Hugh James Mason

Hugh James Mason Sr. passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side. He was 76.

He was born to Lucille Fugate-Mason and Hugh James Mason in Denver, Colorado. He is preceded in death by his parents Lucille and Hugh, his older brother Rodney Mason and younger brother Harvey Dorr. His other brother, Fred, and his wife, Donna, reside in Washington state.

At age 14, the family moved from Colorado to Yakima, Washington, and then to Astoria, where he graduated from high school in 1957. He served in the Oregon National Guard in 1956 and 1957. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1960, and then in the Navy Reserve in 1961 and 1962.

He married Bonnie Ellen Fox in 1961. They raised their four children primarily in the Astoria-Warrenton area. He began his career in banking, and later enjoyed a career in construction retail.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, and their four children, Shelley R. Mason, Holley D. Andrews, Lorrey L. Nelson and Hugh James Mason Jr. (Jay). He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren, Kyle Hobbs, Rayna Hobbs, Cierra Andrews, Bart Andrews Jr., Dale Winterfield, Kevin Winterfield, Jayllen Winterfield, Jamie Nelson, Khelsea Smock, Jazmine Carrier and Emerald Mason; and six great-grandchildren, Olivia Hobbs, Emelia Hobbs, Cali Morales, Shaylee Edwards, Aedyn Smock and Zias Hill.

Hugh was loved by many and will be remembered for his love of charter fishing, playing guitar, gardening, the history of Oregon, and spending time with his wife of 55 years, Bonnie.

Upon his request, the family had a private celebration of life in his honor.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary in Astoria is in charge of the arrangements.