The world became a little quieter on March 26, 2022, when “Tim” Wayne Murray Mason said goodbye to this place in search of greener pastures. It’s hard to believe the family patriarch, just shy of his 93rd birthday, is no longer with us. Our family is big, a little bit wild, and family gatherings will no longer be the same without his mischievous smile, stories, jokes, and harassment of his grandsons and close friends to take their goddamn hats off at the table. Tim always felt blessed with a wonderful family and multitude of friends (some who were here and gone) and all at the center of his universe.

Tim was born in Fieldbrook on May 4, 1929, in the family home to Warren Mason and Bertha McClain Mason. He attended Fieldbrook Elementary and Arcata High School (Class of ’47). He stayed connected with many classmates for the rest of his life and many were present at the 65th class reunion in 2012. He began working as a “gandy dancer” for Annie Mary Railroad until they discovered he was under aged. He started surveying in Humboldt and Mendocino counties with Oscar Larson Company and often shared stories of “laying out” Geneva Road in Redwood National Park and earning an extra dollar a month cooking meals for the crew. Eventually, he found his way to the woods and logged with his dad and brothers for several years. He became a partner in Mason Logging, which is how he met his best friend of 73 years Red Emmerson, as fathers and sons haggling over log prices. In the early 50’s, he helped establish the No. CA. Log & Scaling Bureau and tended bar at the M&M Club. Predicting that the logging industry might be winding down, Tim purchased Everett’s Club on the Arcata Plaza in April 1959. Thereafter, Timberline Liquors Corporation was born with the addition of the Samoa Club; Timberline Liquor and Deli; and other financial endeavors. He sponsored many teams over the years and hosted numerous customer appreciation “Corned Beef and Cabbage Feeds”. Sixty-three years later, he continued to share ownership of Everett’s Club with his daughters and enjoyed a roll of the dice with good friends. Tim was a 50-year member of the Moose Lodge and the Odd Fellows that originated in Arcata.

Tim loved to hide out at the Redwood Creek property (remnant from his family logging days) where he cut firewood, chased bears out of the apple trees, and hosted family gatherings. The highlight of his summer was a successful garden from tomatoes the size of grapefruit to gigantic pumpkins to share with all. A life-long hunter and fisherman, some of his most cherished adventures were spent with family and friends on weekends at Red’s ranch known as “Redwood House”. Old Papa witnessed many successes; including, the final deer of the 2021 season, when his great-granddaughter Olivia shot her first buck. Tim never took that time for granted and always felt blessed that Red would include his wife, partner, grandsons, great-grandchildren, other family members, and friends to experience the serenity and successes at Redwood House over the years. Tim hunted out-of-state for over 70 years and spent the last 15 years or so in Montana with Terry, Jerry Luzar, and the Zehntner and Britt families. He had an excellent memory and could recall almost every detail and location, from his early teens and on, of anyone’s successes which he loved to share. He cherished clamming at Clam and Moonstone Beach and often told of long-ago exploits. He enjoyed fishing in Alaska with the last trip in 2019 when his sea-worthy legs were not happy while pulling in his last catch of halibut.

Even after a stroke in 2021, he still chopped firewood, mowed the lawn, hunted, and went to lunch regularly with his buddies. He was a proud man; liked to live life to the fullest; shared a helping hand where he could and did everything by himself. He set the “bar” high for others to follow.

Tim is survived by his beloved partner Terry Hines; daughters Linda Puzz and Karen Hooven; son-in-law Art Hooven; “adopted” daughter Barbara Thede Dimmick; grandsons and their spouses, Mike Puzz, John Puzz (Kristi), Tim Hooven, Patrick Hooven (Melissa), and David Hooven (Katie); great grandchildren Alex, Abby, Isaac, and Molly Puzz and Mason, Cameron, Timmy, Olivia and Amelia Hooven which all live locally. He is also survived by his brothers Jack Mason of Arcata, CA and Gary Mason (Sue) of Lompoc, CA; sister Charlotte Greenwood of Elk Grove, CA; numerous nephews and nieces, including John Mason who was more like a son; and his dog Toby.

He is preceded in death by his wife Virginia “Ginny” of 52 years; parents Warren and Bertha McClain Mason; siblings Jim and Dave Mason and Ruth Ford; nephew Gary Wayne Adams; brother-in-law Bill Greenwood; sister-in-law Helen Mason; and numerous family pets.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Abel and staff for their overwhelming support throughout the years, as well as Hospice of Humboldt staff for making his last few days as comfortable, as possible, at the Ida Emmerson Hospice House.

On May 15 there will be a Celebration of Tim’s Life at the Ingomar Club from 1-4 p.m. open to family and friends. On April 9th, presided by long-time family friend Ron Roland, a private graveside service was held at Ocean View Cemetery followed by a family gathering which including a toast to Tim at Everett’s. Pallbearers were Mike and John Puzz; Art, Tim, Patrick, and David Hooven; and Red Emmerson. If you would like to make donations, they are welcome in Tim’s honor to the Ida Emmerson Hospice House - Hospice of Humboldt. We are blessed to have such a wonderful facility.

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