKE MASON April 5,1950 - July 6, 2024 After a lengthy battle recovering from intense cancer treatment as well as experiencing increasing health complications, Mike Mason passed away peacefully overnight at St. Luke's McCall under the care of very skilled nurses. He was also able to remain in his home due to hospice care for several months, creating a gathering place for many friends. Mike is survived by his siblings, Mark and Diane, and two daughters, Heather and Jody, as well as a village of close friends. While the past two years have pushed Mike to call upon superhuman strength and endurance, he remembers life as being "pretty fun for a mountain man," and when asked about fatherhood, Mike feels he "did his job well." That, he did. A favorite memory of Mike's is the day he became a father, as it soon became apparent that twins were on their way. When it was announced that not one daughter had arrived, but two, 1981 residents of McCall took stock of the Mason baby essentials and proudly doubled the supply. The town's neighborly spirit was not forgotten by Mike, but rather fortified his nature, and he became lovingly known for living his life as someone who could be of service to others. Mike built homes throughout McCall, spent nearly a decade on Kauai, and traveled the world in his retirement. Some of his favorite excursions were bike tours, wine tasting, and sightseeing. But nothing could match his love of fishing, rafting, and skiing. Outdoorsman that he was, Mike could be found on his raft or canoe in his younger years, and eventually on his motorcycle later in life. He was always one for adventure. In fact, last summer he made the responsible decision to sell his dirt bike due to his health issues, then promptly turned around and purchased two ATVs! You couldn't fault him for his tenacity; he was a mountain man, after all. A native of McCall, Mike spent his childhood here, which was full of adventures as he was able to explore what was then a quieter and more secluded town. He kept lifelong friends, antique collectibles, Native American artifacts, and...well, he kept just about everything! Never threw a damn thing away and was proud of it. He liked to surround himself with meaningful things and meaningful people. He held a deep appreciation for those who helped make his life full and enjoyable, and for those who made his treatment/recovery possible. While his stubbornness often prevailed, his heart was always in the right place. Mike was of the generation that has made McCall what it is today. The decades he spent taking advantage of what this beautiful land has to offer is evidence that he maintained gratitude for his time here on earth. He was a doting father, a cowboy, a music lover. We won't hear a banjo playing without thinking of Mike Mason. In our hearts forever, he remains. While a service will not be held at this time due to Mike's wishes, memorial donations can be gifted in Mike's name to the McCall Ski Heritage Foundation. A Celebration of Life will be planned in the coming months.