October 31, 1929 – January 24, 2015

David S. Mason of La Crescenta, California, died peacefully at his home on January 24, 2015.  He was born in Torrance, California, the son of late Thomas Francis and Eva Gay Mason, youngest of 3 children.  David graduated from John Marshall High School located in Los Angeles in 1947, attended Oregon State College, and transferred to Whittier College where he graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration.  He entered the U. S. Navy in December 1951, was honorably discharged in October 1953 and awarded the National Defense Service Medal.  After his discharge he began working as a real estate appraiser and in 1957 joined the firm of Mason, Mason & Mason Real Estate Appraisers with his father and brother.

He was a member of the Appraisal Institute, holding an MAI designation.  His numerous accomplishments with the Institute included President of the Southern California Chapter #5 (1969), membership of the National Governing Council (1971-1973 and 1989-1990), National Vice President of the Southwest Region (1976-1977), granted “Professional Recognition Award” (1976-1981), and receiving the “Meritorious Service Award, Southwest Region (1987)”.  He also was a member of various other organizations including the American Society of Real Estate Counselors (CRE designation), International Right of Way Association, and the American Arbitration Association Panel.  He was a Certified General Appraiser Licensed by the State of California and a licensed Real Estate Broker.  Throughout his career he was called upon to lecture throughout the country on various aspects of the real estate appraisal industry.

David was an avid licensed private pilot, earning his wings in 1959.  He coupled flying with photography as a hobby and subsequently established a business, Custom Aerial Photos, in 1988 which he then incorporated in 1994.  He owned several airplanes, achieved his instrument rating and logged over 3,000 hours in the air.  He was a member of the Professional Aerial Photographers Association (PAPA), recipient of National Awards for Professional Excellence for his aerial photos, member of the Cessna Owner Organization and of the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Frances Mason, daughters Patricia Mason Fowler, Barbara Lorraine Brown, son David Michael Mason, and stepdaughter Dorsey Johnston; along with eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.

A private memorial service was held on February 19, 2015.