Obituary: Mason, Harland David
Age 91
He resided at the Park Place Assisted Living facility in Spokane.
Harland was born in Osnabrook, North Dakota to Paul Leo and Julia C. Mason, married in 1918.
Harland’s parents were of French Canadian and Norweign decendents.
He grew up in North Dakota with his parents and two brothers.
Harland enlisted into the Army of the U.S. on June 9, 1943 at Ft. Snelling, Minnesota, as PFC, CO “1” 163rd Infantry 41st DIV.
He received the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal with one Bronze service star, Bronze Service CE Arrowhead Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal.
On January 21, 1946, he separated with a Honorable Discharge at the Center Fort Lewis, WA.
Harland met his beloved Mary Charlotte Hall, a Registered Nurse from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
They married on July 23, 1947 in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
They raised their two sons, two daughters in New Brighton, MN.
Mary passed away on September 21, 1976.
His eldest son, Gavin D. Mason, a Vietnam Veteran, passed away on April 8, 2003.
Harland’s careers began with long distance truck driving, a body fender repairman at Midway Chevrolet for 25 years, a Vocational Instructor and Insurance adjustor in Minnesota.
In 1989 he retired after 30 years, employed by the Spokane City Waste Water Dept.
Harland was a lifetime member of the Spokane Fraternal Order of Eagles and Veteran of Foreign Wars.
He was known as “Harley” by his friends.
Many shared his lifelong passion and love of ballroom dancing and music.
He loved socializing, with spontaneous humor and sharing endless jokes.
Family and friends admired his positive outlook on life.
He was described as a gentleman.
His silent strength and endurance were timeless.
Harland was a working man who always provided for his family.
He made time to relax, play and celebrate with family and friends.
Family photos are memories of holiday celebrations, reunions, camping, swimming, dancing since 1924.
His smiles in the photos show a man who loved his family.
“A LIFE WELL CELEBRATED” Harland is survived by three children; Paul Wayne Mason and wife Jeannine, Claudette M. Mason and husband Robert Novicky, Julie A. Lindholm and husband Jeff, nine grandchildren and ten great- grandchildren.
On August 21 at 11:00 - 11:45 AM, an Honorary Veteran’s Memorial Service will be held at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Medical Lake, WA.
Followed by a Memorial Service at Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home at 1:30 PM, 1306 N. Monroe, Spokane, WA 99201.