Event Date : Friday, November 27, 1953
Event Type : Death
Description : Early last Friday evening a 'phone call from Toronto informed Bradford friends that Herbert J. Mason had suffered a stroke at about 11 a.m. and was still unconscious. Later that evening he passed away.Since a serious illness a few years ago Mr. Mason's friends had noted with sadness that he had not recovered his former vitality, but he retained his ready smile and jovial wit and his apparent high spirits often covered the fact that he was far from a well man. He never slackened the speed at which he lived. His energy seemed limitless and he was going almost constantly. Every Friday afternoon he came to the family home at Brittania Farm and returned to the city Sunday evening, but he loved the farm and often returned during the week. Thursday afternoon he spent here. Friday morning he got into his car in front of the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. Passers-by heard the car horn blowing and going to investigate found him. He was moved to hospital but never regained consciousness.Born in Toronto, Mr. Mason was a veteran of World War I and was one of the Dumbells who entertained Canadian troops overseas, and later entertained the home folk after their return.Widely known in advertising circles, he was the Toronto representative of the Walker Press. Prior to joining Walker Press, he was with Reliance Engravers Ltd.A past governor of Gyro International, he was active in Gyro Club work, and was a member of the Toronto Advertising Club.Mr. Mason first became intimately associated with Bradford following the death of his wife's uncle, Mr. Albert Scanlon, when the family acquired the local properties. Within a few weeks his friendly disposition and jolly good humour had won him the friendship of residents in the town and country. He was at home wherever he went. Presiding with dignity at a club meeting, a joke in the back shop, or a cheery laugh with the housewife in the kitchen were all enjoyed with equal zest. He was Bert" to everyone and he received a glad welcome everywhere because his heart was gay and his friendship sincere.He is survived by his wife the former Margaret Lee.The funeral was held in Toronto on Monday afternoon with services conducted by the former Anglican Church rector here Rev. H. G. Blake. Interment was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery Toronto."
