Bill Text: SC S0845 | 2019-2020 | 123rd General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Fordyce Harwood Mason III
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2019-05-20 - Introduced and adopted [S0845 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2019-S0845-Introduced.html
A SENATE RESOLUTION
TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE TO THE LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS OF FORDYCE HARWOOD "FORD" MASON III OF RICHLAND COUNTY UPON HIS PASSING.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were saddened to learn of the death of Fordyce Harwood "Ford" Mason III at the age of seventy-four on April 5, 2019; and
Whereas, born in Buffalo, New York, on February 21, 1945, he was the son of the late Fordyce Harwood Mason II and Irene Taylor Mason; and
Whereas, Mr. Mason grew up in Miami, Florida, and graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in 1967. He also earned a master's degree in psychology in 1973, and a doctorate in counseling in 1986, both from the University of South Carolina; and
Whereas, for twenty-eight years he served the South Carolina Department of Corrections, eventually becoming the chief psychologist, supporting inmates and staff alike. He was responsible for the creation and implementation of a boot camp for first time offenders, designed to rehabilitate them; and
Whereas, Mr. Mason served the South Carolina State Employees Association for over thirty years, many of which he served as the legislative chairman with a passion to secure cost of living increases for state employees; and
Whereas, devoted to his community, he served on the board of the Columbia Fatherhood Organization for more than twenty years and was a founding member of the Earlewood Community Citizens Organization, serving in many roles, including president and faithful distributor of newsletters; and
Whereas, Mr. Mason enjoyed the personal friendships he developed over the years through business relationships involving his real estate properties around the Columbia area; and
Whereas, always appreciative of new and different works of art and learning about the artists, he developed an eclectic taste in art which blended many different styles and cultures into a cohesive whole, a passion that resulted in fascinating and animated conversations; and
Whereas, a faithful member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church since 1983, Mr. Mason was deeply impacted through his involvement in the church where he made many lasting friends; and
Whereas, together with his beloved wife of almost forty-four years, Martha Dinwiddie Mason, he was given the "Key to the City" in 2010 for their work with the Earlewood Community Citizens Organization. He was the proud father of two fine children, Jonathan Mason and Jennifer Mason Lobo, and he was blessed with the affection of two grandchildren, Grayson and Emma Lobo; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are grateful for the life and legacy that Ford Mason has left and for the feeling of mutual appreciation he engendered through his keen and thoughtful ability to listen and his perceptive conversations. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express their deepest sympathy to the loving family and many friends of Fordyce Harwood "Ford" Mason III of Richland County upon his passing.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Fordyce Harwood "Ford" Mason III.
