Phillip Parker Mason

He was born on April 28, 1927, in Salem, Massachusetts, to Homer and Mildred Trask Mason.

He grew up in Beverly, Massachusetts and then served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Prior to Arizona he lived in Lansing, Pleasant Ridge, Dearborn and Eagle Harbor, Michigan.

Philip is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Marcia Heringa Mason, with whom he collaborated on several projects, including establishing a new museum in Eagle River, Michigan, for the Keweenaw County Historical Society, in 2013. They lived in Dearborn, for 15 years, then in 2008 moved to Eagle Harbor, Michigan, on Lake Superior, after renting there for eight summers.

Philip received his undergraduate degree from Boston University and his master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. He pursued a career as a professor of history, archivist and author. He served as the archivist for the state of Michigan then moved to Wayne State University in 1958. He was a professor of history, developed the Archival Studies program and was the founding director of the Archives of Urban and Labor Affairs also called the Reuther Library. Phil conducted hundreds of oral history interviews for the Reuther Library and other organizations. He authored many books including the Ambassador Bridge and Rumrunning and the Roaring Twenties. In 1990 he was promoted to Distinguished Professor of History. He retired from teaching in 2007.

Phil was an active member in many organizations, including the Algonquin Club, Jewish Historical Society, Keweenaw County Historical Society, Michigan Archival Association, Michigan Historical Society, Midwest Archives Conference, Prismatic Club of Detroit, Society of American Archivists and the University of Michigan Clements Library Board of Governors.

But it was his family and friends who were most important to him. He kept in weekly contact with his beloved secretary, Alberta Asmar, from the Reuther Library who continued to work on projects with him after his retirement.

Philip is predeceased by his first wife, Henrietta Dow Mason, the mother of his five children.

He is survived by his children, Catherine (Mark) Phillips of Ferndale, Michigan, Susan Mason of Howell, Michigan, Stephen (Joanna Murphy) Mason of North Sutton, New Hampshire, Jonathan (Mary) Mason of Auckland, New Zealand, and Christopher (Elizabeth) Mason of Draper, Utah; and his stepchildren, Heather (Lynn) Slaughter of Taylor, Michigan, Cori (Brad) Vander Ley of Phoenix, Arizona, and Rachel DeVries of Eugene, Oregon.

He was devoted to his grandchildren, Sarah (Sean) Garnham of Livonia, Annie (Alex) Hollock of Butler, Pennsylvania, Philip (Aimee) Mason of Norwich, Vermont, Ian (Emily) Mason of Salt Lake City, Utah, Emily Mason of Thetford, Vermont, Cameron Mason of Salt Lake City, Utah; Lauren Mason of Draper, Utah; Emma Mason and Phebe Mason of Auckland, New Zealand.; his step- grandchildren, Devin Fisher of Austin, Texas, Sophie and William Briody of Taylor, Natalie and Tanner Vander Ley of Phoenix, Arizona, Samuel and Leo Sterner of Eugene, Oregon; and to his great grandchildren, Sophie, Alethea, Ezekiel and Gabriella Garnham, Brooks and Ella Mason, and Ellowyn Hollock.

He is predeceased by sister, Marjorie Mason Levis of Portola, California.

He is survived by his brother, Wendell (Gloria) Mason of Beverly, Massachusettes; and sister, Marilyn Mason (Richard, deceased) Welch of Centreville, Ohio.

Memorial gifts can be made in his name to: Wayne State University Archives of Urban and Labor Affairs, National Farm Worker Ministry, University of Michigan Clements Library and the Keweenaw County Historical Society.