Peter John Mason
Whilst being both humbled and honoured when ask to say a few words about Peter, I was worried that I would have real difficulty finding adequate words to truly reflect Pet ers unique, unselfish character. Yes, there were the usual time worn phrases used at these times but what different words could I find to convey that they were just so, so true when applied to Peter. However, I quickly realised that I need not have worried, for every one of you here in this church today whose life Peter touched, will know how it is all but impossible to exaggerate his great qualities as a person - exceptional words are simply not necessary when his life, actions and achievements speak so clearly and loudly for him.
Of course our thoughts today are very much with those closest to him – his beloved wife Marlene, brother George, his children Richard, Caroline and Debbie and of course his treasured grandchildren who absolutely adored him. In fact within his family, he was the favourite uncle that all the children wanted to see and play with when they met together. What a wonderful quality to be blessed with.
So what of the man? Peter was truly amazing. I thought I was a close friend of his until I quickly discovered that he had this wonderful talent to make everyone that he met, feel that they were special. When you spoke with him he always gave you his wholehearted attention, always understood your point of view, and always offered sound, sympathetic help & advice. This might make him sound like a bit of a pushover – don’t you believe it - he most certainly was not. After all, he achieved great heights in all that he undertook in his life and applied himself to great effect in a selfless way that we must all be grateful for.
So what of the early years? Peter John Mason was born in Portsmouth during the War into a naval family. With a father fighting at sea, his mother moved frequently to find a safe haven to raise Peter and Brother George. The young family had few advantages and it was a tough time for all, but, despite the war, it was a very happy, carefree childhood greatly enhanced by the return of their Dad when the war ended.
At 11 year of age, both boys entered Royal Naval School and were tutored in a strict, tough and disciplined naval establishment. Later, and rather against their fathers wishes, both brothers went on to distinguished Naval careers, Peter becoming a commander of Air Sea Rescue Launches and later a Royal Navy Pilot in both Portsmouth and Plymouth, bringing warships into these harbours. Later in his career he supervised the return of damaged fighting ships across the Atlantic following the Falklands conflict. His last move was to be posted to Pembroke Dock where he settled happily with his wife Marlene.
Without a doubt, Marlene was the centre of his world and he was relaxed, happy and contented in retirement yet still meeting his naval mates on a regular basis for a meal and a drink or two.
His interests outside the family included football, being a lifelong, fanatical Portsmouth supporter, even described by some as a Pompy lunatic – I cannot comment. He maintained a
keen interest in Naval matters, loved his caged birds even calling his publishing venture the “Parrot Press” which always amused me, complete with the little parrot logo on every publication.
But it was his passion for Freemasonry and his rise to the very highest offices within the Society that dominated his later years.
If Peter’s career in the Royal Navy was distinguished, then they were certainly matched by his remarkable achievements in Freemasonry, which can hardly be overstated.
His successful management of the Province as secretary is evidenced by the legacy he leaves of such a happy and joyful Association in West Wales that we are able to take pleasure and pride in today.
In Masonry, there is an appeal to us all to:-
“---- Please one another and unite in the Grand Design of being happy and communicating happiness”
Well, in this Peter was truly successful and the happy Province of today is clear evidence of his success.
After being Secretary for West Wales for some years, he went on reach the very heights of senior office as Deputy Provincial Grand Master and yet, he still managed to preserve an extraordinary approachability, friendliness and warm heartedness that characterised his whole existence.
Amazingly, he was never, ever pompous - but always correct when it mattered.
He had a truly wicked sense of humour and he was always a joy to sit next to at the dining table – you just knew you were in for a fun time
He was real friend to all he met, no matter how briefly, a truly lovely man who I genuinely never heard say a bad word about anyone.
Again, I find myself struggling to find special words to adequately convey how special Peter was to those unfortunate enough not to have known him.
He was held in the very highest respect as a man and as a mason. It was a real privilege to have known, worked and served him and whilst it is a tragedy for his family and all that knew him that he has been taken from us, but we must all be content that he has no longer to suffer his illness.
Latterly, he bore this illness with great dignity and bravery - perhaps as one would expect of a trained naval man. He never complained, was always positive, forever cheerful and always optimistically planning for the future that has, sadly, been denied him.
Sometimes, at times like this, a simple verse can help:-
Let us weep in our darkness, but weep not for him;
Not for him whose departing, leaves many in tears,
Not for him who has died full of honour and years,
Not for him who ascended fame's ladder so high,
From the rung at the top, he has stepped to the sky.
I could say so much more - but - Peter, you will be greatly and deeply missed by so many; you had so much more to enjoy and to give. To Marlene and extended family, our hearts go out to you. We are all here to support you and help you in your loss, but be of good cheer – you enabled and allowed us all the privilege to share with you in the life of a truly exceptional human being – thank you from the bottom of our hearts for that.
"this is a transcript of what was spoken at Peter’s funeral"