Ronald Graham Mason

Ronald Graham Mason passed away on July 25, 2022, at the age of 82 years. Ron was born on April 14, 1940, in Stockport England.

He started to develop a love for adventure at an early age with his parents and siblings. Ron excelled academically and earned a scholarship to Cambridge University studying engineering. While at Cambridge he pursued his lifelong passion for climbing and exploring mountains, even serving as president of the Cambridge Mountaineering Club. After university, he married (Christina O’Connor). In 1974 they immigrated to Montreal with their two children. He divorced in 1978. 

Once in Canada Ron learned to ski and became an active member of the Montreal section of the Alpine Club of Canada and explored the many ski trails in the Laurentians. He also reignited his passion for the mountains by hiking in the Adirondacks. Ron then began to explore the mountains in western Canada, with one of his favourite places being Lake O'Hara. Ron also found time to learn to sail and canoe. He shared his passion for the outdoors with his children and his second wife Micheline. Upon retirement he and Micheline moved to Calgary where he became active with the ACC, often volunteering as a custodian at many alpine huts; Rocky Mountain Ramblers; The Old Goats; as well as seniors hiking and skiing groups.

Ron was a lifelong learner, and his extensive travels around the world helped him satisfy his curiosity and see what was around the corner or over the next rise. He was an avid reader and volunteered to help children learn to read. Always being young at heart he never had trouble relating to young kids, including, of course, his grandchildren whom he adored. Ron understood the importance of education, especially for women in developing countries. He sponsored several young girls in Ghana to help them go to school. Ron could be described as jolly and was often the life of the party, even through a lifelong struggle with his mental health.

Ron will be greatly missed by his daughter Sally; his son Simon; his grandchildren William and Alex De Rome and Robin and Oliver Mason, all of whom he loved dearly; his wife (separated) Micheline Barbeau; his brother Michael; and his sister Brenda Brock. 

A funeral Service will be held at Evan J. Strong Funeral Services (5502 2 St. SW) on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Women’s Shelter and the Distress Centre.

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