Batavia - How do we paint a picture of a life of 99 years and 16 days? Here is a quick sketch.
Max Wilson Mason, Jr. was born in Batavia in 1917 into a family talented in arts and business acumen. His grandfather F.E. Mason started a small company which designed and manufactured foil labels.
Max's uncle, Roy M. Mason and his father Max W .Mason, Sr. worked there as did Max and his brother‐in‐law John Bertrand and later, John's sons: John and Jim. Max Jr. had the business sense: keeping orderly books, meticulous records and friendly dealings with all. Max, Sr, Roy and sister, Nina Mason Booth created beautiful oil and watercolor paintings which Max, Jr. greatly admired.
Max graduated from Colgate University where he earned with a B.A. in Economics. During WWII, he was a Staff Sergeant in the Army Air Force stationed in New Guinea where they built landing strips for the Allies.
In 1949, he married an Elba girl, Jane Bonney. They would have celebrated 67 remarkable years of marriage in October, full years enjoying outdoor activities of golf at Stafford Country Club, Sanibel Island vacations, cross country skiing, fishing in Florida and Keuka Lake and bird watching. Besides Jane, family and friends were top on Max's list. In later years, he was often found outside on the property tending to ski trails, watching birds or by the fire with Jane doing his crossword puzzles.
Besides Max Sr., Roy and Nina, Max was predeceased by his mother Alice C. Mason and sister Constance M. Bertrand (Connie).
Survivors include his beloved wife Jane, his daughter, Suzanne (Suzie) Mason Salo (Glenn P. Salo) from Pittsburgh, Pa and his son, Marc Preston Mason (Lisa Bartlett) from Keuka Lake, NY, his grandsons Marc Edward Salo and Scott Mason Salo from Pittsburgh, Pa, also his nieces and nephews: John Bertrand (Victoria Bertrand), Alison Bertrand, James Bertrand (Joann Bertrand), Elizabeth Stratton (Jim), Beau Stratton (Carol), Holly Dill and several great nieces and nephews. Many fabulous neighbors and friends from all over will miss him.
Max died peacefully at home in his chair with his family by his side September 7, 2016. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
Friends may call on Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co, Funeral Home, 403 East Main St., Batavia. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.
