Dean Mason Passes Away at 79
Dean Steiner Mason passed away on April 10, 2018 at his home in Hermiston at the age of 79.
He was born on Nov. 28, 1938 in Ashland to George and Ruby Powell Mason.
Dean lived in Ashland throughout his childhood and he graduated from Ashland High School in 1957. After high school, he attended Southern Oregon University in Ashland, where he met and married his first wife Maxine Vance in 1961. They moved to Salem, where Dean earned his bachelor’s degree in music from Willamette University.
After moving to Lebanon, Dean began his teaching career at Lebanon Junior High School. He earned his master’s degree in education from Oregon State University. Dean had a passion for music and he founded the Lebanon Community Chorus in 1967. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Lebanon, where he directed the choir and hand bells.
Dean later taught in Astoria, where he met and married his second wife Judi Dearman in 1991. He went on to teach in Klamath Falls before finishing his career in Hermiston. He retired in 1996, and he continued as a substitute teacher for 18 years.
Dean was a member of the United Methodist Church in Hermiston, where he directed the choir and hand bells. He participated in the Inland Northwest Orchestra and Chorale for many years. He also enjoyed painting houses and woodworking.
He is survived by his wife, Judi of Hermiston; son, Michael Mason of Tualatin; daughter, Debbi McMahon (Jay) and sons, Patrick and Garrett, all of Bend; sister, Marilee Titus of Tacoma, Wash.; and brother, David Wesley Mason (Christina) of Lakeview.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 191 E. Gladys Ave., Hermiston.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to the First United Methodist Church music program.
To leave an online condolence for the family, go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
