John Dancer Mason

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Michigan State University

John Mason Obituary

John Dancer Mason, 69, of Hamilton, the husband of Sharon L. (Koelsch) Mason, died on January 15, 2011 at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, from complications of pneumonia. He was born in Stockbridge, Michigan on July 18, 1941, son of the late Joseph and Marion (Dancer) Mason. He graduated from Kalamazoo College in Michigan, where he excelled in his two favorite pursuits, academics and sports. He continued his education at Michigan State University where he received his Ph.D. in Economics and where he met Sharon, his wife to be. Accepting a call to teach at Gordon College, they moved to Hamilton where he began a thirty-nine year career as a professor. He founded the Economics department at Gordon, co-founded the Association of Christian Economists, and led the board for many years at the Emmanuel Gospel Center in Boston. He actively served the church on numerous committees fostering his and others' deep commitment to missions. At Gordon, John's passion for teaching and his specific concerns for the poor and underprivileged inspired his students to love learning and to follow Christ's call in their own lives, remaining life long friends with many. In addition to teaching, his research focused on finding solutions for the problems of the inner city. John was loved and respected by his students and colleagues. Christ's love was particularly reflected in his life with a deep devotion for his wife, children and grandchildren. In addition to his wife Sharon of forty-four years, he is survived by two daughters, Christiana Ostrowski and her husband Matt and their nine children of Essex and Mignon Mason and her husband Jared, and their three children of Hoboken, New Jersey. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Howard of Traverse City, Michigan. He was predeceased by his son Matthew. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 22nd at 10 am in Christ the Redeemer Church, 188 Elliott Street (Rt. 62), Danvers followed by interment in the Hamilton Cemetery. Family and friends are respectfully welcomed. Arrangements are under the direction of the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home of Ipswich. www.whittier-porter.com Memorial contributions in his name may be made to The Emmanuel Gospel Center, P.O. Box 180245, Boston, MA 02118-0994

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Published by Hamilton-Wenham Chronicle from Jan. 18 to Jan. 25, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for John Mason

5 Entries

Donna (Andrews) Cullen

January 12, 2024

Admittedly I chose to take "The Economics of Poverty" to avoid taking a philosophy elective. Dr. Mason, John, entered a library basement classroom very much a newly minted professor. It remains incredible to me, 5+ decades later, the impact of the then 20-something lecturer. You see John spoke about people God loved hoping to survive, praying for His safety, and depending on Christians to make a difference. John turned our hearts away from alienating the poor, blaming Keynesian economics, or rallying against the Federal Reserve policy to a very personal, God given agency for change.

To those who knew and loved John Mason best, know there are generations of his "disciples" humbly carrying out his ministry. His influence lives on in volunteers, mission workers, careers... and no doubt in those he loved the best. Prayers that you have been blessed daily.

Chip Sutton

November 1, 2022

I was reflecting today about Dr. John Mason and remembering how kind he was to me when I was a student at Gordon College in the mid 1970's. I had not heard of his passing and did not learn until today when I was researching his name online. I was a Bible Major at Gordon but was required to take an Economics course with Dr. Mason. I did very poorly in the course and in fact should have failed it but Dr. Mason passed me much to my surprise. I met with him and questioned how I passed. He told me simply "Here at Gordon we believe in Grace". I have never forgotten that to this day. His kind word affected me deeply and I have thought of them often as such an illustration of God's grace to us in Christ. I am saddened to learn so late of his death but rejoice knowing he is with His Savior and am thankful for his words that have stayed with me all these years. Thank you Dr. John Mason.

Donna Andrews-Cullen

January 31, 2011

The Economics of Poverty course I took in '69 was life changing. Preconceptions about the poor melted away. Today I am a volunteer in mission - currently in Mississippi rebuilding homes ravished by Katrina. No doubt Dr. Mason changed the lives of generations of students and colleagues. Blessings to his family as they mourn his passing. Heaven has called a saint home.

January 27, 2011

My condolences to the family. Although I did not know Mr. Mason, from what I read he enjoyed life and making others happy. He accomplished so much in his lifetime.
May the God of comfort be with the family 2Cor. 1:3&4.

Deirdre (Dee) Sandoe

January 19, 2011

May he rest in peace with Matt in God's eternal love and may his family find strength and courage in the days to come knowing how many people he touched during his life on this earth.

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