Obituary of Philip George Mason

They called him the Mountain Man. Philip George Mason was born on May 2, 1925 and lived in the Santa Cruz Mountains as a third generation pioneer. He passed away peacefully with his family in his own home on April 29, 2015. He was just shy of his 90th birthday. Growing up Phil spent his early years hunting and fishing with other mountain boys. He joined the Marines during WWII and upon returning home he married Marjorie Ellen Wicht his best friend's sister. They settled into the Mason property and raised five children. The doors to the Mason family home were always open due to their love of youth and desire to help others. Over the years a camp ground with redwoods and meadows was developed for many groups to enjoy the beauty of nature. Phil worked as a designer and builder and his workmanship can still be seen today in many of the custom homes in the Santa Cruz Mountains. His wife Marjorie passed away in 1980 at the young age of 54. Phil remained a widower for many years. As if one wonderful wife was not enough, he was blessed again. At the age of 79, he married another mountain woman, Barbara Taylor, of Taylor Ranch. Philip and Barbara spent many hours together taking short trips and enjoying the beautiful scenery and wildlife on the west coast. Philip is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Taylor-Mason, children Roger Mason and Deb, Gary Mason and Pam, Deborah Routley and Steve, Kenneth Mason and Lynn, and Cynthia Sebastian, 19 grandchildren, 35 great- grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to attend services at Oakwood Memorial Chapel, 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz, CA on Saturday, May 16 at 2:00 p.m. In memory of Philip, donations may be made to a Christian youth organization of your choice or to the Loma Prieta Community Foundation for the "Mountain Historical Museum" at 23800 Summit Road, Los Gatos, CA 95033.