Aviation Instructor Kurt Mason passes away
TJ Cotterill
Issue date: 1/29/10 Section: News
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Born in Everett, Mason had spent more than 50 years of his life as a pilot, air traffic controller, aircraft mechanic and instructor, four of which were spent in EvCC's aviation department.
"He was a master instructor," Loomis said in a letter to EvCC. "His teaching style made him a favorite in the hearts of our students (and staff)."
According to Loomis, Mason had served previous teaching roles at Boeing, Alaska Airlines and South Seattle Community College before coming to EvCC.
"I've worked with [Mason], off and on, for thirty years," Loomis said. "I know the loss here in the Aviation Tech School will be felt for some time to come."
Mason was well known for his love of helicopters, so much that he even built his own version of a Bell 47 helicopter.
The helicopter was known as "Baby Bell," according to Loomis, and Mason flew it as far as Oshkosh, Wisconsin for the annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in.
"When (Mason) showed up on the scene, you knew that there would be some 'action,'" Loomis said. "Not one to shrink away from the physical side of work, he was always in the middle of things: directing, teaching, building, leading."
"It was a tough day out here for us today," Loomis said. "Just thought of him and his family today at work."
In addition to all Mason's work in aviation, Mason served the United States in the Marine Corps.
"We are fortunate to have had him on our team, I know he will continue to be an inspiration to us," Loomis said. "He was a good Marine, he was our friend."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Barbara Hatt
posted 2/02/10 @ 5:25 PM PST
My son, Alex, was one of Kurt's sons-in-laws. Kurt was the kind of person who welcomed not just Alex, but his brother, Elliott and me into their family circle. (Continued…)
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