HANCOCK and MILBRIDGE – Robert Arel Mason, 87, passed peacefully away March 7, 2011, at the Maine Veterans Home, Bangor. Born Nov. 29, 1923, in Norwood, Mass., Bob was the son of Maurice Mason and Eva Mae (Arel) Mason, who died shortly after his birth.
He was raised in Massachusetts and in Montreal by his father and loving stepmother, Beatrice (Lavender) Mason (Faust). Bob served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II as a member of the decorated 34th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron, recipient of two Presidential Unit Citations. After the war, he earned a master’s degree in geology and mineralogy from Boston University. He was subsequently employed by Godfrey L. Cabot, Inc., the U.S. Geologic Survey and General Electric Co., from which he retired after 25 years. Bob and his wife, Jeanne, raised their four children in the small town of Becket, Mass., where he served as a selectman, planning board member, town moderator and Boy Scout master. He was active in his church and was twice past master of Pittsfield Masonic Lodge, Pittsfield, Mass. Bob and Jeanne were known for their kindness and hospitality, opening their home to family, friends, acquaintances and serving as a host family for the Fresh Air Fund. They retired to Maine in 1996. Bob’s lifetime recreation was enjoying the outdoors, primarily fishing and hiking the woods, streams and shores of New England and Quebec. He had a fondness for animals, especially dogs, and his outdoor activities often included the company of an Airedale terrier. Among his many avocations were vegetable gardening, photography and reading – with a particular interest in history. Bob enjoyed good company and engaging conversation, and had many longtime friends. Among the countless wonderful memories, Bob’s children will remember their Dad as a thoughtful advisor, an accomplished harmonica player, and as the Dad who perfected the fun family vacation.
Bob was predeceased by his beloved wife of 47 years, Jeanne Elizabeth (Thomas) Mason, in 2001; and his grandson, James Paul Mason, in 2005. He is survived by his sister, Maureen Mason Saul and husband, Thomas Saul, of Scotia, N.Y.; son, Paul Mason of Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and daughters, Virginia Mason-Schuman and husband, Dr. Andrew Schuman, of Londonderry, N.H., Joanne and husband, Robert Hale, of Steuben and Dr. Roberta Mason-Gamer and husband, David Gamer, of Glen Ellyn, Ill. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Patrick Mason, and Robert, Carrie and Laura Schuman; and by his dear friend and companion, Elizabeth Denniston of Hancock.
A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. May 21 at Union Congregational Church, Hancock. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be sent to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 3647, Portland, ME 04104, to provide the opportunity for children to enjoy the outdoors and the summer camp experience at Camp Sebago.