| William
Allyn Mason 12/25/38 - 9/11/03 |
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Send
submissions I will post new submissions as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours after I receive them Multiple submissions are encouraged. I expect the memories of others may stimulate more of your own. ----------------------------- Obituaries Cincinnatti Enquirer, 9/30/03 -----------------------------
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LIFE WITHOUT BILL Remarks
Delivered at his funeral "I
bring death as a messenger of joy. Why do ye grieve?" It has been eleven days since Bill has abandoned this mortal life and has flown to the kingdom of immortality. The initial shock of that news has been replaced with moments of reflection as I try to extract lessons and memories of the many ways he touched my life. In response to the question "Who knew he passed this way?" I can offer the following testimony. In doing so I will share my response to the title of my remarks, LIFE WITHOUT BILL. Hopefully this may provide some comfort and solace as each of you craft your own ways of coping with his death. I first met Bill in 1973 while serving with him on the Commission on Minorities and Public Broadcasting sponsored by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. I was quite impressed by his knowledge of the field, his persistence in pressing the linkages between the work of the commission and the larger issues of racial and social justice, his humor, his flair and his pure creativity. I caught a glimpse of genius. I witnessed leadership in the sense that his vision of what should be for the racially excluded inspired his fellow commissioners to produce a progressive and realistic set of recommendations. Most importantly he taught me what were "public" about public broadcasting and the obligation to educate those least well served through a variety of media. I became his student. Today I serve on the national board of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) where I apply the precepts taught by Bill. In many ways I continue to "carry his mail" on the vision and mission of public broadcasting. I recruited Bill to the Graduate School of Education in 1974 where he completed both a Masters and Doctorate Degree. Over a five year period he was in my graduate courses, served as my research assistant, served as my teaching assistant in my undergraduate courses in the Dept. of African American Studies at Harvard College and worked as a colleague on a number of professional consulting engagements. In the 1980's Bill joined me in building the Aetna Institute for Corporate Education in Hartford, Ct. His work on adult education and distance learning was cutting edge and for which we received international acclaim. His leadership in our Saturday Academy for inner city 7th graders and the adults in their lives led to national recognition. The Saturday Academy changed the way this country thought about weekend education and the appropriate role of corporations. During this period, Bill's conceptual and spiritual "finger prints" could be found on many of my public speeches, many of my published articles and much of my work on National Commissions. He was one of my close collaborators who taught me much about effective "co-laboring." Most recently Bill joined the Phelps Stokes Fund as a Senior Fellow. The Phelps Stokes Fund is the oldest continuous operating foundation dedicated to the twin goals of education for human development of African Americans in the Diaspora , American Indians, and racial harmony. Whether fashioning new ideas with Hubert Guest for urban development or working with Steve Klein on a new model for service learning at African Universities committed to increasing the capacity of communities to care for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, Bill was tireless in his commitment to make sure Phelps Stokes would fulfill its mission. Here Bill was my valued colleague in the transformation of a 90+ year old institution. Bill wore a number of "hats" in both our relationship and in those relationships with others that I observed. There was Bill the trusted family friend who was one of the few who knew my mother, my father, my sisters, my wife, my wife's mother and our two sons. Others can testify to his role in their families. Ask John and Mary Ann Butkovich or Tom and Ann Welsh or Kevin and his wife. There was "Uncle Bill" to numerous families who have discovered in his death that they have many "cousins". You can locate some of them on the memorial website RICHARDGINGRAS.COM/billmason. What a wonderful tribute to Bill if those younger folks from such diverse backgrounds got to know each other and thereby carried his memory well into the 21st Century. Bill had the capacity to make each child feel that he was there for them, just them. Much like the television personality, Mr. Rogers, Bill knew how to relate to and bond with children. He took them seriously. They took him seriously. He knew how to bond. He kept alive his sense of play and whimsy. One of his closest "pals" was a nine year old who broke his heart when he died suddenly in 1986. I overheard Bill sobbing privately but outwardly he was calm, helpful and compassionate. Inwardly he was deeply wounded over the loss of his best friend and our son, Qasim. There was Bill the Mentor/Coach who took responsibility for the growth and career development of young talented individuals who have gone on to become wonderful professionals who have not lost their sense of social obligation to make things better for those at the margins. Ask the Jeff', Glenn, Tom's, Ira, Mike and others how he touched their lives. Finally, there was Bill the host who had the knack for locating a neighborhood bar and transforming it into his "Living Room", "Intellectual/Artistic Salon" and where the "elite meet to greet" in his presence. He anchored his relationships with these establishments by creating a close friendship with the owners, managers and/or major patrons. Recall the Wine Bar and Abe in Cincinnati, the Casa Blanca and Sari Abul-Jubein in Cambridge, Aldo's in Hartford and Big/Little Joes, the Larchmere and Kevin in Cleveland. There must have been others in Washington D.C. where he lived and was a radio personality on Radio Pacifica. Bill's core values included intellectual courage, loyalty and whimsy. He enjoyed the engagement of ideas and the sparks of truth that emerge when those ideas clash. Civility was the hallmark of such engagements. When he gave his word, he kept his word. That is the essence of loyalty. When too many of us become so serious about events and personalities, Bill would introduce "whimsy" as an effective antedote. These values are captured in the following Mason quotes: "I am highly allergic to pain" (comment to any physician or dentist treating him. This might partially explain his very quick transition from this world to the next.) "No germs and no babies" (advice given to youth about to begin freshman year in college) "You live longer if you don't dip" (advice to prying noses adamant on minding other people's business) Enjoying being introduced as "Himself" or "the Swarthy One" I am sure there are other quotes that come to mind and I hope you will share them frequently as you live life without Bill. And
now it is time to say good bye. Bill has moved to another existence
where "he may plunge into the sea of light in the world of
mysteries." While the physical separation is temporary, each
of us is reminded of the facts that none of us knows how much time
we have left in this world and none of us knows our end. What is
important is how we make our choices about spending however much
time we have left. As for me, life without Bill will be easier and
sweeter if call his name while reciting my daily prayer from the
Baha'i writings: Therefore
with the time remaining be loving parents to the orphan, and a refuge
to the helpless, and a treasury for the poor and a cure for the
ailing. Thank you. Badi Foster ------------------------------ Susan
Miriam Castelan was speaking with Bill Mason on the telephone last
week, a few days before his coming to the West Coast, when Susan
remarked that it was good that he was coming because she was going
to die soon. Bill responded with humor and intelligence, as usual,
and replied, "you can never be sure when talking about death,
why do you think I won't die before you?" At
that moment, Susan scoffed at the suggestion saying, "you are Daniel del Solar NOTE: Susan Miriam Castelan passed away Monday, September 29th. ------------------------------ Hello Everyone, Bill's funeral services were yesterday. There was a wake on Sun. afternoon with a large crowd in attendance. Yesterday's funeral service was beautiful. It was at St Marks Church in Evanston in Cinti. A beautiful church that provided a perfect setting for Bill's sendoff. There were four Priests presiding, with three of them old friends of Bill. I'm not sure how many were in attendance but a guess would be about 150. Pete Randolph who did one of readings was a classmate of Bill's at Depores High School. The gospel choir was outstanding, as was the soloist. It was just beautiful. A representative of the Ohio House of Representatives read a wonderful Proclamation in honor of Bill, that was followed by three touching, moving, and heartfelt eulogies by Daniel Del Solar, Larry Simpson (from Cleveland) and Ken Blackwell current Attorney General for the state of Ohio (soon to be running for Governor). Burial followed across the street in Calvary Cemetery followed by reception at Xavier University. There were about 100 to 159 at Church; old friends, new friends and all loving friends of Bill and the family. Bill's sisters Mildred and Alberta thank everyone who shared their sorrow and gifts of condolences with them. For those of you unable to be with us, I assure you that the tribute to Bill's life and gifts he shared with all of us was honored with a funeral that none of us will ever forget. His light will shine upon us forever. Gibbs Mac Veigh Addendum: I have a few stores to share also. Some of you are aware I lost my wife, suddenly, after 47 years of marriage, on Mar. 31 of this year. Bill immediately came to Cinti. to spend the first week with me to help me over the loss of Marty. That was Billmason. He taught me to cook! The only thing I remember is while cooking a hamburger in a skillet; just pour a half a can of mushroom soup into the pan and all mistakes will disappear. Frankly, Bill was a Godsend. He kept me going. One night Bill and I joined some of our kids (we have seven) for dinner in a local dive, joint or whatever. Around 9:30 I was almost asleep and Bill was almost awake. I asked if one of the kids would be willing to bring Bill home if I left. Beth said sure so I departed. The next morning I asked Bill what time he got home and he mumbled some prayer I didn't understand because I think he was either still asleep or "recovering". Later I asked Beth what time she got home and she said 3 or 4am. (Beth has six kids with the oldest 12, so I never said anything to my son in law…better part of valor). Yes, all our kids also called Bill Uncle. Back in the seventies I told Bill I was going to take our two oldest sons to the Smokey Mountains to camp for a weekend. Bill said "I'll go" and he brought his nephew. After we set up camp and settled-in Bill informed he brought his favorite pie, blue berry. We had the pie in a cooler outside the tent. You guessed it; a "nice" bear woke us up trashing our cooler etc. That did it for Bill. "I'm never ever going camping again" and a few other well chosen words. Needless to say, we headed home early. However, on the way home we stopped in a State Park for lunch in Tenn. or Ky. As we were sitting at a picnic table and the kids were doing what kids do, a State Trooper pulled next to our car. Bill turned to me and said to me "Do they still have segregation down here?" When Barney Fife arrived he asked if we aware that drinking alcohol in State Parks in not permitted. As I jammed my foot on Bill's foot knowing that a masoism was about to pop out. I answered that we are from Ohio, thinking that would answer everything (you east coasters understand). We took our Bud's and left. Bill again reiterated that "I'm never going on a f..king camping trip again. About
ten years ago, my wife Marty, was the general chair of Xavier University
annual Mardi Gras Ball at one of the downtown hotels. We invited
Bill as our guest and told him it was Black tie. He was ok with
that and off we went. When the event was over Bill said "what's
next"? We said we had a complementary room in the hotel and
he welcome to join for some more libations. As the evening wore
on Bill asked if he could stay in the room with us and sleep on
the couch. We said "sure". Since I am the early bird I
hit the queen bed and Marty and Bill continued to discuss the problems
of mankind. We will all miss Bill until we are able to join him wherever. Gibbs
Mac Veigh ------------------------------ Straight to the Comet(s) I wish
I had those napkins now my god Bill we miss you Mike
L.
------------------------------ I
met Bill when I was a summer intern in 1986 at the Aetna Institute
for Corporate Education. I was a college student at the time at
The American University. I worked in a cubicle next to him with
Claude Martin, Vicky Gallo and others in I think the customer service
department at that time. I instantly struck up a good friendship
with Bill and we used to talk often, go to Aldo's and the Comet
with Badi and Claude and others, and I visited him at his condo
on Asylum Hill a few times. Bill used to kid me that because I went
to The American University in Washington, D.C., that I was just
a partier - not a "real student." He told me that he knew
one of our famous alumni - Kermit Washington - who was a basketball
star at the university in the '70s. He also liked to use the word
'urbane' in describing himself. I kept in touch with him while he
was in Hartford and working at the Aetna. I also stayed at the Aetna
for several more summers and worked in other divisions in the company.
But, we used to get together occasionally for lunch, etc. Up to
a few months ago, I was still getting emails from him with jokes,
etc. ------------------------------ I
met Bill in person only once, and then briefly. But I knew him through
the eyes and love of his friend, Terry Toepker. That love, and stories
told with laughter, made a place in my heart for Bill, however slight
our acquaintance. Thus I mourn his passing, but I am saddened most
by the pain of those who knew him well. The loss of such a good
and generous soul touches us all. ------------------------------ I was privileged to meet Mr. Mason when I was teaching religion class to high school students at St. Clement Church in St. Bernard Ohio in the 60's. Bill came to speak to my students. He presented his information in a down-to-earth fashion. God only knows if his message got through to them. Afterwards he and our assistant pastor came to my home. We sat and talked for hours. He told us what it was like to be black in the Catholic church. I was shocked and surprised. He had a way of speaking that touched me. I never saw him again, but he had a way of impressing his personality on me. I never forgot him and inquired about his whereabouts occasionally. I lost track of him in the 70's. He was a good man and only God knows how much good he accomplished. I know he will be missed by his friends and family. I will miss him and I hardly knew him. I'm grateful for my one connection with him. God bless!! Kay
Schindler ------------------------------ Bill
first became a beloved member of our family when he and our son,
Mike, were students at Xavier University. A visit from Bill was
always an Anna and Pat Harmon
------------------------------ It has been many years since I saw Bill Mason. To meet him and to talk to him was to have a friend for life. I remember his quick wit and his ability to connect with people instantaneously. Bill,
I know your search for justice and peace, for friendship and Bob Wubbolding ------------------------------ Bill Mason, a Harvard fellow, loved to travel. On 9-11-03, with bag in hand and a ticket to ride, he left us one last time. have a peaceful journey, dear friend. (memorial card) Julie Morse Havighurst ------------------------------ The first words that come to my mind when thinking about Bill Mason are "a gentleman and a scholar". And as I write those words I can hear his voice saying "oh please" and see him rolling his eyes. And while those words do capture a part of who he was, they do not do justice to his playful side. I loved his laugh. I remember us debating about which movie to see one evening, and deciding on Moulin Rouge. While the movie was delightful, it was enhanced by hearing Bill's hearty laughter as the improbable events unfolded. Afterward we spent part of our time at dinner trying to describe the movie. We came up with something like "La Boheme meets Cabaret meets Rocky Horror Picture Show." Our conversations were always interesting and far-ranging - and often just fun. They went non-stop from movies to politics to restaurants to his adventures in various cities to his current projects to the current books he and we were reading and on from there. Somehow even talking about day to day things like what barbershop he used and why was enjoyable. I will always be grateful to Fred and Laurie Vrabel for inviting Bill and us to their home for Thanksgiving dinner shortly after we moved here. And my gratitude is not only for the thoughtfulness of their sharing this special family time with us, but because we met Bill there. We picked up Bill, who lived close by, and headed out to Chardon - a 45 minute ride. While I treasure all my friends, there have been only a couple of times in my life when I met someone and felt like I had known them for years. And that I wanted to know them and be friends with them for many more years. That was exactly how I would describe my first conversation with Bill. In thinking about Bill, I remember odd things. Like being really pleased when I had prepared green beans as part of a dinner I'd made and having Bill comment that he really liked green beans. When I learned that he also was a big fan of peanut stew, I made that for some of the dinners we shared at our home. One evening, after finishing a dinner at our home, we were sitting in our living room, talking. I had kicked off my shoes. Bill asked if it would be all right if he removed his shoes. (I told you he was a gentleman.) My answer without thinking was "of course, you're family". That really tickled him and he gave me a big smile and thanked me for the compliment. I know that I am part of a big family that will miss Bill. Thank you all for sharing your memories of Bill. It makes these hard times a little easier. Lissa Hintz ------------------------------ We moved to the Cleveland area in late April ’93. As it is with new digs cooking is out so food at first was delivery pizza then a local restaurant called “Larchmere Tavern”.
We did see Bill there from time to time but didn’t know him. The owners of the restaurant realized that we, and it seems Bill also, were recent arrivals in Shaker Heights so we all three were invited to a cookout at their home in Chardon, OH.
At the cook out I was instantly intrigued by Bill. When it came to casual clothing he obviously had less concern than I. “Good man”, I thought.
Anyway we had gotten together on many occasions since then. Among our common interests were dinner (in or out), movies and social gatherings here and there. Did you know Bill was also a “Jaques Brel” fan? We thought we were going to invite him to a local college performance but he already had it on his “to do” list so we all went together. Then there was “The Fantastics” we all attended for the excessive amount of time for all of us. I never caught him sleeping during any of these performances. I have read a number of you have also noted his ability to sleep yet not seem to sleep.
Bill had been doing some free lance contracting lately hence it was difficult to pin him down on when he would be available for some of the common interests we had. The last thing we did together was to go to a movie and dinner together. The next date was left up in the air.
A number of you have also mentioned that seemingly never ending twinkle in his eyes. It was almost as if he thought the entire world was funny. Not a bad attitude to have, if true. I was also struck by his interest in “regional quirks of speech”. Expressions he had never heard before tickled him to no end. I probably shouldn’t say what one of his most recent favorites was because it wasn’t suited for mixed company. On the other hand the comment would probably go over well if Bill quoted it.
Jim Trapp ------------------------------ Tuesday evening Barbara convened a joint meeting of the Metropolitan Washington and State of Maryland Public Health Associations at a restaurant near the University of Maryland in College Park. I reminded Barbara that this was the place where we had last had dinner with Bill. The restaurant is next to a small airport. I took my drink outside to toast Bill. I looked across the small runway. The night was partly cloudy. About that time a gap in the clouds appeared and as I raised my glass, the planet Mars was twinkling in the southeast. Or, just maybe it was the twinkle from the eye of "Himself." Bill and I met in the late 1960's, and there are many memories, many happy memories and a few sad. And I thank Bill for all of them. In 1969, five or six people from the community came into my office and loudly requested that we fund a community based radio show or community radio station. It sounded reasonable. I asked what would I get out of it. Bill's response was, "Nothing. But, what do you want - a medal?" I knew the voice. I knew of his work in the community. But I didn't know Bill. I asked for a proposal that would support a community arts program. That was my introduction to Bill Mason - "Himself." That proposal became the "Cincinnati Arts Consortium." The Consortium still survives, a Cincinnati community institution and Bill is a part of its foundation. On a Saturday morning in April of 1986, The Hartford Courant announced that I had been hired as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Hartford. I got a call from Bill (who lived in Hartford and worked at Aetna) before the ink was dry on his morning paper. "Don't bother to get a hotel room." he said. "You and Phyllis can stay with me until you find a place." At that time, I had not seen Bill for more than ten years; when he left Cincinnati for study at Harvard. Bill's apartment was much like his office - papers, CD's, magazines, books, records and nick knacks of whimsy. Phyllis and I found a mattress among the clutter in the living room and made ourselves at home. An old gold Honda with flat tires sat outside. Bill and I were in attendance at a Boston Celtic game the night Larry Bird made a basket from behind the backboard. Bill never saw it. He was asleep - his eyes wide shut. This from a man, who after a beer or two would have you believe he was as quick with a basketball as Tiny Archibald. When Bill visited us, he often stayed up late to watch a late night movie. I always went down later to turn off the television, Bill was asleep in the chair. I let him sleep. I ask you, who remembers Bill holding forth at the "Comet" or "Aldo's" in Hartford or Mecklenburg Gardens or the Wein Bar in Cincinnati? You remember, his birthday was December 25th and he would let no one recognize that day because, he said, he never got separate Christmas or birthday gifts. One June 13, 1988, my wife, Phyllis baked a cake, put a candle on it and presented it to Bill at Aldo's Lounge, a favorite hangout for "Himself." He stood there looking professorial while the people there sang Happy Birthday. He cracked up. Later that year, Bill and Badi Foster kept the backbone of my spirit straight when my wife Phyllis passed unexpectedly. You can't forget that raspy voice that answered the phone at the NAACP office in Cincinnati. I remember the role he played in facilitating the African American Leadership Retreat in Hartford. He was the behind the scenes man. He served on the Board of Directors of the Artists Collective in Hartford, where Jackie and Dollie Mclean needed his programming and organizational talent. Bill was family. Like that uncle, the family talks about. In 1995, Bill attended my daughter's recital and reception in New York. After all of the festivities had ended, about a dozen of us went out for a late dinner - round midnight. Bill found the restaurant and the minute we walked in he locked eyes and spirit with one of the waitresses. It was like "old home week" at first sight. For the rest of the evening Bill and the waitress had a thing going. We closed the restaurant. As we walked out the door, the waitress threw of her apron and took a running jump into Bills arms. Himself caught her and carried her out to the curb. It was 2 am in New York City. He surprised my daughter Cecily by attending her wedding in 1999. He circled the wagons with my nephews, discussing sports, girl friends, jobs and their hopes. He found acquaintances at the University of Massachusetts who knew my son Alex. He discussed classical music with my sister, when she visited from Germany. When my mother visited us in Hartford, Bill prepared dinner. My mother and Bill discussed/argued about many subjects. And Bill being most polite let her win. During the evening I turned on the television. Bill shouted a warning but it was to late. The television lit up and to my surprise there was an X rated video showing. Bill leapt over the couch and hit the off button. Mother continued making her point, winning the discussion. On the way home, mom asked, "Did you see that little man jump over the couch? What was he doing?" she hadn't noticed a thing. After Phyllis passed, I went for several months before dating. Bill came by one day and suggested that I attend a Mardi Gras event. He made me get out, "You've got to get out and be with people." I told Bill that I saw Barbara at the event. His response to me was, "Did you see her legs?" Barbara and I married three years later. Bill would often read a book and when he finished it he would call to say, " I just finished reading this book. You have to get it." The last book that we shared was "Confronting the Veil: Abram Harris Jr., E Franklin Frazier and Ralph Bunch, 1919 to 1941." We had a long telephone conversation on September the ninth. He had returned from South Bend. He told me of his plan to visit friends in San Francisco. All three of my children live in the bay area. He wanted their telephone numbers. He also had a list of books he thought I might want to read. He said he would send the list when he returned from San Francisco. Ritchie Haven, the entertainer/folk singer, sings a song that has the lyric "There's a High Flying Bird, flying way up in the sky. And I wonder if he looks down as he flies on by." I know where Bill is - and I know he looks down as he flies by. And he will even answer if I talk to him. When I called Barbara, my wife, to tell her of Bill's death, she responded, "Well, we always knew Bill was out in the universe." Bill left here on 9/11. We buried his body Monday in Cincinnati. But his spirit is and will always be with us; in our hearts and mind and just maybe floating on a cloud as he "flies on by." With
Love ------------------------------ I met Bill in the early 60's during the Civil Rights Movement in Cincinnati. I am including a picture of a CORE picket line. The picture is undated, but it must be from around 1961, give or take a year. (Bill is third from the left; I am second from the left, my head partially obscured by the young woman at the head of the line.) At
the time, I thought Bill was the funniest person I had ever met.
In A few years ago I got Bill's email address and began corresponding with him. I hoped that someday I would see him again, but now, alas, that is not to be. Not long ago, Bill and I wrote to each other about another friend from those early days in Cincinnati who had just died. These are Bill's words:
My mother and I disagreed on the purpose of funerals...she said
they Bill touched so many lives and left us all with the "best." B.J. Segel ------------------------------ My name is Ed Adams. I was a college classmate of Bill at Xavier. We were pretty good friends on campus but over the years I saw him only on sporadic occasions, which I regret very much. I have three lasting memories of my old buddy. First, I remember the great sense of humor, the ready smile and the quick, genuine laugh. I'm not sure that it's a tribute to him but he always laughed at my jokes. Second, I remember playing pickup basketball with him in the old Xavier Fieldhouse. We both were gym rats. In those days he was a skinny kid who had played guard at DePorres High School with Cornelius Freeman, then a great Xavier player. Bill was very quick and a great dribbler. I remember him remarking one time how quick I was. It was nice of him to say because he was very quick himself. I think the basketball playing was how we really got to know each other. We couldn't have been more different, a Black kid from a poor neighborhood and a middle class white kid from the West Side but we hit it off, both athletically and intellectually.
Third, it was November of 1956. Hungary had tried to revolt He was a great guy. I'm sorry that we didn't have more time together. Ed Adams ------------------------------ "Hard to believe that "Himself" has left us to think, ponder, remember, laugh, and move on in our own ways on this earth. This big brown teddy bear with a silver shock of hair and beard sometimes hid his incredible brilliance beneath his hearty laugh, irreverent comments about the world, but persoanl interest and caring while we sat at Aldo's in Hartford. Always seeing the multiple perspectives in any situation, he was a model for all of us...any color. His manner exuded confidence in a matter-of-fact way...and he had no truck with those who needed to be adored to function adequately! His survival skills were exemplary and they helped us adore him for his mind, his humor, his indomitable spirit and irrestible verbal "poking" to get us going, gentlemanly way and never-ending creativity. Never was too busy to help others even though he was always busier than the rest of us! He always was a true friend, loyal when others faded in support, and able to show you a new way to look at old problems. His energy and potential fun created a constant magnetic pull to those of us who needed a Bill "fix". As for life's hardships, he knew of those, but refused to let them rule him OR anyone else if he had the chance to influence them. For example, one time when I was a corporate trainer at Aetna and had foot surgery requiring months of wearing a foot-to-knee cast with a platform that was awkward to manage, I was weary and fussing one day about having to teach sitting on a stool. Bill immediately became the friendly coach and assured me that the energy I once spent walking about or pacing would now be focused on what I was saying...and I'd be amazed how much I could emote from the waist up! Then I lamented to Bill about having to wear my dowdy orthopedic shoes while perched on the stool in front of class. With Bill's usual authoritative but kind, gravely deep voice, he said with his characteristic twinkle and a dollop of earnestness: "Aetna didn't hire you for your shoes! Just be your usual self and I promise you, the audience will never get to your shoes!" A brief, tender admonition that I've recalled often in non-shoe situations in which my vanity was surfacing again. I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to work with Bill, attending numerous meetings with him as we worked with others on a corporate video series for HR. The gift that came hidden in those meetings was Bill's comments which were like a course in media AND content relevancy to social issues. No matter what was planned, he always had a new, creative and better angle! Valid, but not all were accepted, even though many were. His suggestions stuck in your mind and often were recalled and used much later. Therefore, he changed our thinking by his "casual" remarks..and continues to do so. What a powerful tool that was for him...and us! Truly he gave us an intellectual light switch, but let us decide when and if we would turn it on. What
a hole has been created by his departure to the vast intellectual,
emotional, and physical presence he made when he was here. He was
the essence of a hug...and what a legacy that is! The laugh alone
was like an elixir in a sterile, troubled world. However, in true
Bill form, his independent presence is still felt! Like ripples
on the water, the memories and lessons repeat softly...widening
our perspective even now. He's moved on to another dimension...perhaps
even more powerful than the previous one, as evidenced by all these
tributes from a cross-section of humanity. Jackie
Jones ------------------------------ When Bill Mason first became part of our family, we were one of the Park Town Pioneers living in the West End, believing that we were really going to change the world - well, at least the world didn't cause us to change our values and principles!! Bill was one of those we knew we could count on to always stay on track. He was truly an inspiration!
Bill used to come and kibitz. His parents had died recently and
he had dropped out of college to work to support his younger brother
and sister. He loved and respected his parents very much and he
sought guidance wherever he could find it to help pass on their
values to them. Among the people who served as his mentor in this
regard was He also spent a lot of time with my husband George learning about labor history. Bill (a closeup, 1965) was always eager to learn, he soaked it all up like a sponge while doing all the good Civil Rights things people were doing then. When we left Cincinnati to move to Florida, we left our oldest son behind so he could graduate high school with his class. It was a traumatic move for me and Bill Mason helped me come to terms with it. So, when George returned toCincinnati to drive our son Bill to Florida, Bill Mason joined them. I guess to make sure things were working out o.k.
You can just imagine the raised eyebrows as they went into the diners
With his wit and wisdom, he has helped us over some rough spots
and The Daitsman Family - Rose - Bill, Judy, Andy. ------------------------------ Bill
I Know now that I will never know the truth about the day when I
With Love ------------------------------ Straight to the Comet(s) I
wish I had those napkins now my god Bill we miss you Mike L. ------------------------------ For years in Cincinnati, Bill and I were referred to by the other's name( i.e., he as Madison, and me as Mason; both having the same first name). And we would bristle if we were in the presence of the other when it occurred. Then, we aged, mellowed, listened to and learned from one another. To be called Bill Mason was and will continue to be a high honor. ------------------------------ When I received the phone call telling me that Mason had left the building, I started calling around for confirmation. I figured it couldn't be so; that it would wind up like the episode a couple of years ago, when he left for a week without telling anyone. Bill returned from that trip, and was well castigated by several members of the Cleveland family. Despite his protestations ("I'm a grown man, I can go when I get ready"), it was clear that he appreciated the love and concern that his unexplained absence brought to the fore. This time Mason's absence will be longer, and his journey takes him a bit farther away. I'm yet coming to grips with the idea of not calling him after work to see "what the evening has in store." Taking his number out of my cellphone speed dial was a chore, and the lack of messages from WallyN Mason puts a damper on checking my email. It would take weeks for me to express all of the ways the "dusky cherub" enhanced my life with his presence since we met at Larchmere so many years ago. So with apologies to a Steely Dan song, here are some things (and words) I'll miss the most: *
That laugh, and watching him run around the room when he gets truly
tickled Someday, I hope to tell my children of the Uncle Bill they missed out on: the friend, mentor and partner-in-crime who changed my life in wonderful ways. I only hope they will believe the stories! Mase, if you are allowed to leave the Catholic side of Heaven, would you stop by the Baptist part and check on my reservations? I'll look for you as soon as I get there. In your words, "If I'd never met you, I'd have had to invent you." ------------------------------ My husband, Joe, and I were shocked and deeply saddened learning yesterday about Bill's unexpected passing. When Aida broke the news to me I was crushed, having spoken with Bill a few months back, always expecting we'd talk again soon. We loved him. A true free spirit and a real friend . . . regardless of the distance or time passed between you, Bill simply picked up where we'd left off, as if we had talked yesterday. He loved life, though he had known much sadness, and he loved making new friends, from all walks of life, everywhere he went. I've included a picture of him swapping a story with Robert F. Mager (world renown training/performance authority) outside the Aetna Institute. Bill and I worked on many projects together, during our Aetna Institute years, which bring back memories of laughter because he had a special way of putting the "serious stuff" in perspective. He loved to dance, have fun and hang out with friends. Joe remembers the great time we all had at a Stevie Winwood/Joe Cocker concert. I found some photos of Bill having fun. . . .Dancing with my mom . . . Partying at the Riverside Cafe in East Hartford on the Ct. River. I once told Bill he was an old soul, who knew a lot, had seen a lot and shared alot. He laughed when I said it, making some expletive comment like, "a lot of *!* good it's doing me!" I think of that now because I've been most upset thinking how he may have spent his last moments on this earth. But, then, I finally realize that Bill was on a special mission . . . flying out to bring some comfort and a smile. Doing what an old soul does - caring and sharing his love, on a journey to lighten spirits. On Sept.11th, Bill was busy traveling, being a friend. Things he loved to do. "Bill, Heaven's got you now, our big sweet teddy bear . . . .fly free as ever . . .keep dancing . . . .and once in a while look in on us who miss you so much .. . .your love and insights live on in many ways. What a special gift you are to each of us who you befriended on your journey . . .you know how much we all love you. Love, Sandy
& Joe ------------------------------ I
remember one of the early meetings I had with Bill. I was visiting
my There are far too many stories that those of his public broadcasting confidants know to make public. Unfortunately there is one story of which we'll never learn the truth. Just how and in what circumstances did Bill manage to lose his underwear in Pittsburgh????? Himself Indeed. Much Love, Art Cromwell ------------------------------ I
remember that Porsche. Kinda like a totem for Bill in those early If
it had been my own car, I probably would have seethed with frustration
and kicked the damn car, but Bill sighed his billmason sigh and
shrugged his billmason shrug. He had a look not unlike the one pictured
at the top of this website. Maybe his inner being automatically
told him there were more important things, or his typical keen analytical
read on the situation said it will do absolutely no good to stew
and fret. Somehow, later, with help from a member of the sports
car cognescenti who just happened to belong to Bill's legion of
friends who are always just a phone call away if not in the neighborhood,
the Porsche was up and running again, but it was never without a
mind of its own and always behaved mysteriously. How Bill got it
or it got Bill all the way from Cincinnati to Boston is the greatest
example of ------------------------------ Bill
was a man of honesty; one who 'told it like it is' - making no attempt
at delicately glossly over the truth. He earned my respect the minute
I met him. Of the many people whose paths I've crossed in my life,
this man had a strong influence. His down to earth - NO NONSENSE
approach to communicating effectively will continue to influence
me; and I am certain, everyone who has dared engaged him in debate.
Bill was AWESOME. Or, as he would quickly retort, 'you mean awful,
don't you?' - "FULL OF AWE." ------------------------------ "What the world needs is more whimsy." So many of us have heard these words over the years from Bill Mason as he has shared his wisdom and down to earth understanding in his light and funny but serious way among those lucky enough to be touched by him. Dr. Bill just made life so enjoyable and worthwhile, and it was a gift to know him. Everyone, old friends or a new acquaintance sitting next to him at one of his favorite bars, loved to hear what he had to say and his singular way of looking at things, and as we know, he was none too shy in speaking out. Further, we have all been on the receiving end of Dr. Bill's inexhaustible flow of fascinating e-mails. Dr. Bill believed that people should be connected and informed, and he made sure that happened in his world. It is so ironic that Dr. Bill sent me an e-mail with a time/date line of 6:02 AM on 9/11 (what was he dong up at that hour), and little did I know, or did he know, that this was his last to me. There is now a big void in our world, because a unique spirit has left us. I have caught myself innumerable times over the past few days wondering what Dr. Bill was doing or sending next, and then accepting (or not accepting) that this constant flow of enjoyment and wisdom would be no more. Yet, Dr. Bill will always be with us, as our lives are graced by the invigorating interaction and heart-felt memories we carry well after his physical presence has left us. What the world really needs are more people like Bill Mason. Stephen Klein ------------------------------ Every day we're finding that the William Mason family is larger than any of us could ever imagine. In addition to extended connections in the Cincinnati area, the network extended all over the country and the world. Our
shared connection, through our friendship with Bill, will continue We love him. We'll miss him. He'll always be present in our hearts and minds. Tom Hardy ------------------------------ Ora
pro nobis...enimvero ------------------------------ PROPERTY RIGHTS
Dizzy with the stench,
Climbing the rotting steps ³And
how are you feeling today, Mrs. Cooper?² ³You
seen that kitchen?² she says. ³You
get some sleep last night, Mrs. Cooper?²
Billy opens the window ³This
crime stops now,² Billy says
Like an electrical charge ³You
tell Mr. Rhodes and his rent collector,² ³Boy,
you gonna give those folks downtown
Billy locks the office door Deb Louis ------------------------------ I don't know quite why my Bill memories seem to involve clothing -- perhaps it is because the man just plain had STYLE. Here
it is: Bill is staying at our house in Lexington, in suburban Oh yeah, and one more. After Ronnie Reagan kicked us out of Washington, I was moving back to Boston, albeit slowly, and stayed with Bill in Silver Spring. He was "working" on the dissertation, rifling every few minutes through the biggest nest of boxes of paper this side of that warehouse where they put the Ark in Indiana Jones -- it filled an entire bedroom (Bill rented a two-bedroom, or maybe three) ENTIRELY devoted to this sea of boxes -- every one, according to him, containing absolutely essential information, crucial to the damn dissertation -- which really did get finished, somehow. So where are the boxes now? Erik
Butler ------------------------------ Dear
Doc, "Take me to where the folk are." "Soon it'll all be revealed." "What you eat don't make me fat." "You know what I like about you? Nuttin." "They hired me because I'm unique; now they're trying to make me one of them." "Nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors." "What? What?" A greeting from a bartender in Washington, D.C. 10 years after your last visit: "Bill! The usual?" Your
plea to the Hostess at a restaurant in Pittsburgh after the kitchen
closed: "Please, please give my friend and I a steak. We've
been working all day!" (Doc, unclasp your hands and get off
your knees; you're embarrassing me.) Love, Ira
------------------------------ Where do I begin? I've known Bill Mason for twenty-seven years. Not a long time, when you compare those years to his childhood, college and professional friends. However, for me, it was a relationship that I've cherished every day of my life. I met Bill when I was a bartender at the Harvest Restaurant in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA in September of 75. I got Bill to drink one of my own concoctions; a Bahamma Momma. Somehow, someway, we just clicked! There was something very special about Bill. As we can all attest, he possessed a wealth of knowledge and experiences that were so unique. Bill seemed to interact with anyone and everyone with such ease and comfort no matter your personal or professional background or station in life. Living in Cambridge at the same time Bill was attending graduate school, I had the opportunity to be present at many pot luck brunches and dinners; pre-Thanksgiving festivities; Board meetings in the alley way of the Casablanca, and parties with his grad buddies for intellectual stimulation (I guess he felt I needed to be more well rounded?) At this same time in my life, I also received an education from Bill on how to drive. Bill, as you know, was an excellent driver. Ha,. Ha, Haaaa. Some of us remember the red 911 Porsche. I lived next door to Bill on Sacramento Pl. Sacramento Pl was a one- way, dead-end street, with parking on one side. Bill attempted many times to back his car up on Sacramento Pl. to exit on to Sacramento St. You know, I can't recall Bill ever accomplishing that task. The curbs and the sidewalks were not his friends. He had a tendency to drive onto those nuances of the road too many times for everyone's concern on the block. Bill, much to my surprise, could play a little round ball too. In one of my more absent minded moments, I brought it to his attention that he was the "chubby fokker" that was shooting hoops alone in the lot. Oooo boy! He dusted my buns one afternoon on that same court. He was scoopin, doopin, and dimpin all over the court. I was amazed how smooth he was moving that "Ewok" body of his. On another occasion, when all my brain cells were functioning properly, I consulted with Bill on my thesis for my Masters degree while attending Cambridge College. Without his insights and knowledge that experience would have been more difficult. In 84, Bill and I hooked up again in Washington, D. C. I was working with one of the major hotels in town. I had the pleasure of experiencing D.C. Bill's style. Adams Morgan, 15th Street, Haynes Point, the jazz clubs, Sushi Bars, a Tap dancing brother on the bar at LeTrec's, being treated to the history of Cognac and sampling many varieties including Louie XIII from 7:30 - 3:30 A.M. Let me tell you something. Louie and his brothers pack a mean punch! Check this out. Did you know Bill Mason had pet squirrels on his apartment patio in Silver Springs? Bill would hand feed them things. The original Dr. Dolittle. Talks and walks with them things! If you don't believe me, ask Tom Hardy. In 87, we hooked up again at The Institute for Corporate Education for Aetna Life and Casualty. During the transition from D.C. to Hartford, I lived with Bill for three months. I had the pleasure of working with Bill on a number corporate and community based programs for Aetna. Some of those programs were very impactful on the community and beyond such as Saturday Academy. One experience that really stands out to me was when Bill and Katherine Porter hooked up to do a Max Head room rendition for an institute business/education meeting. It was "PHAT!" as my kids would say. Bill convinced Katherine to present her department's results, etc. in that format. Blew everybody's minds. That presentation left everybody buzzing. In 94, we hooked up again in Cleveland. He was at Cuyahoga Community College and I was at University Hospitals (UHHS). We often got together at his place, our house or at Larchmere's. Time and time again, I often consulted with Bill about issues and concerns that I would have. His advice and insights were always on the mark. In 95 - We moved to Columbus, OH. My job periodically placed me in Cleveland. I would stay with Bill when it was convenient and spend the time talking or hanging out. Bill will be missed immeasurably. Since I received word of his death from Badi Foster, my life has been in suspension. There is a tremendous ache and feeling of sadness, remorse, and emptiness. I often weep and feel disconnected because I cannot talk with him or e-mail him. Let me leave you with this. A long time ago, there was a man, who affected the lives of many people. He possessed wisdom and knowledge beyond those who stood around him. He could communicate on the highest of levels, yet be humble and gracious to those he encountered everyday. When he left this world, he made it possible for others to be free of worry, shame, guilt, and sin. He gave so much, and asked for nothing in return. The person I am talking about is in the "Good Book". Bill reminds me of that person. Bill you have blessed all of us in so many ways. You were a surrogate father to me; a friend; a brother; an advisor. Your spirit and heart will always be a part of my life and those you have touched. God left his mark on our lives through you. I Love you. Jeffrey P. Caffee ------------------------------ I learned of Bill's passing last Friday and I can't even begin to express how it saddened me. It is so difficult to image a world without "Himself". I struggled through the next few days trying to recall the countless moments and memories that were a part of the gift of being in Bill's circle of eclectic friends, associates, conspirators, radicals and kindred spirits. I so enjoyed meeting him on just about any weekday evening at the Oasis Diner or City's Edge in Hartford as he sat on his reserved chair at the bar and held court for all who wanted to (or didn't for that matter) hear the world according to Mason. He surrounded himself with a cast of disparate thinkers unlike anyone I've ever met. There was always room for you in Bill's world and you could equally expect to be warmly embraced and verbally lambasted in the same breath depending on how playful he was feeling that day. He found a place for all types of folks in his life and you were genuinely welcomed for who you were and for the view of the world you held. Bill was a proud Black man who thought it was more important to surround himself with people of conscience than just people of color. As a result, his "posse" was comprised of folks from all walks of life, from all over the country, indeed from all over the world. I
am so grateful that so many of you have taken the time to share
your recollections and stories about Bill . I'm reminded all over
again of how deeply he touched my life, in much the same way as
he did with many of you. Mike Alexander ------------------------------ Simply put, Bill Mason was one of the coolest dudes I ever knew. Andy Schachtel ------------------------------ When
I served on the Basin Ministry in Cincinnati's Over The Rhine neighborhood,
at Bill's request, I asked him to be the speaker at the adult forum
I was running at St. John's Unitarian Church on Sunday mornings
before the 10:30 a.m. service. Bill was, of course, alway at his
best at around 9:30 on Sunday morning.... I promised him that in
return for his appearance ... I would have a full pitcher of Bloody
Marys. Calling him at his North Avondale home at around 9 a.m.,
I woke him, but Bill showed up ready to talk about the Basin Ministry
and race relations in Cincinnati. As he walked in, I poured and
handed him a wake-up glass of "tomato juice." ------------------------------ Bill's special qualities as an "intimate" and someone wise and witty alighted, delighted, and enlightened each of us - his love was real and all of us feel blessed that he "touched" our lives - some one very special that passed through this earth and with whom we're fortunate to "hang with" - lots of love to his family and to all his world - the big Bill Mason hug! And, Bill, thanks for winking at us from above! Hope you are at peace and loving and delighting in all that surrounds you! Jacquie
Kay ------------------------------ I thought Bill was a great and interesting man. I knew Bill ever since I was 5 years old. I was talking to my dad on the phone last year and I asked about Bill. He said "do you still remember Bill?'' I said YOU CAN NEVER FORGET BILL dad. That weekend I went to John and Mary Ann house to watch the ND vs Stanford game and there he was just like I remembered him in my childhood days. He made me laugh then just like he did when I was a kid. It shows a lot of how a person is when you remember him vividly even though you haven't seen him in 16 years. Marty Wygant ------------------------------ Bill came to work for the Aetna Institute in the mid-80's to help us use the Direct Broadcast Satelite System that Aetna was installing in its field offices and to help us use visual technologies more effectively in all of our programs. This was technically his second tour of duty for earlier he was brought in as a consultant to help the Equal Opportunity staff provide some alternatives to on site training at each of Aetna's many field offices. The result while working with Lana Wertz and Bernie Knab was a radical new way to think about EO training--the docudrama. His contacts in education and the entertainment industry brought a whole new focus and a new way of thinking about the issue and the delivery method. His second employment with Aetna was equally successful and he was the driving force which made us leaders in the use of the new media. Bill was a major force with the Institute staff and my ACCESS staff. Although he was known to fall asleep in some of our staff meetings, he didn't when it was his turn to run it and when he hosted us at his apartment for the most fantastic peanut beef stew any of us had ever had. And he made up the recipe after much trial and error. None of us will ever forget his notion of doing a different presentation at the annual all AICE meeting--yes we blew them away with our video presentation but also with the description of all we accomplished that year in addition to having about a dozen babies!! That was Bill--always a new way of thinking and doing. After reading all of the other statements, I realize that was what Bill did in whatever job or organization he was involved in. And it was his legacy--he died too young, but he touch all of us and left us with a chance to do things differently and do the right things. Now it is up to us. One
of my most wonderful memories was right after Hurricane Gloria cut
its path through Connecticut in 1985. Bill arrived at our house
on Sunday night; we had been without power since Friday and I couldn't
call him to tell him to warn him that we had no power, no water,
no phone, no heat! We planned to leave early the next morning with
Leith Johnson to visit IBM. Anyway, he was entertaining Alex, our
2 1/2 year Kathryn
Porter ------------------------------ I don't know what I could add; it's all been said: the clove cigarettes, the quick wit, the brilliant intellignece. It was one continuous chuckle for me in both business and social conversation with Bill. A great loss to the hearts and minds of his associates AND to the industry at large. I send my condolences to all. My last conversation with him was while I, then Jeri Jackson Feagans, was director of the WNET13 Television and Film Training School. |
