Michael Mason

Michael Mason, age 81, passed away unexpectedly at home in Englewood, Florida on January 25th, a day after celebrating with his wife, Kathy, their marriage of forty-four years.
Born on November 12, 1943, to his parents, Guy and Ruth Mason, in Fairmont, West Virginia, Michael went on to graduate from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. He subsequently earned a Master of Science degree from North Carolina State University, where he studied nuclear engineering.
He built a distinguished career as Chief Engineer at Transnuclear, Inc., Westchester County, New York. He designed casks and managed the storage of spent nuclear fuel for utilities throughout the United States, France and Japan.
Michael brought his mathematical mind and artist's eye to his passion for photography. A wildlife and landscape photographer for over fifty years, he built his own darkroom in the days of film photography. He moved on to digital photography, spending daily time shooting, editing and printing his work and that of his fellow photographers. Most recently, he finished publishing over 800 photos from a three-week trip to New Zealand which can be found at 27-Michael-Mason.pixels.com. Ever a learner, Michael was a member of the Englewood Photography Club and the Florida Camera Club Association. He received multiple awards in both digital and print competitions over the years.
When not behind the camera, Michael could be found on the courses of Plantation Golf & Country Club, where he was a member since 2007. Golf was truly his other passion in life. Although family and friends knew Michael to be a most able golfer, he was always striving to improve. He spent endless hours at the practice range, working on his game. Michael recently became a member at Boca Royale Golf & Country Club in Englewood and had looked forward to many more rounds.
Michael was always grateful to have had the opportunity to travel both in the U.S.A. and abroad. He loved visiting our National Parks; amongst them Yellowstone and Glacier were his favorites. His lifetime dream was realized in 2020 when he and Kathy spent two weeks on a photographic safari throughout Kenya. Most recently, they traveled to the Oregon Coast and New Zealand.
A truly humble man with a keen intellect and kind heart, Michael's sweet smile and dry sense of humor enriched the lives of all who knew him. He was truly a gentleman in every sense of the word.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy Mason; his daughters, Candace Schey (Eric) and Vicki O'Connor (Gavin); his son-in-marriage, Ryan Hamilton; his grandchildren, Austin Schey, Rachel O'Connor-Silva and Sarah Mason O'Connor; and his niece, Lisa Gray. His
sister, Nancy Mason Gray pre-deceased him. Michael's entire family will forever cherish his memory and the love, wisdom and joy he brought into their lives.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Celebration of Life at noon on Sunday, March 16th, 2025, at Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice, Florida.
Donations in Michael's memory may be made to the Plantation Community Foundation, 500 Rockley Road, Venice, Florida, 34293. Arrangements by Farley Funeral Home, Venice, Florida.