This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: MASON, VALENTINE Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/nZB.2ACE/335 Message Board Post: The Hood River News, Hood River, OR., October 30, 1925, page 1 PRINCE AMONG MEN DIES IN PORTLAND Seldom has there been such a general expression of regret in all parts of the valley as on Sunday and Monday, when it became known that Walter Mason, of Parkdale, had passed away on Sunday in Portland, after losing a fight with endocarditis, a painful affection of the heart. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Walter Leonard Mason grew to manhood in the East. He graduated in engineering at Princeton University, and after working as his profession in the East, came to the West in 1910. He quickly became associated with fruit-growing in the Upper Valley and joined Messrs. Uptegrove and Cornell in what is still known as the U.C.M. ranch. In 1911, he married Miss Ida Valentine, of Toledo, Ohio, at the home of her sister in Seattle, and four children blessed this union. From the day he arrived here in the valley, Walter Mason became identified with every progressive movement, more often than not, as leader. His training as an engineer and the quiet assurance which the word of Walter Mason carried with it, was behind many of the larger projects which have marked the development of this valley in the past fifteen years. His fine personality won for him the respect of every man with whom he came into contact, and men who were closely associated with him through the years, and some of them, disastrous years, say that Walter Mason never made an enemy. When the Loop Highway was projected he joined those who supported the project and appeared at various centers in the valley to urge residents to get behind what is today recognized as one of the greatest assets this county has. While, as was natural, his greatest efforts have left their mark in the community at Parkdale in which he lived, there are few men and women in Hood River county who did! not know Walter Mason for a veritable “prince among men.” When, several months ago, he was stricken with illness, the thought never for a moment occurred to his many friends that Walter Mason would not return to the valley he loved so well. But Fate ordained that it should be so, and Walter Mason passed away on Sunday, after a painful illness of several months. Funeral services were held at the Finley Chapel and were conducted by the Rev. W.L. Van Nuys, who knew Mr. Mason years ago at Parkdale, and the Rev. R.A. Hutchinson. Talking as his text “Abraham the Builder,” Mr. Van Nuys paid a well-deserved tribute to the deceased man. It is of interest to many to recall that Mr. Mason ran the transit which established the base line of what is now the city of Gary, Ind. Besides a host of friends he leaves, to regret his death, his widow and four young children, the oldest being 12 years old. Walter Mason In the death of Walter Mason last Sunday morning, Parkdale and Hood River Valley lost one of its most valued citizens. Entering Princeton together in the class of 1905, the writer has known him for nearly 25 years. In college, as in after years, his integrity of character and genial nature won the respect and esteem of his fellows. During the 15 years and more that he was a resident of the Upper Valley, he gave largely of his time and effort to the upbuilding of his community, in the Church, the schools and civic affairs. Feeling and accepting the responsibilities of citizenship, his ideal of service never faltered. He worked for ends his allotment of life did not allow him to see realize. But if it is not only achievement that matters; if the steadfast striving counts too -- then, in the years still ahead, when his community does have some of these things, may yet it be remembered that it is due in no small degree, to the high endeavor of the quiet, kindly, strong spirit of Walter Mason. Eugene Eurer. This was posted for reference only. I am not related to, nor am I researching this family. If you have additional information about the person or event listed above, please post it as reply to this message.