Gerald (Jerry) Vincent Mason

February 23, 1942 – September 29, 2022 

It is with incredible sadness that our family announces the passing of Jerry Mason. Jerry will forever be in our hearts and lovingly remembered by his wife, Jeannette; son Mark (Erin); daughter Marne (Glenn); grandchildren Aubree, Joel (Kaity), Baillee, and Samantha; brother Barry (Sue); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Jerry was predeceased by his parents, Jake and Lois Mason, and his sister Cheryl Trueman.

Jerry was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. He fondly recalled his early years growing up there and always remained passionate about the Maritimes. He made sure to school us all from an early age on the importance of Rita McNeil, Anne Murray and of course Stompin’ Tom Connors. Whether it was visiting ‘down home’, asking if you ‘ever heard tell’, ordering up a lobster feast or proudly displaying his Nova Scotia flags and licence plates, he never passed up an opportunity to remind you that a “special passport” was needed to be allowed into Nova Scotia.

Jerry spent his teenage years exploring different parts of Canada depending which Air Force base his family was stationed at. It was during their time in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, that Jerry took his first flight. At the age of 14 he was hooked, his feet barely touching the ground since! Jerry first worked towards his private pilot licence, and then in 1962 went on to get his commercial licence at Bradley Air Services in Carp, Ontario. His career as a pilot was taking off! Jerry started working at Lamb Airways in The Pas, Manitoba, flying across Canada and all throughout the Arctic. Whether he was shuttling geologists to various sites or supplies to remote communities, Jerry was happily flying around, accumulating hours, adventures, and life-long friendships. In 1966 Jerry joined Manitoba Air Division, flying the Air Ambulance until 1974 when he was appointed Chief Pilot and was off to Winnipeg. In 1977 Jerry became the Supervisor of Air Operations with Manitoba Natural Resources. This career move allowed him to put his extensive knowledge and experience with aircraft to work. He was dispatching air support to battle forest fires in Manitoba and across Canada. Jerry spent 20 years with Natural Resources before retiring in 1997.

Throughout his flying career, Jerry obtained his Senior Commercial pilot licence, Airline Transport licence, and Commercial helicopter endorsement for single and multi-engine land and sea aircraft. He flew over 30 different types of aircraft and always felt most at home with a set of floats below him. From the DHC Turbo Beaver to the Bell 47D helicopter, the MU2 to the Viscount, the Canadair CL215 Water Bomber to his trusty Aeronca Champ – Jerry never met an aircraft he wasn’t born to fly. Jerry was an active member of the Springfield Flying Club and over the years enjoyed many fly-in breakfasts, chili bashes and barbeques. One of his most favourite places was sitting in the hanger visiting his many friends there.

As much as Jerry loved flying, he loved his family even more. While working in The Pas he met, fell in love with, and promptly married the love of his life, Jeannette. He remained lovingly devoted to ‘The Warden’ through 57 years of marriage. Within a few years they became their own little family of four. First they were blessed with a son, Mark, and 2 years later followed a daughter, Marne. With the addition of children, more space was needed. In true Mason style, Jerry built them a home with his own two hands. Everyone in The Pas remembers it as the green house behind the A&W. In 1974 with his Chief Pilot promotion, Jerry moved the family to Winnipeg. He spent countless hours on their new home there, building a garage and gazebo, always painting and maintaining, all to make sure his family was comfortable and well cared for.

Jerry and Jan enjoyed many travel experiences over the years. They’ve been coast to coast in Canada and down through the States, one of Jerry’s favorite destinations being Oshkosh for the Air Show. He even tried his hand at tropical vacations, exploring Hawaii, Jamaica, and FINALLY was convinced to try Mexico. One trip to Puerto Vallarta and Jerry was a confirmed Snowbird. Together they made this annual trek for 17 years. Many trips, memories, adventures and wonderful friendships were made along the way.

Above all, Jerry’s proudest promotion was to Grampa. Aubree, Joel, Baillee and Samantha brought pure joy to his life. He was instantly in love from the first moment each was born. He loved having them to the flying club and thought nothing of jumping in The Champ to go pick one of them up at the cottage. He loved when they had sleepovers, made a game of tossing them in a blanket, and his very favourite, ‘camping out’ in the back of his old Toyota truck. He enjoyed many vacations with them including special birthdays in Mexico and planning cabin time at Pelican Lake and Lac Du Bonnet. Jerry formed his own special bond with each individually. He would sit and listen (sometimes for hours) wanting to know about them, their growing interests, and what they were passionate about. He cherished their time together whether they discussed world affairs, listened to them play music, talked about their activities or just watched a game together. Jerry never hesitated to impart his wisdom if asked, provide a helping hand when needed, sit proudly at any event he attended, or just simply sit quietly and enjoy their company. They will forever have his example to live by, his sage advice to follow and his unconditional love to surround them every step of their way.

Jerry spent his life pursuing his dreams and building relationships with everyone he met. He had a slower Maritime pace about him combined with a zest for life. He was famous the world over for his sense of humor, loving to tell jokes and pull pranks — ask anyone about his Elk Call. His humor loved to come out by giving nicknames to things and people. He would be heard asking you to get out your ‘ougi board’ or calling to ‘The Warden’ for a cup of coffee. There was also Little Joe, Skipper, Luigi, White-eyes, Klunker, Sparkplug, Nitro, and Pepper, just to name a few. Jerry would give you the plaid shirt off his back or the straw hat off his head. He was happy to pour you a ‘schnib’ and cook you a smokie and was always up for a ‘prayer meeting’ or a good garage party. His door was always open, his bar stocked and his barbeque at the ready.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the many friends who have helped over the past years as Jerry’s health declined. We would also like to thank the many medical professionals who cared for him, particularly Dr. Albak, Dr. McGregor and Dr. Kroeker.

In keeping with Jerry’s wishes, a private viewing and cremation have taken place.