John Dancer
Mason, 69, of Hamilton, the husband of Sharon L. (Koelsch) Mason,
died on January 15, 2011 at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, from
complications of pneumonia.
He was born in
Stockbridge, Michigan on July 18, 1941, son of the late Joseph and
Marion (Dancer) Mason. He graduated from Kalamazoo College in
Michigan, where he excelled in his two favorite pursuits, academics
and sports. He continued his education at Michigan State University
where he received his Ph.D. in Economics and where he met Sharon,
his wife to be.
Accepting a call
to teach at Gordon College, they moved to Hamilton where he began a
thirty-nine year career as a professor. He founded the Economics
department at Gordon, co-founded the Association of Christian
Economists, and led the board for many years at the Emmanuel Gospel
Center in Boston. He actively served the church on numerous
committees fostering his and others' deep commitment to missions.
At Gordon, John's passion for teaching and his specific concerns
for the poor and underprivileged inspired his students to love
learning and to follow Christ's call in their own lives, remaining
life long friends with many. In addition to teaching, his research
focused on finding solutions for the problems of the inner city.
John was loved and respected by his students and colleagues.
Christ's love
was particularly reflected in his life with a deep devotion for his
wife, children and grandchildren. In addition to his wife Sharon of
forty-four years, he is survived by two daughters, Christiana
Ostrowski and her husband Matt and their nine children of Essex and
Mignon Mason and her husband Jared, and their three children of
Hoboken, New Jersey. He is also survived by his sister, Susan
Howard of Traverse City, Michigan. He was predeceased by his son
Matthew.
A memorial
service will be held on Saturday, January 22nd at 10 am
in Christ the Redeemer Church, 188 Elliott Street (Rt. 62), Danvers
followed by interment in the Hamilton Cemetery. Family and friends
are respectfully welcomed. Arrangements are under the direction of
the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home of Ipswich. Memorial contributions
in his name may be made to The Emmanuel Gospel Center, P.O. Box
180245, Boston, MA 02118-0994
