2021
— with
Buddy
and Melissa McConkie
0
My privileged childhood included teen years on Orchard Drive in a neighborhood of five psychiatrists including Mason within a 1 block radius. I didn’t know if that was a neighborhood want or a need. I considered it a blessing. Of Mason and Karen we echoed the sentiments of TV’s Mr. Rogers, “We had always wanted neighbors just like you.” The privilege continued during medical school when in our psychiatric training many of us were instructed by University of Utah faculty member Dr. Redd, who seemed very knowledgeable about treating distressed patients and, himself, distressed over nothing. I was pleased to know of his affinity for archery and musket making because I knew if that were his means of hunting, animals were pretty safe. He continued precepting University psychiatry residents, a heavy load while also treating patients at LDS Hospital where his reputation was stellar. Mason was an active participant in Utah medical governance and advocacy, and recognized for it by being chosen Honorary President of the Utah Medical Association. Having devoted some younger years to serving on an LDS mission, most of his later years were spent serving LDS missionaries, first in Japan, then universally as head psychiatric consultant for the Missionary Medical Dept. until his mid-80’s. I would see him at national psychiatry conferences with a device in his ear I thought was a hearing aid. It was not. It was his wireless connection to his phone, making him available 24/7 to missions worldwide for missionaries in mental distress. Mason, you don’t have to be on call anymore after 6 decades, but I’m sure, if given the choice, you would be. Many thanks for your service., and for the remarkable family you and Karen gifted the world.
1
Mason married my cousin, Karen Jarman, on the same day I completed my endowment in the temple, so I was present along with other members of the family when they were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. A few days later, I was heading for Berlin, Germany, to begin serving my mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon my return to the states and living in Provo, Karen, Mason, and I continued our lasting friendship with our seeing each other mostly at the memorial services of family members. That is when I last saw and spoke with him was at the funeral of Karen’s brother, Don.
His acumen for the acquisition of knowledge, his analytic ability of discussing issues, his sense of dry humor are hallmarks of his sterling personality and genteel mannerisms.
Being in the temple the day of his and Karen’s marriage set the stage for what has been an everlasting respect for him and Karen. To her I express my sincerest sympathy and love for what it is she will now endure as she adjusts to this new phase in her life.
From both Eleanor and me we ask God to bless and be with his family members as they continue to honor his memory with some of his God-given talents, kindnesses, and righteousness.
1
Sending love to the Redd family. You are the dearest of neighbors, friends and mentors to me. One memory I really cherish and often share about Mason was when I was about six years old. I had received a sucker in my Sunday school class and walked into the chapel past him and baby Kathy(?). I was smugly holding the sucker in front of the baby. She grabbed the sucker thinking I was offering it to her when in fact, I was just showing it off. I will never forget Mason‘s response. He calmly looked at me, opened his hands and shrugged his shoulders. I fully expected him to remove the sucker from the baby’s hand and give it back to me, but he allowed the natural consequence to follow. It taught me a lesson in personal responsibility that I will never forget, and I love him for that moment, offered without any the stain or judgment, but a simple teaching in a golden moment . There were so many other kind hearted interactions in the Redd home.
May your hearts be held in love and sweet memories.
2
Share with others
