Gregory Earle Mason

Gregory Earle Mason, 71, of Polson, passed away on Oct. 17, 2022.

Greg was born on July 12, 1951, to Mary Mason in Washington, D.C. After graduating from Santa Clara High School in California he went on to Ventura County College where he obtained an Associate’s Degree and then went on to study business at San Diego State University. While there he enjoyed a successful football career for the SDSU Aztecs and went on to play for the Southern California Suns in the World Football League in 1974 and 1975.

After his football career Greg started a lasting career for the California Highway Patrol in 1982. It was that career that brought him to Bob's Big Boy Restaurant in Ventura for much needed coffee breaks and where he met Valerie Atwood in March of 1983. They fell in love and were wed in September of 1984.

Greg was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of Michael, Christina and Tyler and loved the adventures they enjoyed as they moved around California for his CHP career.

After retiring from the Highway patrol in 2000, Greg attended cooking school in Washington State which allowed him to broaden his passion for food. He enjoyed many holidays cooking for his family and passed the love of creating great food down to his children. After Washington, the family then moved to Whitefish in 2002 and Greg became a produce manager at Super 1 Foods where his passion for food expanded to helping customers. He could be recognized in the produce department by his contagious smile and helpful recipes.

After retiring from Super 1, Greg took the love of his life, Valerie, to live in Mesquite, Nev., to enjoy some nice weather but Montana called them back and they settled back down in Polson where they enjoyed the views of Flathead Lake together from their new home. Greg was also a passionate fisherman and could often be found on his pontoon boat on Flathead Lake where he loved taking his grandkids for outings.

Anyone who knew Greg knew that he was the most loving father, grandfather and husband a family could ask for.

Greg was predeceased by his mother Mary Mason, his brothers Clark Caldwell and Garland "Bubba" Chandler, and his sister-in-law Julie Caldwell. He is survived by his wife Valerie Mason; their children, Michael Tolomeo-Atwood, Christina Thompson and Tyler and Camille Mason; his nephew and niece, Dante and Trisha Caldwell; and grandchildren, Makenna, Marcelo, Devante, Kharri, Maliyah and Nola. Survivors also include his mother-in-law, Alice, and her husband Matthew; brother-in-law Sheridan, and brother and sister-in-law Steve and Linda; along with many kids and communities that knew him as Pops.

A celebration of life open house will be held in his honor from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Snowberry Event Center at the North Forty Resort located at 3765 MT Hwy 40 West, Columbia Falls.