Sam J. Mason, 1942-2012: Police retiree was known for positive outlook

Sam J. Mason, who capped a 25-year Toledo police career as a juvenile detective and arson investigator, died Friday in St. Luke's Hospital, Maumee. He was 69.

The cause was believed to be a heart problem, his son Steve said.

"Dad was in relatively good health, and [it] was pretty surprising to us," his son said.

Mr. Mason retired from the Toledo police force in 1990.

For much of his retirement, until about a year ago, he worked for Flower Hospital and drove cancer patients to and from their appointments. Some felt worse after treatment than before.

"He was quick with the wink of an eye to slip somebody a peppermint and say, 'Here, this will make you feel better,' " his son said. "So many people have come up to us and said, 'Your dad took care of me and transported me here and there.' "

One patient who learned that her condition was beyond treatment didn't merely say good-bye when her appointments stopped. She invited him over for pie.

Mr. Mason joined the Toledo police after serving in the Marine Corps Reserves. His brother John -- who was chief from 1980-87 -- was already on the force.

He started out walking a beat, "like we all did," Chief Mason said. "He walked a beat downtown, Summit, and Cherry. Then he worked district patrol for a few years."

Mr. Mason became a detective in the juvenile bureau.

"He got along good with people," Chief Mason said.

"He was able to resolve some pretty serious situations without having to use force," Chief Mason said. "I never had the opportunity to work with him, but partners he did have said the same thing.

"He was a very strong supporter of family life and a tremendous family guy. He carried those attributes over to the police department."

Chief Mason assigned him to a new arson investigation post, part of a joint undertaking with the fire department.

"They liked Sam, and they liked the work that he did," Chief Mason said. "He was a good, steady investigator and did his job day in and day out, and it paid dividends."

Yet he didn't seek advancement, his son said.

"That was his calling. He really enjoyed the investigative aspect of his job," his son said. "He took fulfillment in solving crimes and helping people, whether victims or potential victims."

He was born Sept. 18, 1942, to Emily and Leonard Mason. He was a graduate of Libbey High School and attended the University of Toledo.

He liked to fish, travel, and play golf. For several years he was president of the former Hickory Hills course near Grand Rapids, Ohio.

"Dad liked to play wherever he could find good company to play with," his son said.

Mr. Mason liked beach visits -- Cocoa Beach, Fla., and Myrtle Beach, S.C. -- and watching sunrises and sunsets with his wife over their Waterville Township pond. He visited Hawaii and was on several Caribbean cruises.

"On the job he was all business," his son said. "He was a big, 6-foot, 200-pound guy, and he looked the part."

Off the job, "all it took was a little coaxing, and out came the wry smile and a joke," his son said. "He had a way of making people feel comfortable."

Surviving are his wife, Connie, whom he married Oct. 2, 1965, sons, Steve, Todd, and Shawn Mason; brothers, Leonard, Jr., John, Ken, and Bob, sisters, Ruthanne Bennett and Judy Reidlinger; and five grandchildren.

Memorial services are to be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Patrick Church on U.S. 24 in Lucas County's Providence Township, where he was a member. Arrangements are by the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home.

The family suggests tributes to the church.

Contact Mark Zaborney at: mzaborney@theblade.com or 419-724-6182.