Obituary of Vere Karsdale Mason, B. Sc., P. Eng.

Vere Karsdale Mason B. Sc., B Eng., P. Eng, M.E.I.C. December 9, 1916 - June 1, 2006 Founder V.K. Mason Construction Ltd. With sadness and love the Mason family announces the passing of Vere Mason in his home with dignity on June 1, 2006. Born in Paradise, Nova Scotia to Ella (Longley) and Reginald Holmes and raised by his stepmother, Mildred Durling Mason. Beloved husband of Audrey (Prettie, Neish). Predeceased by June (Moses) Mason and sister Joan McKenzie of Montreal. Vere will be missed by sisters Jean Pell of Halifax and Margaret Preece of Toronto. Much loved father of Elizabeth "Betty� Mason (Bruce Vidler), Linda (Lyn) (Daniel Voght), David (Michelle), James (Jim) (Tanya Trachtenburg). Special Grampa to Stephanie, Jonathan, Tyler, Thomas, Leda, Eric and Zack. Uncle to Bill Pell, Sharon McKinnon, Sue Clarke, John McKenzie, Joanne Preece and Scott Preece. Stepfather to Rob Neish (Kerry) and Geoffrey Neish and Grampa Vere to Robin and Oliver. Vere attended Mount Allison University, Sackville, N.B. - B. Sc. 1939, McGill University, P.Q. - B. Eng. 1942, graduating with honours and winning the British Association Medal. After graduation he joined the Aluminum Company of Canada. In 1942 Vere chose to serve in WWII with the Royal Canadian Navy on the Escourt Frigate H.M.C.S. Carlplace until 1946 and was discharged with rank of Lieutenant (E) R.C.N.V.R. After the war he joined George Hardy Ltd., General Contractors in Toronto from 1945-1953. Vere then joined Perini General Contractors Ltd. as Chief Engineer in 1953 and was appointed Vice President in 1957. In 1960 Vere founded V.K. Mason Construction Ltd. in Toronto and established offices in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Edmonton. Some of their projects included: Royal Bank of Canada Building, North York General Hospital, Commerce Court, Four Seasons Sheraton Hotel, Royal Bank Plaza, The Atrium on Bay and Two Bloor West in Toronto; the National Arts Centre, the National Science Library, Carleton University and Place Guy Favreau in Ottawa; the Rupertsland Square and Seven Oaks General Hospital in Winnipeg. In 1988, Vere received an honourary Doctorate of Engineering from the Technical University of Nova Scotia. Vere was a member of the Beaumaris Yacht Club in Bracebridge, a founding member of Loxahatchee Club in Jupiter, Florida, and the Donalda Club in Toronto. All who met him were richer by knowing him. He was the kind of man that was a true role model for others. The lessons that he taught by way of his life were by the example that he set. He had a commanding height and stature that always left an impression on others. Even people who only knew him for a short period of time were drawn to him because of his sincere and humble nature. He will be truly missed. Special heartfelt thanks to all those who wanted to make sure that he was as comfortable and as well taken care of as possible. Vere truly appreciated the efforts of Dr. J.D. Robertson, Dr. Michael R. Johnston, Dr. Robert Hyland and "wonder nurse� Heather Whalen. Thanks also to Princess Margaret Hospital�s Thoracic Department for their dedicated expert care and to the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, to Dr. Russell Goldman and to Steve Jenkinson for helping so much with your comforting and reassuring words. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East), from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, June 8th and from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, June 9th. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 10th at 2:30 p.m. in ST. JOHN�S YORK MILLS ANGLICAN CHURCH, 19 Don Ridge Drive. In memory of Vere, donations may be made to the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z5.