Obituary of Donald Charles Mason
MASON, Donald Charles
Passed away peacefully at the St. Catharines Hospital Dec. 2 at the age of 93. Loving husband to the late Marion Mason, cherished father to Suzanne and Marilyn (Todd), and an incredible role model to his grandchildren Angela (Jon), Delia, Dan, Dave (Kristine) and Matthew (Hannah). He will also be greatly missed by his brother-in-law Howard (Ophelia) and nephew Gary and many friends from the Heatherwood Retirement Residence. Don’s great-grandchildren Max, Russell, Sadie, Margaret and James provided him with much pride and amusement in his later years.
Don was a well-respected and beloved pharmacist in St. Catharines for over 40 years. He opened Mason Pharmacy in 1953 on Geneva Street before the Fairview Mall was built, then worked for Niagara Big V Drugstore. He had a loyal customer base and following his retirement, he was approached by many people with expressions of gratitude for his good care.
Don was devoted to his family and never missed an opportunity to attend events and cheer on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He especially loved watching t-ball and hockey games. An avid Leafs fan, Don always hoped for another Stanley Cup. He played hockey himself until his late 50’s and golfed until his late 80’s. Don and Marion were also big fans of Junior A hockey teams in St. Catharines. One of Don’s greatest pleasures was taking his family on vacations. Suzanne and Marilyn and their children have so many wonderful memories about the holidays they spent in Barbados and at Fern Resort.
Don taught his family about the importance of giving back to the community through his extensive volunteer work and support of numerous charities. One of his many talents was making miniature dollhouses and log homes which he would donate for raffles. He delivered Meals on Wheels up until a few years ago accompanied by his two Bichons, Benjamin and Oliver. Don was a major donor for St. Catharines’ first dog park at Burgoyne Woods and his picture remains on the billboard at the entrance.
In recent years, Don loved to travel around the city on his motorized scooter. He was well-known at the Central Library as he had probably checked out every Western novel ever written. Don even helped coach a few of Russell’s t-ball games at third base on his scooter!
Don was an exceptional person in every way and the world is definitely a better place for everyone whose lives he touched and helped along the way. We will miss his wisdom, sense of humour and all of the great times we shared with him.
In keeping with Don’s wishes, there will be no funeral. Cremation has taken place. The family will hold a private gathering at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Animal Assistance Society of the Niagara Region or Meals on Wheels Thorold-St.Catharines.
