Robert Dale Mason

Robert Dale Mason, known as Dale or Bob to his friends and Uncle Bob to his family, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026.

Born in Greeley, Colorado, on January 19, 1944, Bob remained deeply rooted to his hometown for much of his life, attending school from elementary to high school. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado, followed by a degree in merchandising from Parks School of Business in Denver.

A man who took great pride in his work and his community, he served for many years as an auto mechanic at his father's service station. He was a proud 50-year member of the Masonic organization, cherishing the brotherhood and the values of the craft.

Bob served in the United States Air Force, spending nearly four years on active duty as an airplane mechanic. Attaining the rank of Sergeant, his service included specialized technical training and six months of deployment in Vietnam. For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, awarded to those who served for six months in South Vietnam anytime from March 1, 1961, to March 28, 1973.

After serving in the Air Force, Bob worked in various retain organizations. Under his direction, the garden shop and holiday center at Walmart was named best department in the store, in the district, in the region, and in the division in 2007.

Beyond his career, Bob had a deep appreciation for live theater and movies. He had a traveler's heart, always dreaming of taking a trip to the Panama Canal or taking a train ride across the United States. While those journeys didn’t come to fruition, he cherished the trips he did take, including his final out of state trip to his grandniece’s wedding in 2023.

He loved working on various renovation projects, including helping a nephew renovate a rental property. While he was the first to joke that his enthusiasm sometimes outpaced his technical skill, his readiness to roll up his sleeves for others was a testament to his generous character.

Family was the cornerstone of Bob's life. He is survived by his brother, Jim (Loretta) Mason of Oregon, and was predeceased by his sister, Sandy Harden of Colorado. To his nieces, nephews, and their children, he was the ultimate Uncle Bob, famously mischievous, always ready with a joke, and a constant, joyful presence in their lives. Perhaps most beloved was his tradition of gifting a special Christmas ornament every year, treasures that will hang on their trees for generations to come.

He is survived by six nieces and nephews: Theresa Burnett (Mike), Cindy Burch (Russ), Stephen Harden (Heidi), Sheri Mason (Rich Hohenthaner), and Michelle Rizzi, and was predeceased by his nephew David Harden.

He is also survived by 12 grandnieces and nephews: Alec Salmen, Haley Salmen, Albie Burch, Jessica Burch, McKenzie Bulgerin (David), Connor Harden, Laura Harden, Bryan Harden, Noelle Hohenthaner, Ryan Hohenthaner, Mario Rizzi, and Gianna Rizzi.

Outside of his human family, Bob was a devoted animal lover who treasured his cats, Big Guy, Little Guy and Pretty Girl among them, and the companionship, comfort, and joy they brought him throughout his life.

Bob will be interred with military and Masonic honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado. A service at Fort Logan will follow with a reception at his nephew Steve’s home in Centennial, Colorado. Details will be posted as they are available.

In lieu of flowers, Bob asked that donations be made to the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado; www.wildanimalsanctuary.org.