Heart Breaking News. Mark Mason Dies In Car Accident – UPDATED AS WE KNOW MORE
Photo Steve lapkin and mahogany Hotrods.
I hate writing these stories. Mark, a great guy and true classic boater, has passed away. We have gotten the news from several trusted sources now and have put together what we think happened. There was a car wreck in Gilford, and Mark was from Gilford. Our sources also said it was a car accident yesterday, Mark was hit in the side, and this morning died. UPDATE, Confirmed. Here is a more detailed report in the Laconia News HERE
From Facebook, scene of accident yesterday
HERE is a great web page on Mark Masons boats over the years. For the folks that were not aware of Mark, he was truly one of the pillars of our world. And especially the race boat world. Raceboats were built to last a race or two, so in many ways, we would not really have a way to experience the mastery of these boats without Mark. He left a serious impact on our history.
Thank you, Matt. ❤️
I was introduced to Mark through Jay Higgins, former ACBS President. We all traveled often.
Tragic loss. He will forever remain in my/our hearts.
S
Thank you Matt ❤️
Tragedy loss. I was introduced to Mark through former ACBS President Jay Higgins in the mid 198Os. He will remain in my/our hearts forever. S
Dammit.
Mark was an inspiration, a maverick, a top notch sleuth, restorer and builder with a great network; I will never forget the 1st time I saw Miss Columbia on Lake Joseph; the attention to detail was over the top ; He created the Gentleman Racer legend
Mark was a legend, an icon, a maverick and a sleuth with a fantastic network of people who shared his passion for perfection ; I will never forget seeing Miss Columbia and how it reflected his passion for these wonderful boats; Thoughts to Marks family and friends; he was a talent;
This is very sad! Leaves a pit in the stomach, I pray for his family and close friends. As a younger person in the car/ boat hobby Mark talked to me with such sincerity and enthusiasm! Thank you for sharing this and informing the WoodyBoater community!
Mark was a master of his craft and will be missed at our shows here in N.H., always involved and bringing great boats.
Many in the Michigan gang got this tragic news yesterday. Mark was originally from Port Huron, was one of the founders of the Michigan Chapter and a friend and mentor to many of us. Some of the boat photos on that web page were taken in the Algonac flats area. I was looking forward to seeing him at Boat the Blue next month. Rest in Peace Mark. You will long be remembered!
An unfortunate tragedy.
I knew of Mark well before I had the pleasure of meeting him.
During the past several trip to Sunnyland, I had a chance to spend some time with Mark. Gracious, kind, always willing to quench my thirst for history.
Thinking of Bonnie, his family, and friends.
Sad news on the doorstep. That Wooden Boat mag article mid 80’ of his search and restoration of Baby Bootlegger and seeing it at Clayton took the hobby up to warp speed.. later years chatted with anyone on the Mt Dora docks..
Really got to know him when I interviewed him for a story in the Sheerline. Lunch with Mark was always a treat. He had a real knack for finding the buried treasures. Great guy who will be missed.
So sad, I did not know him. I have seen pictures of his boats. He sounds like a great guy. My prayers for his family.
Wonderful truly gifted in cross country. A first class champion in track. He could flat out run. May Bonnie and the family be so proud of that man.
I would run into Mark at different boat shows. He knew I was a trail runner and did ultra trail marathons. He talked about his running days fondly and I wish I had inquired more about those times. Last year at Sunnyland Show he had to have the T-shirt I was wearing that had one of the raceboats that he had restored on it. I loved that shirt. It was high-quality print from the Clayton Museum and probably only worn a couple of times and 15 years old, but he had to have it so he could give it to his customer who owned the boat. As it happened, we were next to the Woody Boater tent and I gave him the shirt off my back, lol and Matt gave me a shirt so he didn’t have to look at a half naked old man.
Saw Mark at the recent Clayton show…………………a huge loss to the antique boating community. Condolences to his family.
Mark had an interest in wood boats when just a lad. He met my brother at Ferris State and when he found out he was from Manistee, MI, he asked if my brother could get him in the Century factory. Soon thereafter, Mark found himself in the General Manager Leonard Holmes’ office at Century. Mr. Holmes graciously arranged a tour for the young man. Mark related this story to me some years later.
Mark was a good friend and mentor. He had just called me on Monday as excited as ever telling me about the 25’ Dodge he and three friends bought that used to hang on Horace Dodge’s yacht. So, so much knowledge of the greatest antique boats ever built. I remember reading in awe of his boats when I was 10. He will be greatly missed. Easily high on the list of legends in our hobby. The man had been hunting for specific boats (and finding most of them) since he was 21 years old.
So sad news about the accident and Mark leaving us, the Wood Father of mahogany speed boats. A true genuine person, when I contacted Mark with questions regarding the rebuild of my runabouts the answeers and communication was always straight and sinceer. The advices I recived are used and will work just fine! Rest in peace Mark