Obituary of Terry Mason

It is with profound sadness the family announce the unexpected passing Terence “Terry” Mason on Thursday April 13, 2023. Born in Chatham, N.B. on November 20, 1947, Terry was the son of the late Lawrence and Margaret (Whipple) Mason, and husband of Mary Mason.

Terry loved life, his family, his many friends, and was very well known in his neighbourhood for feeding “his birds” and would offer anyone passing a friendly hello and a wave.

Terry was an avid bowler and has done it most of his life. He bowled twice a week at the Bowlarama in Saint John. He made many friends with fellow bowlers and staff. Terry was the president of his Mens League, and it was a job he did with pride. He was a mentor to fellow bowlers and his presence will be greatly missed. 

Terry and Mary took so much pleasure feeding the many birds, squirrels and chipmunks that came to visit them everyday. He had a fond love of the cardinals, blue jays and chickadees. It amazed his family and visitors that the cardinals would sit outside the living room window every day to let them know they were there for a snack. As soon as they saw them, Terry and Mary would run to meet the birds at the door where they’d be waiting for their peanut. Terry even had his blue jays trained to catch peanuts midair.

Terry had the gift of gab and made everyone he talked to feel like a lifelong friend. With such a gift, he could sell water to a whale, but instead used it to sell cars for over 35 years. He was a successful car salesman in Saint John, and likely sold a car to you or someone you know.

Terry not only fed the birds. He loved cooking for his family, especially on Christmas and Easter with Mary by his side. His family will miss his famous gravy recipe, and his love of washing the dishes (sometimes even before you were done your meal). He always made sure his guests had plenty to eat and plenty to drink, even if you didn’t want it.

Terry had a wealth of stories from his 25 years at TNT Campground in Coles Island, where he made lifelong friends and memories. He could always be found enjoying a beer on his deck, playing washer toss, on the golf course, or singing around the bonfire. A comedian at heart, a season at TNT wouldn’t be complete without his performance in the year-end talent show where he would have everyone rolling on the ground with laughter.

Terry will be remembered for his generosity. He could always be found mowing a neighbour’s lawn or trying to fix something in their house. He took pride in helping others and was happiest when doing it.

More than anything, Terry loved his family. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and would brag about them at every chance he got (sometimes to their embarrassment). He adored his wife Mary of 57 years. They did everything together and shared a mutual love of watching curling, tennis, hockey, and golf. Everything stopped at noon during the week so they could watch the Price is Right together, and they would let their phone go to voicemail in the evening during Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

Terry will be painfully missed. Terry is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, son, Larry (Tabatha) Mason, of Grand Bay-Westfield, two daughters, Sherry Mason, and Jody Mason, both of Saint John, six grandchildren, Greg, Megan, Jevan, Jeffrey, Eva, Jorja, one great-grandchild, Mia, and one great-granddaughter on the way, one brother, Larry (Brenda) Mason, of Rothesay, one sister, Marlene Vaughan, of Rothesay, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Terry was also adored by his three granddogs Luna, Cooper and Lincoln.

Terry is predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Margaret, sister, Patsy and her husband Verne Murphy, sister, Carole and her husband Pete Seale, one brother-in-law, William Vaughan and sister-in-law Susie (Burns) Mason.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave. Saint John, N.B. (634 1701). As per Terry’s wishes cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held on Tuesday April 18, 2023, at Castle Funeral Home from 1:00pm to 5:00 pm. Refreshments and snacks will be served during visitation. Due to Terry’s love of animals, donations to Hope for Wildlife (https://www.hopeforwildlife.net/support) or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences can be made at www.castlefh.ca