February 27, 2018, the “barefoot boat mechanic” from Fort Peck Marina went to his last best Walleye spot on the lake and took all his fishing secrets with him.
Clinton “Les” Mason was born in Wolf Point, Montana, August 22, 1950 to Clarence “Swede” Mason and Christine Jackson Mason. He grew up in Fort Peck, attending school there and in Nashua, Montana.
He was a natural mechanic and after high school he attended a marine mechanic tech school and began a career that always played a part in his life. He moved to Great Falls in the early 70’s, working on boats and RV’s at Alpenhaus/Sports Motors, now known as White Bear Island Marine. In 1981 it was time to go home to Eastern Montana, this time taking his new wife and step-daughter with him. A son joined the family in the 1983. They made a home in Glasgow and enjoyed everything Fort Peck Lake and the surrounding area had to offer.
In 1982, Northern Border Natural Gas Pipeline was being constructed and Les was hired. Again, his mechanical aptitude stood out, and in the following years he excelled at the computer technology and trouble-shooting to keep the gas flowing. He officially retired in May, 2017. Until complications from diabetes took its toll, he continued to repair boat motors and keep his friends and fellow fisherman out on the water. Feeling better in his last months, Les was looking forward to a summer on the lake, taking his fair share of Walleye.
Les is preceded in death by his parents and baby brother, Clarence. He is survived by his wife, Loryn “Lori” Sletten Mason; son Curtis (Mandy) Mason of Glasgow; daughter JoAnn (Barry) Gilman of Helena; grandchildren Nathan, Aaron and Kaleigh Gilman, Maria Morris and Reyna Merritt; sisters Susan (Buck) Tihista, Frances “Tan” (Ed) Leckie and Sarah Mason; niece Cathy Rodenbaugh; nephews Christopher Leckie and Caleb Mason; three great-nephews, and a great niece
Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 9, 2018 at Bell Mortuary in Glasgow. There will be a celebration of Les’ life at a later date. Condolences may be left at bellmortuaryglasgow.com
To replace the fisherman we have lost, Les’ family suggests, in lieu of flowers, to consider a donation to the “Kids to Fish” program at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, an account has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank in Glasgow.
Service Schedule
Visitation
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday March 9, 2018
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Visitation
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday March 9, 2018
Bell Mortuary
701 2nd Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
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Chuck Schultz says
Thoughts and Prayers incoming for the Family. Les was like a big brother to me when he worked for us at the marina. i will miss him greatly.
Tan says
No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye, you were gone before we knew it, only God knows why. Author unknown.
Have a peaceful journey big brother. I will remember you always and love you forever.
Margaret Davis says
I always admired you! You are a hero to some, and a great big brother to others . You will be missed
Marisa Brockmier says
So sorry for your loss.
May he rest in peace!
Joe French says
Les always amazed me how he worked his way thru issues at work on equipment be it electrical or mechanical. Worked with him for years at NBPL. I would describe him as a hard knocks type of education and knowledge that could do about anything that he wanted to do. Felt fortunate to see him and talk to him Monday afternoon. He talked about going fishing in the spring if it ever gets here! Us people from Fort Peck stick together and he was one of them.
Dick Britzman says
I will miss that smile and our little visits whenever we ran into each other. Been a tough winter with all the friends and relatives I’ve lost. God must need some extra special help on some project as he’s getting the best.
Joan Taylor says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families. Great memories of Les working at Marina for my Dad. Bet the two of them are fishing and telling stories. Maybe even working on a motor or two. Les took me on my first motorcycle ride and scared the Bee gees out of me. Hugs to all.
Elaine Egeland says
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Ginger Carson Rice says
Tan, Sue, Cookie and Lori, so sorry to hear about Les. He always had a smile on his face, a kind soul. It has been years since I last saw him but remember the fun we had in our younger years. He will be missed by many.
Hugs to you sis (Tan) and the Mason family.
Rhea Burner Nelson says
Sorry for your loss . We are losing to many of the old Fort Peckers . Sue , Tan ,and Cookie you are in my thoughts and prayers .
Pearl schneider says
Susan, Tan, Cookies and les’s family, so sorry for your loss. I remember growing up next door to each other and I always thought les was so quiet. As you go through this hard time, you will be kept in our thoughts and prayers.
Pearl Bushman Schneider
Nicki Bondy Mace says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Lifting you in prayer during these difficult days.
buck archambeault says
Tan:
Sorry about your loss. Great guy and I know how close you were to him.
See you in the spring.
Buck
John J French says
Our Prayers & Thoughts are with You Lori & Family ,
Les was a Great Guy.
Stan decker says
Lots and lots of great memories! Good friend, good person! I smile every time I think of him!!
Jerry Davis says
Les was my first friend in Fort Peck back in “54 or 55”. He was my first and only blood brother though he probably never remembered, I never forgot. We did the blood thing in his backyard on James Street when we were around 7 or 8. He was always a friend. I will miss him. My condolences to Sue, Tan, Sarah, and Lori.