With heavy hearts, we share that Larry Mason passed on to eternal life Friday, April 30, 2021, after a 6-month battle with cancer. We were blessed to call him True Love, Dad, Papa, and Dr. Mason. His spirit is carried on by his wife, children, grandchildren, brothers, and hundreds of relatives, patients, and friends. He gave his whole heart to many and in so doing inspired us to be better people. Just a few of the things Larry taught us:
Listen to someone as if they're the only person in the room and you have nowhere to go.
Sandals with socks is ok. After all, we're not going to a fashion show.
Always bounce a grandchild on your knee and pat everyone on the back.
Spend way too much time talking with your patients.
Always get your little girls another glass of water when they ask at bedtime.
Like everyone. Judge no one.
Chat with strangers and become their friend.
Never use GPS or iPhone navigation - discuss multiple options for directions, or even better, look at a map.
Don't spend a beautiful day inside.
Carry a handkerchief in your pocket and use it to wipe tears and runny noses or get something off the windshield.
Go to Mass every Sunday and be one of the last people still talking out front afterwards.
Love baseball, fill out your March Madness brackets, and play fantasy football.
Visit Powell's Books on Sundays and buy more books and magazines than you could ever read in a lifetime.
Write Top Ten lists (movies, restaurants, books) and debate them with others at length.
Always keep your guests' wine glasses full.
Most importantly, marry a good woman and love her with your whole heart.
Larry was born in Salt Lake City to Gertrude and Carroll Mason. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1959 and University of Portland in 1963 and received his Medical Degree from University of Oregon School of Medicine in 1967. He served 2 years in the Air Force, earning the rank of Major, and in 1974 brought his family to Washington where he spent his 43-year career as a pediatrician at the Vancouver Clinic. Besides his family, one of his greatest joys was hiking and backpacking in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest with his friends and brothers. He was a man of rare integrity, character, and honor.
Larry is survived by his wife, Betsy (Basgen); daughters Laura Leach, Julie Sturtevant, and Sarah Pittenger (and husband Chris); his brothers, Bruce and Michael; and grandchildren Emma, Claire, Mason, Sarah Beth, Max, Kate, John Henry and Jane.