Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Charles Oliver Mason Jr., of Hood River, Ore., passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 1, 2018, at the age of 79.
Charles was born to parents Charles Oliver “Ollie” Mason and Clara Mason on May 25, 1939, in Hood River. He grew up as the eldest of four and attended Hood River High School, graduating in 1957. In 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Keir, at the then Baptist Church on Pine Street in Hood River. He joined the Oregon National Guard in 1956 and remained active through 1968.
In 1959, Charles took a position as a conservation aid for the Oregon Fish Commission in Cascade Locks, Ore. He continued to work for the Fish Commission until 1978, with additional assignments at the Leaburg and Nehalem fish hatcheries.
In 1978, Charles and Jean returned to Hood River, where Charles took a position as a mechanic with the Diamond Fruit Cannery. Charles later moved to the Diamond Fruit packing plant in Odell when the cannery closed. He retired from Diamond fruit in 2001.
Throughout his life, Charles enjoyed hunting and fishing. During the early years of retirement, he enjoyed traveling to Hawaii and Arizona, camping with his wife, children and their families in their motor home, and hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. Over the last 17 years, Charles had been living with the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease and the slow progressive decline in motor function that accompanied it. Those who knew him well knew he was often not willing to be constrained by the effects of the disease. He was very creative and resourceful in finding ways to complete projects and take part in his favorite activities, despite the limitations caused by the disease. This often made for stories of his exploits that the family will retell for years to come.
Charles is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jean; daughters, Debra Rose and Linda Bolles; son, Robert Mason; sisters, Shirley Thornhill, Charlotte Severns and Nancy Shields; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A memorial service and celebration of his life will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 8 at River of Life Assembly of God Church.
The family is grateful for the condolences, but declines flowers and donations. You are, however, encouraged to make donations to River of Life Assembly of God Church (979 Tucker Road, Hood River, OR 97031) or the West Side Fire Department (1185 Tucker Road, Hood River, OR 97031).
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
To plant a tree in memory of Charles Mason, Jr. as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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