Curtis "Ike" Mason

It is with broken hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of our beloved Curtis Eldon "Ike" Mason-our Papa-on May 24, 2025, in Ontario, Oregon; at home, laying next to the love of his life and surrounded by loved ones. He was 88 years old.

He was born on September 20, 1936, in Gooding, Idaho, to Curtis and Helen Mason. From his earliest days, he was a man of quiet strength, deep wisdom, and endless generosity. He graduated from Eagle Point High School in 1955, having lettered in football, baseball, basketball, and track-setting the tone for a life full of energy, commitment, and heart.

After high school, he was offered a full ride scholarship for football at Oregon State, but decided to attend and play football at BYU while pursuing his dream of becoming a nuclear physicist. Though his academic journey was cut short due to his family's financial struggles, he gave it all up without hesitation… he never hesitated to step up and help. He served proudly in the Army National Guard, embodying duty and dedication throughout his life.

On July 15, 1961, He married the love of his life, Glenna Evon Health, at the Bucket of Blood Saloon- In Nevada --- a union filled with laughter, loyalty, and a healthy dose of dancing. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, service, and the kind of love that endures beyond this world.

Glenna was not only the love of his life, she was his best friend. They were partners in the purest sense. Whether dancing in the kitchen to an old 50's tune, planting seeds in the garden with dirt under their nails and smiles on their faces, or singing side by side as the day slipped into night-they found joy in the ordinary, and magic in the moments most would overlook.

He adored her. You could see it in the way his eyes lit up when she laughed, how he'd reach for her hand like it was second nature, how they moved through life in rhythm-like two old songs that were meant to be played together. They worked side by side on the farm, sharing the sweat and satisfaction of a day well spent, and through it all, they kept each other company, kept each other laughing, and kept each other young at heart.

Their love was rooted, like the trees they planted and the gardens they grew-steady, enduring, and full of life. It wasn't flashy or loud. It was real. It was faithful. It was fun. And it was deeply, beautifully theirs.

Papa was a devoted father to seven children: Jodie Mason (Chris & Kate), Teresa Erlebach (Bruce), Becklie Adamson (Brian), Troy Mason, Dusty Mason (Zoila), Aaron Mason, and Joseph Mason. He was the proud grandfather of 23 and the great-grandfather of 30-each one blessed to be wrapped in his quiet love and unwavering strength.

Over the years, he wore many hats: lumberjack, computer programmer, safety director, contractor, dirt-poor farmer, even sales. But his most cherished roles were husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His first love was always being near Glenna (and spending time with his kids, of course), beyond that, he had a deep belief and love of giving selfless service. It was common for him to come home with someone in need-Ga would feed them, and Papa would fix whatever was broken.

A true outdoorsman, Papa loved fishing, hunting, woodworking, and gardening. He tied his own flies and shared the fruits of his garden with family, neighbors and ward members. He loved his children and grandchildren with his whole heart... He had the patience of a saint, the heart of a servant, and a twinkle in his eye that gave a glimpse of his playful nature within. He and Ga were known for their antics, dancing and singing together, often bringing joy and laughter to those around them.

Papa was also a man of deep and abiding faith. He served diligently in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a Seventy, in the bishopric, as a ward and stake missionary, Sunday School teacher, Scout Master, Young Men's leader, and home teacher. His quiet testimony was lived, not just spoken-evident in every act of love, every offering of service, and every soul he lifted.

Papa had a particular fondness for snacks-especially chocolate-and always had a stash within arm's reach of his recliner. All the grandkids knew if they snuggled up with Papa, he would sneak a little treat into their hands, and send them off with a hug as they happily ran off to play. But more than that, he had a way of making each of them feel seen, safe, and deeply loved. His presence was a sanctuary.

It's impossible to capture the full measure of the life he lived. Papa wasn't just a pillar of our family-he was the very foundation. A steady compass, a quiet hero, a man whose love never faltered. His absence leaves a silence that feels too loud, a space too vast to fill. We already miss him more than words can hold.

But his love remains... In every story he told, in every lesson he taught, in every act of kindness he modeled-we carry him with us. We honor him by living with the same compassion and integrity he showed every day.

Rest peacefully, Papa. Thank you for everything. We love you forever and ever.

Funeral services will be held at 11AM, Saturday, May 31st at the Ontario LDS Stake Center (1705 NW 4th Ave, Ontario, OR). Funeral will be followed by graveside burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Ontario.