Philip Lloyd Mason

Philip was born in 1933 in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Lloyd and Martha (Schumacher) Mason, joining older sister Joanne. He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1951 and received his Bachelor of Music Education from Western Michigan College (now University), where he studied with Julius Stulberg in preparation for his career as a violinist and professor of music.

Philip met fellow Western student Coral Lee Briney when she was assigned as accompanist for his violin lessons. They were married June 12, 1955, the day after their graduation from Western, and continued a rich collaboration that would span over 70 more years. They were blessed with 4 daughters, 12 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Faith, family, and music were integral to Philip’s life. A devoted Christian who especially enjoyed reading C.S. Lewis, he was a longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Albion, Michigan, where he served as Sunday School superintendent, deacon, elder, and choir director. He frequently played violin for services, with Coral at the piano. His life and legacy were shaped by his abiding faith in the saving grace of God through Christ.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, cherishing time spent quietly at home with Coral and time spent (not so quietly) with their beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passing along his deep faith in God, his gentle wisdom, his great love of Detroit Tigers baseball and University of Michigan football, and the occasional terrible pun.

Philip was Emeritus Professor of Music at Albion College, where he taught music theory and strings for 34 years. He directed the college orchestra and mentored hundreds of students, many of whom became dear friends. While at Albion, he earned his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Michigan, studying with Gilbert Ross, Angel Reyes, and Stuart Canin.

Philip was the first Concertmaster Emeritus of the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, having retired in 2001 after 40 years of service. Highlights of his JSO career included performing the Brahms Double Concerto with Winifred Mayes, and later with his grandson, Brian Hodges; the Mozart Sinfonia Concertante with Paul Neubauer; and the violin concertos of Beethoven, Korngold, and Bruch. Most of all, he enjoyed being able to perform with his wife, Coral; grandson Brian and his wife, Betsi Hodges; and many close friends.

At various points in his career, he served as concertmaster of the Kalamazoo, Westshore, and Battle Creek symphonies. He enjoyed the opportunity to play and conduct in some of the great halls and cathedrals of the world, including Carnegie Hall and Notre Dame.

Philip was one of the founders of the Esther and Julius Stulberg International String Competition in Kalamazoo. As chairman of the judging committee, he worked closely with a number of respected artists and teachers, including Yehudi Menuhin, Josef Gingold, and Joshua Bell.

Philip’s family is grateful for his caring church family at St. Paul and his wonderful tennis buddies, neighbors, former students, and other dear friends who brought so much joy to his life.

Philip was preceded in death by his daughter Kathy (Don) Hodges, who was also a career musician. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Coral Lee; daughters (and sons-in-law) Jeanie (Tom) Whittle of Galesburg, IL, Susie (Mark) Engstrom of Buffalo Grove, IL, and Sandy Mason (Robert) Rivera of Medina, OH; grandchildren Brian (Betsi) Hodges, Stephen (Kendra) Whittle, Michael (Kyli) Whittle, Gregory (Megan) Whittle, Ben (Rachel) Whittle, David (Sarah Leahy) Whittle, Jonathan (Sydney Christine) Whittle, Philip Engstrom, Marcus Engstrom, David Engstrom, Coral Ciupak, and Barbara Ciupak; great-grandchildren Clara Hodges and Harper, Margot, Winry, Luna, Sophia, Noah, Alex, Luke, Leo, Eli, Anthony, and Milo Whittle; brother-in-law Dr. Walter (Janie) Briney; and special cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of Philip’s life will be held on Saturday, November 1, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 100 Luther Blvd., Albion, Michigan, with visitation at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church.