SR1480 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1480 LRB101 22917 MST 74009 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of John C. Mason Jr. M.D. of Danville, who passed away on October 20, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Mason was born in Rossville to John C. Sr. M.D. and Ruth Cole Mason on March 27, 1930; he graduated from Rossville High School and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois; he earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1955 and completed his residency at the University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicago; he served in the U.S. Army as a captain in the medical corps and married Donna Jean Fox in 1957; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Mason was an obstetrician and gynecologist for approximately 40 years in Danville, both in private practice and with Carle Clinic; he delivered thousands of babies and treated, counseled, and cared for his patients with an enduring connection; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Mason was an active volunteer and supporter of the Danville Area Community College, Lakeview Hospital (Provena, OSF), the University of Illinois, and the University of Illinois Medical School; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Mason received the Lou Liay Spirit Award from the U of I Alumni Association for his dedication, spirit, and pride in support of the university; he and his wife created and funded scholarships for Danville Area Community College and the University of Illinois Medical School; he was honored by his family and the medical school in 2017 with the dedication of a classroom in his name that also honored his parents; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Mason co-led the effort to establish Fetch Dog Park which opened in 2010; he was very proud of the park and spent many hours on the grounds with his best friend, Maggie, and many more hours behind the scenes with others to make sure the park was successful; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Mason was affectionately known as "Poppie", "Jack", or "Doc"; he and Donna enjoyed travel, both international and domestic; he loved long driving trips around the country, visiting presidential libraries and sampling fried chicken; he enjoyed experiencing American history and had a particular interest in visiting the significant landmarks of the Lewis and Clark Trail; he documented many of these trips in his journals that he loved to send to his sons and grandchildren; he loved, mentored, and supported his family with his counsel and humor; he cherished time with family and friends at cookouts, cocktail hour, and fellowship on the deck; recently, he and family friend, Barbara McColm, enjoyed spending time together with family and friends in Danville and Fort Worth, Texas where Barbara lived; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Mason was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Donna; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Mason is survived by his sister, Carol; his sons, John (Jane), Jeff, Mike (Lisa), and Steve (Kathy); and his grandchildren Anne, John, Stephen, David, William, Abigail, Madeleine, and Cole; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of John C. Mason Jr. M.D. and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Dr. Mason as an expression of our deepest sympathy.