Bud "Earl" Richard Mason

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Earl "Bud" Mason made a significant impact in the lives of those around him. He worked hard, but he made the time to enjoy life along the way. Deeply devoted to his family, there was nothing Bud loved more than being surrounded by the loved ones who made he and his wife so very proud. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps. The year 1941 is often remembered as the year that WWII landed on our doorstep with the vicious attack on our naval base in Pearl Harbor on December 7th. Although we had hopes of remaining neutral, this hostile act left President Franklin D. Roosevelt with no choice but to declare war the very next day. It was as spring was appearing on the horizon in Columbus, Ohio, earlier that year that William and Florence Mason were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Earl drew his first breath. He was one of seven children as he was joined in his family by his siblings, William, Annette, Nicholas, Eugene, Shirley, and Patrick. Shortly after Earl, or Bud as he was usually known, was born, their family moved to Muskegon, Michigan. He attended local schools and went on to graduate from Muskegon Catholic Central. As a young man, Bud served in the United States Army. New and exciting changes were in store for Bud when he met the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Jane, and they met when sitting next to each other in driver's training. Bud had asked her to borrow a pencil, and the rest is history as they say. Even though they went to different schools, Bud often visited her during lunch at school. They began dating and soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Bud and Jane were married in 1963, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a love story that would span 55 years. Together they were blessed with the births of three children including Mike, Mark, and Julie. Once moving to Vicksburg, Bud continued working as a barber for almost 40 years. He loved being active and frequently rode his bike to work for years. Throughout his life Bud was one to work hard. He attended Greens Barber School in Detroit, Michigan. They spent about one year living in Detroit and then moved to Utica, Michigan, where Bud worked as a barber for a couple of years. Then in 1968, their family moved to Kalamazoo, where they raised their children. In recent years for most meals, Bud was the cook in the family, and he specialized in ribs, salmon, and coleslaw. Over the past 10 years, he really became interested in cooking and got all kinds of ideas from cooking shows. Bud also loved learning all new types of brines for the Thanksgiving turkey every year. He was filled with great joy to become a grandfather, and he loved being there for all of his grandchildren's sporting events and various activities. An expert at decorating Christmas cookies, this became something he did every year with his grandchildren. Always someone who preferred being busy, Bud was a man of many interests. During his younger days he played both hockey and basketball, he golfed, fished, hunted, and did all kinds of recreational activities and especially loved playing cards. Bud also liked playing softball, and when his kids were younger they loved going to his softball games. He made many lifelong friends while playing softball, and he continued playing until his age no longer allowed. Bud was not a fair weather fan of the University of Michigan or any Detroit professional sports team, he loved watching and supporting them all. He was known for recording the games and rewatching them a few times so as not to miss a moment of the game. Bud often played cards with friends with cribbage and euchre being among his favorites. For years he took an annual fishing trip to Canada with friends, and he also enjoyed fishing in South Haven. Bud was a member of Third Christian Reformed Church and also of the Lions Club for more than 10 years. When it came to music, he liked music from the fifties and sixties. All who knew Earl "Bud" Mason would agree that he was one of the most loving and caring people around. He was outgoing and friendly, the sort of person who never met a stranger. Bud's humor and his zest for life was contagious to all who were near. Dearly loved, he will be forever missed. Earl "Bud" Mason of Vicksburg, MI, passed away on August 21, 2018 at the age of 77. Bud is survived by his wife: Jane Mason; children: Michael R. (Natalie) Mason, Mark A. (Linda) Mason, Julie L. (Britt) Tasker; siblings: William (Sandy) Mason, Annette (John) Ramirez, Nicholas (Floria) Mason, Eugene Mason, Shirley Mason, Patrick (Carol) Mason; grandchildren: Zachary, Adam, Emma, Sean, Madelynn and Mason. Bud is preceded in death by his parents: William and Florence Mason. Family will receive friends on Sunday, August 26 from 2 - 4 p.m. at McCowen & Secord Family Funeral Homes, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S. Main St. Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269-649-1697). A funeral service will be held on Monday August 27 at 11:00 a.m. at the Third Christian Reformed Church in Kalamazoo. Please visit Bud's page at www.mccowensecord.com where you can share a memory and sign the guestbook. Those who wish may make a contribution to the Special Olympics and the Third Christian Reformed Church.