Story Title: Brian note
By: John Chamberlin
To those of us that know Brian, it would not be a stretch to call him a private person. (Smile) He tended to keep things close to the vest in both work and social circles. He was his own boss, and I think he liked it that way.
Brian had two passions: Little League baseball and Cooking GÇ£man styleGÇ¥. I consider myself very lucky because I got to share in both of these wonderful pursuits. Brain enjoyed nothing more than coaching and teaching his 3 sons the right way to play the game that he loved. And Little League baseball is how my family and I were introduced to the Masons. My son Chris was coached by Brian on the Skiles Test 11 yr, old Cobras All-Star team. My wife Susan learned to chew and spit sunflower seeds with the baseball moms. My daughter Nicole as a 7 yr old ran to the concession stand to get Coach Brian cokes and was fondly nicknamed GÇ£CokieGÇ¥. I, on the other hand, made it big time with him. You see, there was one place that Brian considered his domain. That was the dugout. He ruled it his way, and only a few select dads were allowed in. You can ask Dan Van Treese about that. (Smile) I got to keep the score book for the Cobras that summer and hung out with Coach Brian and asst. coach Mark Jefferson. Those 30 days in the dugout were best! They must have been, because we are still taking about them like they were yesterday. It was the beginning of my friendship with Brian.
BrianGÇÖs other passion was cooking meat. And he started way before the meat hit the grill. He was always searching for the best rub or sauce mix. He didnGÇÖt rely on the store bought stuff either. He made his own Imagine that.(Smile) He worked long hours and consumed many beverages to perfect his hot sauce and GÇ£Special BGÇ¥ rub. Just ask any teenage boy that had the chance to spend the night at the Masons, GÇ£who makes the best chicken wings?GÇ¥ GÇô the answer will always be Mr. Mason. I know again that I GÇ£passed BrianGÇÖs testGÇ¥ because he let me grill with him. There was nothing better than showing up at Brian and ConnieGÇÖs house on a Saturday night with a chunk of meat and deciding the best way to prepare and cook it.
Now a note for Travis, Mathew and Kyler.
I was able to spend a little time with your dad over the last couple months. Every time I got to see him, he talked about you three. I could tell he was proud of all of you. He was very proud that Travis had gone to new schools and had recently made the JV baseball team as a freshman. I think he was a little jealous that you were going to be taller than him soon. He was proud that Mathew was making the best you could at IUPUI. He also seemed excited that you were learning about running a personal online business. He talked about how well Kyler had done at The University of Indianapolis. He was amazed that you did this at the same time working a lot of hours outside of school. He was very proud that you were graduating in four years and had a job in hand. I believe he loved you all very much and wanted you to succeed in whatever you chose to do.
So long Brian. You will be missed by a lot of family and friends. But I choose to remember you grilling something tasty, talking Little League baseball, and drinking GÇ£quantity beerGÇ¥ from a 30-pack.
Your friend John
Sandy Shawgo says
Connie,
I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you. I can’t imagine how hard this is. Please know that you are on my heart and mind,
Sandy
Diane and Ken Jones says
We are saddened by the passing of Brian. We also know he is in a place of happiness and free of pain. We will rejoice in seeing him in the future. We pray that God provides strength to Connie and the boys and helps them through the grieving process.
Diane Farah Cameron and Daniel Doxey says
Dear Connie, Kyler, Matthew and Travis:
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Cancer is so unfair! It does as it pleases without question. Always remember, we are with you. May god grant you the courage, hope and strength as you face each day at a time.
Diane, Farah, Cameron and Daniel Doxey
Dick and Lou Oliver says
Your family is in our prayers.
Debbie Jeff Carter and family says
Connie & Family,
May the special memories you have stay close to your heart…Our thoughts and prayers are with you… may God provide you and your family strength in this difficult time.
Jonathan Kauffman says
Anita and family: I am so sorry to hear about your loss. May you experience the comfort of loving people around you as you have comforted so many others. You are such a giver. I hope you can recieve. You are loved. God Bless
Kim Robinson says
May God hold you all in the palm of His hands…May He give you strength! Kim Robinson
Janet Rolofson says
Anita and family- I know that our heavenly Father is closer to each of you than ever before because I’ve found that He is close to the brokenhearted and He does heal our wounds. I wish I could have known Brian not only because I love chicken wings but also because he is someone so dearly loved by each of you. A part of you went with him and I know he will live forever in your heart! Much love to each of you and know i will be praying for you each step of the way! Janet Rolofson
Christy Halloran says
Connie, my heart is breaking knowing that you are going thru this. My prayers are with you and the boys.
Wendy Mixell says
To all the Mason family, I send my sympathy and prayers for comfort and peace in this time, celebrating the life of Brian and remembering his testimony of faith in Our Lord and Savior, Jesus!
Mike Roseann McArthy says
Brian was a great guy and college roommate. My family and I send our prayers out to the entire Mason family. God rest his soul. Connie, our love and prayers go out to you and the boys. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. God Bless
Mike Roseann McArthy says
Brian was a great guy and roommate in college. Our prayers go out to the entire Mason family. May God bless his soul. Connie, our love and condolences go out to you and the boys. If there is anything we can do for your family, please let us know. God Bless
Billy Behnke says
I have so many fond memories of Brian and the Mason family growing up theres simply not enough space to share them all here. My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family, Billy Behnke
Kevin McSherry says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and extended family of Brian. God is with each and everyone of you, so reach out and ask for his loving grace to help you through this difficult time. May the Holy Spirit be with each and every one of you this day and every day.
Gary Judy Weybright and Family says
Connie and the Boys, we are so sad that your loving husband and father has passed on. His great smile, humor, honesty and love of his family will be missed by all who knew him! Fondest memories of when we first met at Skiles Test baseball games…we learned a lot from Brian! We will miss him. God speed the healing process for you and may Peace be in your heart knowing he is in a wonderful place looking over you.
Belva Tarrant says
Cliff, Nita and Family, I am so sorry for your loss, I have so many special memories of our families together. You will be in my prayers. God Bless .. Belva Easter Tarrant
laura patterson says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I pray for God to comfort you and your family through this time. He is a light for heaven as i know he was a light on earth. Love you and hugs