Mason Parrish

Mason, “Mace” to everyone, was born in Malden, Massachusetts on March 27, 1930 to Kenneth and Arbutus (MacCorkle) Parrish. Mace had one older brother, Lawrence, who was 10 years his senior. Mace had a happy childhood with a loving family who taught Mace the values of honesty, hard work, patriotism and basic Christian religion. One of Maces happiest childhood moment was when his brother, who was serving in the US Navy during World War II, returned home after the war, safe and sound.

Mace joined the US Air Force in 1948 as enlisted airman. Mace served for 20 years in the Air Force and retired in 1968 as a Major. The majority of his military career was spent as an officer in Explosive Ordinance Disposals (EOD). EODs are the specialists who bravely serve as the Air Force’s bomb squad. Assigned to some of the most dangerous missions, they perform tactically harrowing and technically demanding tasks in diverse environments worldwide. A job for the best and bravest, they do what needs to be done to keep others safe. Mace served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Early in his military career as a single officer Mace enjoyed his time in the military and lived a happy go lucky life. His proudest career accomplishment was becoming a tech sergeant and then later becoming a commissioned officer, and finally achieving the rank of Major.

In 1960 Mace married Martha “Marty” Beasley. According to Mace the best thing to happen in Mace's life was marrying Marty, and the saddest thing was when Marty passed away in 2001 from cancer. Mace and Marty had many friends over the years and were always the life of the party no matter where they went. In 1968 Mace joined the Colorado judicial system as a bailiff in Denver, CO. He worked there for about 10 years then transferred over to the Aurora court system and work for Aurora courts until he retired in 2005. Mace and Marty bought a new home in Aurora and lived there for over 40 years. In 2014 Mace sold his home and moved to Garden Plaza of Aurora Independent living community. Mace's favorite hobby was playing the electric piano called a Clavinova. He has played electric keyboards and organs for over 30 years. He always was proud to tell people that he plays easy music. Which means everything is done with one finger on each hand and the electric piano converts all of his one finger keys to all the right cords. His favorite music was the big bands of the 1940's. The day before he passed on he and his nephew Larry had gone shopping for new headphones for his electric piano and was excited to try them out when he got home. He was happy and looking forward to playing his piano. Mace enjoyed living at Garden Plaza and was comfortable and content.

Mace is now survived by his two nephews Larry Graham and Richard (Jayne) Graham. Larry, Richard and Jayne have helped him over the last 15 years when he needed someone to assist him in his endeavors. They spent time visiting, taking him out to dinner, transporting him to appointments and whatever was necessary for him. Mace is now reunited with his true love Marty, his parents, and his brother Lawrence. I am sure heaven is now filled with one finger Clavinova music, laughter, stories between him and his brother, and hugs. We are blessed with the comfort of knowing the best and the bravest of these guardian angels watching over us.

We will miss him dearly...