Phillip Michael
Mason
1941 ~ 2010
Phillip Michael "Mike" Mason passed away on May 22, 2010 after a long, heroic battle with a host of ailments. Mike was born Oct. 15, 1941 in Salina, Utah, to Laun and Betty Mason. With the coming of World War II, the family moved to Salt Lake, where he attended East High and later graduated in finance from the Univ. of Utah. It was at the university that he began his 44-year romance with the love of his life, LeAnn Later of St. Anthony, ID. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on July 15, 1966.
After college he found work in the insurance industry, where he rose from selling policies in families' front rooms to running large regional offices. When not at work, he could often be found playing tennis and golf with friends or board games or sports with his kids. Although legendarily unmechanical, few things thrilled him more than road-tripping in a new car, whether it be his '56 Pontiac or his late model Acura. His other great passions included singing, reading, attending cultural events, and watching sports and old movies.
A devout Latter-day Saint, Mike served a 30-month mission in Holland and Belgium and later served as bishop, high councilor, temple worker, and youth leader. He was a life-long scripture scholar, yet wore his learning lightly, always advocating and modeling Christian service and a gospel of love.
Mike will be remembered most for his integrity, wit, wisdom, and generosity. Even in his final years, when declining health made every day a challenge, he was unfailingly upbeat. His trademark quip when asked about his ailments was "Why not me?" To the very end, he was his grandchildren's favorite playmate, his wife's loyal traveling companion, and his friends' top choice to fill out a foursome on the links.
Mike's chief joy in life was his family, and he considered it his greatest legacy.
He is survived by his wife, LeAnn Later Mason of Sandy; four sons: Matthew (Stacie), Springville; Nicholas (Stacie), Provo; Patrick (Melissa), South Bend, IN; and Christian (April), Sandy; 12 grandchildren; and three brothers, Rich, Dave (Connie), and Tim (Barbara).
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 on Wednesday, May 26, at the Sandy Granite South Stake Center at 2126 E. Gyrfalcon Dr. (10000 S), with a viewing from 10-10:45 a.m. A viewing will also be held Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S. in Sandy. Interment will be at this same location. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the LDS Humanitarian Fund: 15 E. South Temple, 2nd Floor East, Salt Lake City, UT 84150.
"Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!"