My friend Mason passed away in his sleep on October 31, 2011. While I got to know him initially through my husband Daniel — his doubles partner on the tennis team at The Albany Academy many years ago — I really came to appreciate the many facets of Mason when we worked together promoting education reform in the capital region. He was a wildly creative, talented, passionate, loving, incredibly fun, and really good man.
At the memorial service, 11 am on 11.11.11, Christian Bender and John Dix delivered deeply moving eulogies. Perfect summations of a beautiful man evoked laughter and tears. The Reverend David Ball’s sermon comforted and reminded us of the lesson in 2 Corinthians that we walk by faith, not by sight.
The last time I saw Mason was at a birthday celebration for a mutual friend, Felton McLaughlin. The party was amazing, resplendent with free-flowing libations and a fabulous Grateful Dead cover band that had every person in the bar – especially Mason – moving.
I learned at the memorial that Good Lovin’ (originally by the Young Rascals, brilliantly covered by the Grateful Dead) was also covered by the John Dix band – Mason, the lead guitar player. When I discovered this video of the Dead performing Good Lovin’ at Radio City Music Hall on October 31, 1980, 31 years to the night of Mason’s passing, I had to write.
Thank you, Mason, for inspiring so many of us to shine our light.
Dance, dance, dance in heaven.
Lisa – I’m just seeing this piece for the first time. Thank you so much for writing this. It took me until last month to put something on paper. It’s on Blogger.com, under my Just Jane blog. Take a look. Thanks again. Jane
Oh, Jane. How we think of you and Mason. I look forward to reading your piece. Know that we would love to connect with you…anytime.
Love, Lisa
I was at Felton’s party, too! I remember Mason standing outside the bar when I got there and he said “It’s about time you got here!” I had an event to go to earlier in the evening. It’s all been such a very sad year … after meeting Jane I, too lost my husband at 51 this past June.
Pam: Thank you for the perfect memory of that amazing night…Sending you healing thoughts; so sad and also very hard to comprehend, I’m sure.
You and Jane have a gentle yoga session awaiting you if that would ever be of interest; essential oils during savasana (relaxation pose at the end) followed by your choice of ayurvedic tea or green juice/smoothie.
Hope to meet you.
Lisa
And to think I received this on my birthday…today. BTW, when the JDB covered it, we did it in French, Bon Amour!
Happy birthday, John Dix!
Bon Amour, that’s right, wish I’d heard that song live! Any recordings?
Actually … and you are sworn to secrecy, the band is a hoax …we did not play instruments, never actually toured, performed only in a stupor in private, but we managed to have a following, made it into the school newspaper and yearbook … and had a good laugh or thirty with it
🙂