August 9, 1935 - March 9, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
Ernie Mason passed away peacefully at Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson on March 9, 2022, at the age of 86. He was predeceased by his first wife Margaret in 2000, his parents Clarence and Alice and his brothers Earl, Richard, and Harry.
Ernie was born on August 9, 1935, in Grand Forks and moved to Nelson at the age of 3. He joined the Boy Scouts earning his King's Scout award and earned his pilots licence in Chilliwack while a member of the Nelson air cadets.
Ernie had a strong sense of community. He was a member of Nelson Teen Town, Jaycees, and the Nelson Gyro Club. He was passionate about politics and served with both the local Social Credit, Progressive Conservative, and Liberal parties. He was passionate about Nelson and area and always promoted the region whenever possible.
He continued serving both the Scouting and Girl Guide organizations through his membership of over 50 years with the Camp Busk Society. This group manages properties that are used by the youth throughout the Kootenays, and he has served as Director, President, and Financial Officer.
He worked delivering groceries, the parts department of Winginton Motors and Nelson Greyhound before finding his true calling as a realtor. He started work with Lambert Realty, bought the company which became McDonald Mason and finally CW Appleyard.
In 1971, he became the first realtor to sell one million dollars in real estate and in 1980 was awarded a lifetime membership in the Kootenay Real Estate Board. He was also an active member of the business community.
Ernie enjoyed hiking into small lakes in the area to go fishing and later spent a lot of his time at his place on Kootenay Lake.
Ernie is survived by his wife Joan, his two sons Chris (Mari-Jo) and Gord (Karen) and his four grand children Michael, Peter, Kevin and Kate, Joan's daughters, Kelly (Steve), Robin (Jeff) grandchildren Maeve and Ian and sisters Beryl Walgren and Janet Hulkrans and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wants to thank Dr. Lee MacKay, palliative care home care nurses and the nursing staff of the 3rd floor of Kootenay Lake Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Society or BC Heart and Stroke Foundation. At Ernie's request there will be no memorial service.
To leave a personal message of condolences please see Thompson Funeral Service website: www.thompsonfs.ca
Thompson Funeral Service