Just discovered I shared space at several Dead concerts with Mason. Maybe we even met or smiled at one another in the taper's section. Thanks Mason, I am listening to them today.

I have discovered Mason's Grateful Dead tapes and they have brought much joy to me! Thanks Mason

Mase my old and dear friend  I can believe you have gone. Spending time with you in early 70's the concerts the cubs and of course the race track. We had a blast! When I moved back to canada one day you just showed up in winnipeg you had hitch hiked I could not believed it. You where the most caring person I have known and would have loved to talk to you again you've been to Tibet so I know you believe we will meet again love you Mase

Mason and I were roommates for seven yrs (1993-1996 & 2006-2008) and we were friends for twenty yrs. Too many stories....Dead Shows, Poker nights, Chicago music/bars....I am going to miss Mason a ton. He was truly one of my all time best friends. We knew each other very well. He was a great friend, a great man.

I met Mason in the bleachers in the spring of 1989, and we have been friends since.  He turned me on to the Dead in 1993.  I hope he was greeted in heaven with a mind blowing version of Dark Star followed by Eyes of the World.

One last thought is that Mason & I have loved psychedelic art since the 1960's. This is one thing we enjoyed during all the years we a have known each other. It started for the 2 of us a young age with artwork on and inside vinyl records and picture sleeve 45's. That continued for the two of us with our fascination with concert poster artwork from all over the world. Both of us have spent many hours of our lives together looking at and talking about this mind blowing artwork. We both own extensive collections of this art. During these years both our eyes would fall in love with certain artists that have created these images that have been etched on our brains. One of those artists has been Peter Max, maybe the greatest psychedelic artist of all time. During these years we have followed Peter Max one of his characters that has appeared in many of creations has been the Cosmic Messenger. This messenger and all the forms he has appeared as in many.many Peter Max creations has made Mason and I talk for a lot hours.The messenger has been on a journey spreading his message for 40 plus years. He was one of our favs for sure. I am wrapping up a lot of thoughts that have poured out of me in my emails this week. My final thought is Mason was our cosmic messenger in this life. He shared a different message to each of us that had met him on the space and time we all lived in together. Here are some of the all time Cosmic Messenger images that Peter Max has shared for all of us to see the last 50 years. Now all our journeys will continue without the messenger.

Tucker

My deepest condolences to Mason's family on his loss. He'll be sorely missed by his many friends, including me.

Mason you will always have a part of my heart. I am so saddened by this news. My sympathy goes out to your family and many loved ones. You were truly a gift that we were all blessed to share.

I think I first met Mason on one of Chicago's trading floors, he tried his hand at some point, we became fast friends due to the fact that we both enjoyed the Cubs, the Dead and good music in general. I saw him a lot when I lived in Wrigleyville, but one scene I'll never forget was the day Mason brought about 20 Tibetan Monks on a tour of the trading floor. 
RIP, old friend.

Sending my heartfelt condolences to Mason's family and loved ones. Though I have not seen Mason in many years, he helped shape the person I've become.

Mason had the most honest, great laugh. I love when he laughed. He also had a sparkle about him and twinkle in his eyes. I don't think Mason had a mean bone in his body and his generosity of spirit was something rare in this world. I will miss you so very much.

Like a shooting star one's life can end in an instant, this is evident from the passing of my good friend Mason Taylor. Today I say good bye to Mason who was all about knowing how to have a good time. Mason and I attended 10 out of the last 12 years at The New Orleans Jazz Fest together as roommates to save costs. Some of the things he was known for each years was, 1) going to Pat O'Brian's on Bourbon Street to have a Hurricane. 2) Having Meat Pie at the fairgrounds 3) Always stopping by “Liuza's at the Track” right outside of the Fairgrounds just to hang around. 4) Going to Central Grocery in the French Quarter to have a Muffuletta.  I will always remember Mason for having a kindred soul, a very sharp wit and intellect.   Scott Bruce

I have many fond memories of Mason. From Being on tour throughout the years, the bleachers, trading Grateful Dead tapes. (I admired his being a taper with good gear during the 1970's) I always liked the fact that a quick, friendly game of Ping Pong could easily turn into a 1/2 hour Olympic event.  

"May The Four Winds Blow You Safely Home"

I will miss him  RIP Mason

I will certainly miss seeing Mason at future music shows,although I know that if he can, he will be listening. I enjoyed meeting Mason and visiting with him at shows very much, he was a true fan and a kind man.
Sara Metheny

Mason was a good friend and one of the most knowledgeable people I have ever known. I lead one of the bands that plays monthly at Simon's, and we always played better when Mason was in teh audience, because he expected it of us, because he appreciated it when we did, because he knew the difference when we didn't, and because he deserved the best. We will miss him terribly.

Summer of third grade, first day at camp Owl Wood, I was sitting on the last spot on a long tree trunk bench. There was a boy on the last spot of the next bench. I looked at him and he looked at me, and we said “Hi.” He said, “I'm Mase. What's your name?” He has been my best friend for every day of my life since that moment. We would sometimes go years without seeing each other. But he was always there.  The most class, the best sense of humor, such an honest and kind soul, he was always there. I do not know how to deal with this hole in my heart right now. I miss him

Condolences to Mason's family. I'll miss you my brother, I'm glad I got to spend time with you.  
Love Mike

I'm certainley one of the lucky one's. I was priveliged to be Masonized while I was Simonized! Watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune will never be the same. Mason, you will be missed. Your kindness, generosity and sense of humor will always linger in peoples's hearts and minds. An empty Bleacher seat will radiate at Wrigley Field. XOXO

Mason and to all who knew him.  There are so many stories and we shared so many fun times.  Mason I lived together during the almost magical year for the Cubs--1984.  We shared a place on Addison just a few blocks from Wrigley. At the time, he did me a huge favor allowing me to move in with him and it turned in to quite an adventure--in many ways.  We were very good friends until I moved out of The Wrigleyville area to Oak Park where Ann and I started a family.  We saw each other less and less as the years went on because we were living different lives.  During that period from 1983 to 1992, we shared hundreds of moments of fun and joy.  I will miss him.

Tom Ryan

Mason you were certainly a gentle soul with a special charm that made people around you smile and laugh. I will always have fond memories of you and lots of fun times.You will be missed by many.  My sincere condolences to your family and many fiends RIP my friend.
Gisela

Mason was the giggliest guy I've ever known. Haven't seen him in many years but can still hear his giggly laugh. I'll be sure  to giggle more in memory of Mason. 
 My sincere condolences to his family and friends

Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole Taylor family during this sad time.  With love, the Nixons.

Mason - we miss you dearly already. Simons won't be the same without you. You were a true & loyal friend, always there to help everyone.
Peace out brother xx

my sincerest thought and symathy arewith the family of Mason Taylor. Gog is the source of life.The one whogave life to all living persons is capable of restoring it. restorimg life to someone who has died how comforting his is  psalm 36:9 rosetta

"What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us." -Helen Keller 

Sherry

Naturally, we were running late. Mason and I entered the bleachers section of Wrigley Field right as the game was starting. The bleachers were packed with people. I figured there was no way we were going find a seat. Then people started shouting "Mason! Over here!" "Hey Mason, where you been?" and it was like the parting of the Red Sea. We always had a gas, ball games or concerts, Mason would find a way in! 

He knew how to have fun, Bless his soul.
 
With respect,

Tom Rogers

My sincere sympathy to the family, during this difficult time. God promises a time will come when no resident will say I am sick.

Mase it is so heartwarming seeing the messages pour in here with such love for you...

Kevin and Linda, I wanted to add my sympathy for your loss as his brother and sister-in-law, you have been such a great support for him for so many years.

I love seeing the photos of you three, so many roads, and so many memories we all have of being a part of his "family".

Mason, will never forget all the Dead show taping we did.  You are missed everyday buddy.  RIP.

Rest in Peace, dear friend, 
I met Mason in January, 1988—on my first date with my (now) husband.  Mason was immediately warm and welcoming—I'd say I was embraced into the tribe of Cub fans and Grateful Dead-loving music aficionados, but that unfairly labels and limits him and the whole group of wonderful friends I soon met.  
A sweet soul, quick to laugh, slow to judge, always kind, always gracious, will ever, ever be missed.  His smile and voice will always live in my memory, and live in my heart.  
Ann Ryan

Mason - in one's life, it is rare to know someone like you. "... All the years combine, they melt inside a dream..."  You will be missed.

Mason, I never got to know you very well, but I sure liked the Mason I did know. Fare thee well...

I'm so sorry for your loss, may you find strength and endurance during this time.

OBITUARY

Mason Byford Taylor

June 11, 1956 – January 19, 2014

Drake & Son Funeral Home

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