Roy Mason

     Roy Leslie Mason, lifelong Wendell resident, passed away at the age of 91, on September 26, 2024 in Twin Falls, Idaho.

     Roy was born at St. Valentine’s Hospital, now Magic Valley Manor, in Wendell on August 20, 1933 to Herman and Irma (Parr) Mason. Roy was known as Buss or Bussy to family and close friends.

     He graduated from Wendell High School in 1951 and shortly after was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in Korea. Following discharge, Roy took a job at the Cobalt mine near Salmon, Idaho. It was here that he met and married Carolyn Brough. They lived in Salmon and Northern Idaho before settling back in Wendell where Roy worked as a well driller for Eaton Drilling and later for Elsing Drilling and Pump.

     From an early age Roy was drawn to art, often sketching pictures in the margins of his school books. At the age of 12, he entered a drawing in a competition for the local paper and was awarded $1. As an adult, he began painting in oils, but switched to watercolors after taking his first watercolor class from LaVar Steele at the College of Southern Idaho. Buss was always deeply aware of the beauty around him. His watercolor paintings hang in many homes and businesses across the West. Roy was a distinguished merit member of the Idaho Watercolor Society and a member of the Magic Valley Arts Council. In addition to these organizations, Roy belonged to the VFW, the American Legion, and served as a volunteer fireman for fifteen years with the Wendell Fire Department.

     Time spent camping, hiking, golfing, traveling, or relaxing with family and friends was special to him and will be forever treasured by his family.

     Roy is survived by Carolyn - his wife of 66 years; his three children - Cindy Depew (Joe) of Las Vegas, Julie Osborn (Sam) of Twin Falls, and Bill Mason of Wendell; as well as six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews and family friends.

     He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

     A celebration of Roy’s life will be held at Wendell Senior Center, 380 1st Ave E. Wendell, Idaho, on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 1:00 pm.  

     Memorial contributions may be made to the Idaho Watercolor Society (IWS Treasurer, P.O. Box 9093, Boise, Idaho 83707) The Magic Valley Arts Council (195 River Vista Place, Suite 100, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301) or a favorite charity.

Beauty is before me

And beauty behind me,

Above and below me hovers the beautiful,

I am immersed in it.

Benedictory Chant (Navajo)

     Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel.    

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