On November 18th, 2021, Richard “Dick” Mason, age 71, of Stockbridge, Michigan lost his short but hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He passed away at home, surrounded by family.
Dick was born June 16, 1950 to Richard and Christine (Brennan) Mason in Owosso, MI. The family lived in Garden City, MI and were avid hockey players and fans.
Richard worked as a journeyman carpenter and later as an EMT/Paramedic. In 1974, he worked in Flint as an EMT and then as a Paramedic from 75-76 with Horne Vincent Ambulance in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Chelsea, where he met his future wife Cathleen (Cathie) Martin. They were married on September 9, 1977 at St. Patrick’s Church in Whitmore Lake, Michigan.
Together they founded Emergency Specialties Services (ESS) in Whitmore Lake. ESS specialized in medical coverage of Milan and Detroit Dragways, as well as equestrian events (Hunter/Jumper Circuit) at Stoney Ridge Farm and other farms throughout Michigan. The company grew to include transfers and emergency care in Whitmore Lake, Chelsea, Ypsilanti, and Ann Arbor areas. In December of 1981, ESS was a founding company/partner of Huron Valley Ambulance of Washtenaw County.
In 1983, Richard was a founding partner of Life Support Services. He loved to provide low-stress medical education and EMT/Paramedic classes to fellow healthcare providers. Dick was a dedicated Paramedic, and over the years he volunteered at South Lyon Ambulance and later Stockbridge Ambulance. He was employed at St. Onge Ambulance in Rochester and managed Leslie Ambulance.
Dick supported the Washtenaw County 4-H fair as well as Chelsea Community Fair. He enjoyed watching his children show and his yearly elephant ear. He also thoroughly enjoyed boating in his free time and traveling. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, friend, mentor, and instructor. He was known and loved far and wide, and neither he nor his family could go anywhere without someone recognizing him.
Richard is survived by his wife, Cathie Mason, daughter, Channon Mason of Charlotte, son , Christopher (Rachel Weller) Mason of Jackson, brother , John (Gwen) Mason, and sister- in-law, Holly Hamilton. He was preceded in death by twin children, Robin and Rene, mother, Christine Prang, and brother-in-law, Lou Hamilton.
Our family would like to offer our deepest thanks and gratitude to the many friends and family that supported us during this difficult time, and to Arbor Hospice for their excellent care and support.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Chelsea Fairgrounds on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
A GoFundMe has been started to assist with final expenses and to help fulfil Dick’s final wishes.
RIP, we have the watch and your classes from here!
