Contributions
At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.
The Primal Outfitters
150 Black River St.
South Haven, MI 49090
(269) 767-4796
Web Site
Flowers
Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.
Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site
Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site
Life Story / Obituary
When reflecting on the overflowing life of Todd Mason, it is easy to see his unwavering strength and his unconditional dedication to his family. He faced challenges head-on with a spirit of determination, and he was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. Nothing brought Todd greater joy than spending time with his loved ones, no matter how simple the moments. His solid work ethic formed the solid foundation of his life, and all that he did was done in love. Deeply missed, Todd will be forever held close in the hearts of those who knew him best.
The 1960s are remembered as a time of great change for the United States. The civil rights movement was in full swing, and the young JFK was elected president. It was during this exciting time that Neal and Patricia (Brown) Mason of Dowagiac, Michigan, were awaiting the arrival of their child. On November 4, 1963, they welcomed their son, who they named Todd, into the world.
Growing up, Todd was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home on Cedar Lake in Marcellus alongside his siblings, Kathy, Laurie, and David. The Mason family had a beloved lab dog who was Todd’s constant companion. Once, when he disappeared, his mother found him sleeping with the dog in the doghouse. Todd could be a mischievous boy, and he often played pranks or cracked jokes to make others laugh. From an early age, he was an amazing athlete, and he excelled at football and basketball. Todd was very social and had a large group of close friends. He always looked back on his childhood at the lake with fondness. He loved living his life on the Lake.
As a teenager, Todd was known to be a ladies’ man. He also got into his share of trouble, and he once took the boat out on the lake without permission, which he eventually got in trouble for. Todd suffered a football injury and had to undergo ACL surgery. While still on crutches, he and several of his friends decided to play a prank on their coach and toilet paper the house. Unfortunately, since Todd couldn’t run away, he was caught red-handed. He loved all things sports and fishing. He attended local schools and went on to pursue further education at Western Michigan University, graduating in 1995.
Of all the things Todd loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. He always said that if it wasn’t for his ex-wife, Julie, and the way she pushed him and helped him through his classes, he would never have graduated from college at all. Together, Todd and Julie were overjoyed to bring their children, Mitch, Max, Maria into their hearts and home, and later, Todd would be blessed with another child, Remington, with his then partner Jessica White. Todd thrived in his role as a father, and he loved his children infinitely and unconditionally. He was thrilled to become an uncle to several nieces and nephews as well. Todd always considered himself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.
Never one to sit still for long, Todd pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He enjoyed fishing in all of its forms, whether it be on his childhood home’s lake, or a visit to one of the greater lakes, Todd didn’t discriminate and would take a chance to fish whenever he could. He wasn’t particularly gifted at putting things together, and if he was trying to build something, he could be expected to let loose with strings of swear words out of frustration. He did, however, have a true gift for making people laugh. Todd was very sociable throughout his entire life. Whenever he went out to mow the lawn, he would get so distracted by waving at friends and neighbors that he would run right over the sprinkler heads. Later in life, Todd found a passion for cooking and grilling. He was known to barbecue almost anything, and he loved bacon. Todd was always happiest when those around him were happy.
As family and friends can surely attest, Todd Mason strove to live each and every day to the very fullest. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and he was a shining example of kindness and warm generosity. A devoted son, father, and uncle, Todd was a friend to many and beloved by all who knew him. His sense of humor and insatiable zest for life brought a spark of joy to every room he walked into. Though he will be dearly missed, Todd leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.
Todd Mason of Lawton, age 60, died on October 15, 2024. He was born November 4, 1963, in Dowagiac to Neal and Patricia (Brown) Mason. Todd was preceded in death by his father. Surviving is his mother, Patricia (Leonard) Kaminski; children: Mitch, Max, Maria, and Remington Mason; siblings: Kathy (Casey) Jones, Lori (Dave) Kmet, and David (Stacy) Kaminski; and 8 nieces and nephews.
A celebration will be held at a later date. Celebrate Todd’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to The Primal Outfitters, Inc. Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Homes, 60900 M40 Hwy, Paw Paw (269) 657-3870.