September 18, 1933 - May 22, 2022
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we share the news of our beloved Dad's passing. David 'Ivan' Mason passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2022. He is survived by his children; Darrol(Marlaine), Perry (Donna), Tammy (Rick), Jamie (Eunice) and Marnie (Graham) and his treasured grandchildren; Jill, Jenna, Tyler, Chad, Brett, Tom, Travis, Jessie, Casey, Kassie, Katie, Alli, Olivia, Connor and Jack along with their spouses. In addition to his children and grandchildren is an ever-growing number of great grandchildren. Ivan is also survived by his sister Christina (Al) and his brother-in-law Garry (Janet) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dad was predeceased by his parents; David and Joyce, his wife; Carol, his brother and sister-in-law; Russell and Edna, his son-in-law; Don King and his cherished grandson Josh.
Dad was born on September 18th, 1933 in Killarney, Manitoba and his love for this small prairie town surrounded by amazing wheat fields never faded. He would often share stories about swimming in the Killarney Lake, fishing in the bay, biking across the Canada/US border (because back in those days you could) playing lots of outdoor hockey and riding his Shetland pony. Dad especially loved Saturday nights as that was when the core area of Killarney was bursting with excitement. As his parents owned the town's gas station he had a front row seat to all the fun.
Dad struck out into the world when he was sixteen. He worked various jobs and fortunately for us he obtained work in Flin Flon, Manitoba, where he met and married our mom. As a youngmarried couple, Mom and Dad, travelled west and with a job at the Calgary Albertan, they settled in Calgary to raise their children. After several years, the family moved to Red Deer. Not everyone was thrilled with this move, especially Mom, but Red Deer over time became our home.
Dad enjoyed playing and coaching hockey, baseball and curling for many years but his favorite time was watching his grandchildren develop their sporting talents whether it was hockey orringette, gymnastics or dance. He was an incredible Papa. His retirement years revolved around his grandchildren and he was always ready to provide a helping hand; necessary pep talk or a quick trip for ice cream.
It is difficult to put a lifetime into a few short sentences. In short though, our Dad lived a full life. Dad experienced his share of bumps and bruises but he was blessed with supportive friends, loving parents, a close bond with his siblings, devoted children, and grandchildren and great grandchildren that adored and loved him. Recently his one young great grandson with a smile on his face said it best, "I like Papa Ivan".
Rest easy, Dad and thank you for providing all of us with memories that we will always truly treasure.
A Time of Remembrance will be held on Wednesday, June 1st at 2:00 pm at the Red Deer Funeral Home. Young, old, big or small, a new acquaintance or an old friend, all are welcome.