Obituary of John D. Mason

John David Mason, 80, born Myrl Ross Koonce, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 16, 2019 in the quiet hours of the morning at Tess’s Adult Care Home in Milwaukie, Oregon. John, the eldest of three sons was born January 22, 1939 in the Watts section of Los Angeles, California to Dwight Davis Koonce and Grace Delight (Langdon) Koonce. As a young boy, John enjoyed family vacations including camping in the Redwoods, boating on Lake Mead and playing in the snow with his brothers, Wayne and Dale, at Big Bear and Mt Hermon. He attended Susan Miller Dorsey High School. Though school proved difficult and trying for John due to being dyslexic, he went on to further his education at Westmont College in Santa Barbara. It was there he discovered his passion for helping other learn. John graduated from Westmont with a BA in Education. After college, John worked a few years as an elementary school teacher and lived in San Francisco. While he had a heart for teaching/mentoring and a passion for helping others John decided to make a career and life change. John sought out a fresh start moving to Portland, Oregon in the early 1970’s. He found the connection, guidance and career he was seeking when he was introduced to William Temple House and Father Abbott; A career that spanned 17 years during which he honed his leadership, training and mentoring skill. John fulfilled many roles at W.T.H. allowing him varied opportunities to counsel and guide clients, staff and volunteers and to build the organization. As the Director of Volunteers, John was able to do what he loved - train and mentor. It was also during his time in Portland that John met and fell in love with David Yeager. They shared their lives together for nearly 25 years. After his time with William Temple House new opportunities with United Way took John and David to Chicago, Illinois and then on to Palm Beach County, Florida. Through his contacts at W.T.H. and U.W. he found many opportunities to give of himself in volunteer roles. He was active with the Association for Volunteer Administration and served as Chair of the Pacific NW Region and First Vice President of the Board of Directors. Outside of work, John enjoyed travel. As a young man he participated in a 6 week study tour of Asia which whet his appetite for travel. In later years he traveled with friends and family both in the states and abroad.He and David celebrated John’s 60th birthday on a Caribbean cruise. John retired in 2006 and he and David returned to Portland; a place they both considered home. John not only had a passion for teaching but also for learning. He was an avid reader and liked to study many subjects. After David passed, John focused more time towards spiritual and religious studies. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and joined a four year course on Education for Ministry. John saw it as a life changing experience allowing him to reconcile his personal and spiritual convictions. John was greatly overjoyed to celebrate his 80th birthday with his brother and a few close friends. He stated he was a contented and happy man. He will be missed by his colleagues, friends and family. John was preceded in death by David Yeager, his life partner, his parents Dwight Koonce and Grace Graham and his brother Wayne Koonce. He is survived by his brother, Dale Koonce (Antha) of Leonardtown, Maryland. Much appreciation and gratitude is extended to Providence Hospice, Tess’s Adult Care Home and to all those individuals who provide John with the best comfort and care during his final days. Funeral Services with be held Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. A reception will held in the Morrison room at Trinity following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to William Temple House or Center for Spiritual Development Trinity Cathedral.