Lion Gardiner Mason

Mason, Lion Gardiner Jr.

Gardiner Mason passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025. Gardiner was a pilot, a devoted father, and the beloved husband of Susan. Gardiner inherited a love of aviation from his father and kept it throughout his life. He flew AD-Skyraiders off aircraft carriers with the U.S. Marine Corps, served as a domestic and international Captain with Delta Air Lines for 37 years, and later piloted a Pietenpol aircraft that he built from scratch. As a solo pilot after the age of 80, Gardiner became an official UFO (United Flying Octogenarian).

When not flying, Gardiner could usually be found on the tennis court–where he was a crafty player with a wicked drop shot–or on a boat. He spent many a happy day sailing along Florida's Gulf coast and in the Bahamas, and building wooden skiffs in his workshop.

Gardiner spent most of his 92 years in Atlanta, where he was a member of the Piedmont Driving Club, the Cathedral of St. Philip, and Christ Church of Atlanta. After moving to Clemson, SC, he enjoyed the slower pace of small-town life with new friends and neighbors.

He is survived by Susan, his wife of 38 years; his children: Lion Gardiner Mason III of Colorado; Wells Fitzpatrick Mason (Jessica) of Coupland, TX; and Robin Mason Kelly (Chad) of Atlanta, GA; his son-in-law Michael Gueriera of Colorado; and five grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Lauren Mason Gueriera.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 30, at 1:00 p.m. at Christ the Redeemer Church in Pendleton, SC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church, 839 Greenville Street, Pendleton, SC 29670.

Mason, Lion Gardiner