Richard Allen Mason was born August 19th 1933 in Columbus, Ohio and lived 90 years until he passed away August 26th 2023 in Reseda, California. His nickname was Rich and his life was rich in what mattered to him most, his family and friends. He married the love of his life, Dorothy Ann Lonne and they remained inseparable for 62 years. Together they raised two daughters, Terri Lynne and Karen Sue. He was a man of keen intelligence, a devoted father and family man.

Richard enjoyed family get-togethers and welcomed two grandchildren, one great granddaughter and many nieces, nephews, also their children and grandchildren. When speaking of his extended family he was frequently heard to say, “Not a lemon in the bunch!”

His birth family moved to California when he was in elementary school. In school he wrote an autobiography dedicated to his mother Florence,”the best Mother alive”. He graduated high school in Bell, California. Not long after, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany for two years during the Korean War. He was patriotic in the truest sense of the word, and proud of his military service.

When he returned to the states he capitalized on his military training in radio communications and radar navigation. He independently took courses that would eventually qualify him to become an engineer for Hughes Aircraft.

Richard and Dorothy were active in their community church for many years and developed close friendships there. They were both in the choir and Richard was on the board of directors.

One of Richard’s favorite pastimes was running. He started jogging to lose weight and continued because he enjoyed it. He participated in competitive races as well as Turkey Trots. In his later years he was still jogging regularly around Lake Balboa in Reseda. He kept logs of his practice runs and races.

Richard was an avid reader. He also kept logs of the books he read, by author. He would make a list of an author’s books then order them from his local library and check off each one after reading it.

He enjoyed fishing with family and went on day long deep sea fishing trips with a few friends. He used kits to teach himself leather crafting and made handbags, wallets, belts, etc. for his family.

Richard is survived by his wife Dorothy, brother Robert, daughter Terri, grandchildren Lauren and Sia, great granddaughter Avery, and several other relatives.

Richard Allen Mason was an engineer with a big heart. He lived his life with integrity and generously cared for his loved ones. There will be a celebration of his life in the home he shared with his wife, daughters and assorted pets on October 26, 2024.

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