To say Terrence Patrick Mason of Des Moines, Washington lived life to the fullest is an understatement and a warming thought to those who knew him. His life ended on March 1, 2011 at the age of 76, peacefully in his sleep. It is remembered full of good times, hard work, love, class, generosity, solidarity, family, and a little bit of mischief. Terry was born June 28, 1934 in Bremerton, Washington to Lynn Patrick and Louetta Mason. He was raised in Seattle then served a stint in the U.S. Navy after high school. After logging in Alaska and bartending for Vito’s in Seattle, he followed his uncle to the waterfront where he spent the rest of his career as a longshoreman, union leader, crafty card player and – for better or worse – a bit of a legend. In May 1967 Terry joined the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 23 in Tacoma. During his 40 years in the union he served on the Executive Board, as a dispatcher and on the historic Strike Committee of 1971-1972 when the ILWU, led by Harry Bridges, went on strike coast-wide. It lasted for 134 days and resulted in the first paid holidays on the waterfront and some job protections in a changing industry. Terry took great pride in his brothers and sisters on the waterfront where he was joined by his sons and grandson and took many more longshoremen under his wing. He spoiled his kids and grandkids with extravagant outings, trips around the country and pure fun. Terrence P. Mason was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Christel, who he missed dearly. He is survived by his brother Michael Mason, DVM (Joan); children Scott Mason (Patricia), Devin Mason (Diane), Lori Lynn Mason (Sian), Michele Buergel (Tom), and David Swanson; nephew Michael Ryan Mason; 15 grandchildren; 4 1/2 great-grandchildren; and many former wives and girlfriends. There will be an open celebration of his life on Saturday, March 12th at C.I. Shenanigans (3017 Ruston Way, Tacoma) at 1:00 pm. Donations can be made in his honor to the UW Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies ( depts.washington. edu/pcls ) or the Working Waterfront Museum in Tacoma (www.fosswaterwayseaport.org ). Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. (253) 584-0252. Please sign online guestbook at mountainviewtacoma.com.
Fern Marion Rogers 11/27/1920-2/28/2011 born in Cass Lake, MN to Melvin and Edna Barsness our mother lived out her days comfortably in the home she and our father built in Parkland, WA. She has left us now to be with her husband Milo, daughter Christine, brothers Maynard (Bud) and Merrill Barsness and son-in-law William Rice. She was well known, loved by many and will be missed more than mere words could express. She is survived by her brother Marshall Barsness and sister Lois Myers, nine children Maynard, Everett, Louise Rice, Robert, Will, Carl, Gene, Wayne and Timothy. She also has three generations of many grandchildren. The family wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to our cousin Almira Rogers who was with her during her final days. We welcome you to the funeral service which will be held at 1:00 pm Monday 3/7/2011 at Mt. View Funeral Home (4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, WA) in the Aspen Chapel. A reception celebrating her life will follow in the Willow Room at the chapel. Graveside Services will be this spring at Pine Grove Cemetery in Cass Lake, MN. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. (253) 584-0252. Please sign online guestbook at mountainviewtacoma.com.