Dr. David G. Mason

It is with tremendous sorrow and love that we, the family of David G. Mason (Dave), share that David passed away peacefully on August 25, 2024 just before his 86th birthday. For three years, David chose to face his cancer diagnosis privately but with a curious mind and intent to learn.

David was born to William and Mary Mason (nee Gerrie) in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan on September 4, 1938. The family later moved to Edmonton, Alberta where he lived during the summer months while not in school across the country. David attended MacKay School for the Deaf in Montreal, Quebec where he would tell you he found his language, culture and identity. Then following an early high school graduation at the age of 15, he began his post-secondary career at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C., then later attended Western Maryland College, and finally University of Alberta where he earned his Ph.D. Early in his academic and teaching career, he met Donna Mason (nee Magill). They married on July 8, 1967 and raised three children. After serving as a teacher and supervisor at Alberta School for the Deaf, David began a second career as the Chair of Deaf Studies and professor in the Educational Psychology department of York University in North York, Ontario.

David is survived by his children; Sandra (Chris), Peter (Kelly), Colleen and his grandson Jack. David was predeceased by his wife Donna, his parents William and Mary, his brother Edward (Ted) and his wife Georgina, and his brother Les and his wife Anne. David is also survived by his sister Ramona, and numerous nieces and nephews that he had many special relationships with over a cup of coffee and a conversation, or a game of chess.

David was known as a leader, pioneer, scholar, teacher, mentor, coach, athlete, and friend. He dedicated his life to promoting Deaf education in Bilingual/Biculturalism and has had a lasting impact in the field today. His love of learning and teaching, reading and researching, creating and contributing to his Deaf community are a part of his legacy. He has been described as a humble giant who avoided praise and attention at all costs, preferring instead to give back and celebrate others and their successes or to help them reach their goals. Always thinking of others, toward the end he began to remark that he had a wonderful life and hoped that he could still be of value including how he could support others in the Deaf community who may face challenges that come with becoming ill later in life. He was always a teacher. To us, his family, he was our “North Star” and we are going to miss his unconditional love and infinite wisdom. We never stopped learning from him.

Our family wishes to thank the kindness and care that was provided to David in his final months at a variety of locations, but with special recognition of the Unit 41 staff at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, where he was treated with respect and dignity until the end. We are forever grateful.

Those who wish to pay their respects, are invited to Alberta School for the Deaf on October 12, 2024 at 1:00 pm. Not one for ceremony about himself, we think he would support a gathering if he knew it was also about celebrating Deaf education, community and sports, which will be a focus. All are asked to wear a plaid shirt (preferably with a notepad and pen in the shirt pocket) or Edmonton Elk clothing or fan gear.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Edmonton Association of the Deaf, Alberta Deaf Sports Association or Alberta Cultural Society of the Deaf/Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf.