Obituary of John Mason

January 15, 1932 – February 24, 2026

John Herbert Mason passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, intellectual curiosity, and a deep devotion to his family.

A Life of Purpose and Precision

Born in Nuneaton, England to Herbert Hector and Rose Mason, John’s analytical mind led him to Liverpool University, where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1952. His career was defined by his long tenure at Ontario Hydro, where he worked from 1968 (after moving his family to Canada) until his retirement in 1993.

A Devoted Partnership

On March 29, 1958, John married the love of his life, Elizabeth Anne Mason (nee Carter). Known to all as Anne, she was the outgoing "spark" to John’s more reserved, introverted nature. Their personalities complemented each other perfectly for over 54 years until her passing in 2012.

He is survived by:

• His sons: Tim (Susan) and Ian (Barbara).
• His grandchildren: Emily, Julia, Alexander, and William.
• His niece Ruth Rose (Pete) of St. Albans, UK, and their children Ben and Jessica
• Predeceased by sister Joan Brown (John) of Peterborough, UK, and nephew Peter Brown, Northumberland, UK. 

Engines, Opera, and Humour

John was a man of diverse and evolving interests, but his greatest passion was the railways. This love spanned all scales, from delicate models to full-sized locomotives. He was particularly proud of his handcrafted "live steam" model of the engine Britannia, a testament to his engineering skill and patience.

His other pursuits included:

• The Classics: A love for classical music, Big Band, and a tradition of listening to Saturday Afternoon Opera.
• Heritage & Innovation: He was an early adopter of new technology, yet he maintained a steadfast respect for "the old, proven ways."
• Eclectic Hobbies: Over the years, he found joy in British sports cars, cycling, tennis, and collecting watches, coins and stamps.

Those who knew John will remember him for his great sense of humour, as well as his quiet compassion for those less fortunate than himself.

Memorial Donations

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Salvation Army./https://donate.salvationarmy.ca/ This organization held a special place in John’s heart, as he and his parents remained forever grateful for the support the Salvation Army provided to them during and after the Second World War.

A private family graveside service will be held. McFarlane & Roberts Funeral Home, 2240 Wharncliffe Rd S Lambeth entrusted with the arrangements. 

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