Francis L Mason

Francis (Frank) Lewis Mason, P.Eng., M.E.I.C., Halifax, passed on peacefully on Sunday, June 23rd, in his ninety-seventh year.

Born on October 30th, 1915, in Tangier, Nova Scotia, the fourth child and eldest son of nine children of Stanley and Elizabeth E. (Murphy) Mason. A childhood filled with love of family and guidance by his Father’s side, from baiting a hook to building a house, early endowed him with a tenacity of spirit bred of the times.

‘Now a promise made is a debt unpaid…’

During the Depression, as a young man, Frank held a number of jobs, from woodsman to carpenter’s helper, eventually going to Sudbury in 1935 to work for Inco in the Nickel mines.

A summer trip home to Tangier in 1941 changed his life forever when he met a beautiful young woman, Effie Edwina, who he subsequently married on the 19th September, 1942, and for the next seventy years they remained devoted to each other.

From 1942-45 Frank served with the Canadian Navy.

At War’s end, with a wife and two children, pursuing his dream, Frank entered university and graduating from SFXU and NSTC with a degree in Civil Engineering. His memorable career began with the N.S. Department of Highways, building highways throughout N.S. In 1957 he joined Eastern Contracting Ltd. In New Glasgow where he was responsible for all major building projects in Eastern Canada; he moved on after eleven years to the N.S. Housing Commission as Chief Engineer of Field Services, from which he retired in 1980. Whether building highways, office complexes or major land developments, an enduring personal highlight was his supervision of the completion of the Canso Causeway.

During his working years, Frank and Effie resided respectively in Amherst, New Glasgow and finally Halifax, where they remained throughout retirement. Many happy memories for family and friends were made on the beach at Black Point in Pictou County.

In keeping with his childhood love of the outdoors, Frank was a committed recreational angler who shared this passion widely with family and friends. He also passed down his superb wood crafting skills and deep respect for nature.

Most leisure days were dedicated to gardening side by side with Effie, property maintenance (real or imagined) and always a daily stroll or two.

Favourite memories of children and grandchildren were of fishing trips and these long walks where Frank would greet all who passed. “The Cremation of Sam Magee” quoted herein, was his favourite poem, would often be recited to the delight of grandchildren and the magic turtle would always be brimming with treats when the grandchildren visited.

Colder weather brought curling, bridge and, of course, cribbage – the latter for the unwary, or unrepentant. Frank and Effie travelled near and far regularly, especially to spend time with family. Trips to Western Canada, the Caribbean, Europe and South East Asia were features throughout later years. Frank was a life member of APENS and Philae Temple. He was also a member of the Abercrombie Golf and Country Club in New Glasgow, Mayflower Curling Club and St. Philips Anglican Church in Halifax where he served as Warden for two years on the Church Parish Council and ten years as Chairman of the Building Committee.

‘And the stars o’erhead were dancing heel and toe…’

Frank is survived by his wife Effie, daughter Gail Boylan (Michael), son Peter Michael (Susan), son Frank (Trish), son Steven (Doreen), daughter- in- law Trish; grandchildren, Victoria, Andrew, Michael, Patrick, Samara, Jonathan Ryan, Susannah, Zachary, Brent, Kirk, Patrice, Natalie, Taylor Rhiannon, Geneva, Francis Keenan, Joshua; great grandchildren, Eli, Eliana, Elijah; and brother, Burpee. Frank was predeceased by his sons Francis (in infancy) and Gary (Trish) 2008; brothers, Lionel, Stan; and sisters, Pearl, Thelma, Hildred, Kathleen and Tina.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at a time yet to be determined. More information is available from J. A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, N.S. The family would request that you say ‘Hello’ to a stranger when walking past. As Frank would say, “you never know who you might miss.” Donations in his memory may be made to Feed Nova Scotia.

Frank Mason’s life will be remembered most for the quality with which he lived it. He had a generous heart, a loving spirit and a spark of magic.

Walk on Frank, walk on…we’ll catch up.

Francis (Frank) Lewis Mason – ‘A Gentlemen to the end.’

The family would like to thank the staff at Arborstone. Your care and compassion never ceased to amaze us. To leave an on-line condolence, please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com