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 Ralph C. Mason Jr., 89
 February 13, 2017
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Ralph Clinton Mason Jr., 89, of Northwest Hill Road in Williamstown, died Monday, February 13, 2017, at his home.
He was born in North Adams, Mass., on August 2, 1927, son to the late Ralph C. and Mabel (Allsop) Mason. He graduated from the former Williamstown High School and was a 1950 graduate of Williams College. At Williams, he was a member of the varsity baseball and basketball teams. Before college, Mr. Mason enlisted in the armed forces serving with the US Navy during World War II. He married his wife, the former Arlene S. Martin, in 1949. Mrs. Mason died in March of 2013.
Mr. Mason was the owner and operator of Mason Oil Company, Inc., for over thirty years. He held many volunteer roles in the community, including corporator of the Williamstown Savings Bank, Director of the Williamstown Community Chest and President of the Williams College Sideline Quarterback Club. He was also a member of Williams College Hoop Group, the former Williamstown Lions Club, the Williamstown American Legion Post 152, and a lifelong Freemason and brother of the Williamstown Masonic Lodge. He also supported Williamstown Little League.
A voracious reader with infinite appreciations and passions, Mr. Mason was most inspired when cultivating and stewarding his farm and home, Purple Kings Farm. Together with his wife, they created areas on the land for agriculture, wildlife and recreation. Both, loved entertaining family and friends for spontaneous or planned gatherings at "the farm." Mr. Mason also enjoyed landscaping, planning his spring garden, dogs, maple sugaring, cooking, politics and sports – particularly golf, baseball and football.
Mr. Mason is survived by four daughters, Wendy Mason Green, Terry A. Mason, Darcy M. Westall (David) and Lanny A. Mason (Leigh); two sons, Ralph C. Mason III (Christine) and Toby A. Mason (Sheila); 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by a brother, Raymond A. Mason.
Funeral notice: A date will be announced in the coming weeks for a spring celebration of Mr. Mason’s life. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Care of the Berkshires through the Flynn and Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, 74 Marshall Street, North Adams, MA. 01247.
Ralph and I were close friends for 84 years. We grew up together in homes a block apart at each end of Front St. This was a great location for youngsters. Close by were Charlie Wilson's horse stables and paddock that were always active with horse rentals, riding lessons, and the big yearly horse show. The old High School field that bordered Church St. was also nearby. All town and high school sports events were played here. We also played nightly softball games on a specially cut hay field behind my house near Wilson's Paddock. Players ranged from about 14 to 45 years of age.
We went thru the town school system together, playing varsity sports, and double-dating.
Ralph had a great sense of humor and he bestowed many nicknames - Clicker Duval, Codger Diodoti, Breezer Blake, Soupy Campbell, Alo Tavelli , etc. All of these had a humorous meaning
When things got dull in high school music class, Ralph presented great satires of the Principal and teachers. He was a wonderful friend and I'll miss him. I know that Ralph wanted to stay in his beloved farm to the end. Thanks to the wonderful work of all his children he did. My condolences and best wishes to each of you, Joe “Fitzie†Fitzpatrick.
| | from: | on: 02-26-2017 |
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| A wonderful wonderful man with whom I had the pleasure of a lot of paddle tennis and a "grass and gravel" tennis tournament at his home and Green Mountain Race Track. Prayers and condolences all in his family. | | from: Bruce Whitney | on: 02-22-2017 |
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