Tributes

April 6...Good morning dad. Rick says you're on oxygen and not doing too well. Sorry to hear that, dad. I'm gonna head up there. You are and have been an amazing person, dad, and all-around lover of life. A refuge for anyone who has the pleasure of meeting you. Love you. See you soon.

I can’t get your dad off my mind. He was such a big part of my life over the years. Our prayers continue with you and your brothers and family.

John, I’m sad that I won’t get to watch another super bowl with you or cook another breakfast casserole together. I loved you from first I met you and still do. Thank you for the wonderful family you created and for a life so well spent. I’ll see you when I get there! 

I have been thinking about this Irish Funeral Prayer poem since your father passed away...I pray it brings you peace and love! Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Everything remains as it was. The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no sorrow in your tone.

Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.

I have many fond memories of John, generosity, patience and a great sense of humor. I remember those fun but competitive parlor games we played, Keith giving his dad etiquette suggestions at the dining table, and most of all John “teaching me how to dance!!” Hopefully memories like this will carry your family through your sadness and loss and comfort you with each new day. May peace find a place in your hearts.  

We were walking around his shed and I spotted it.  "What are you doing with a potato cannon, John?" He brightened up right away. "You know what that is?" "Sure," I said.  You got any cheap hairspray and old potatoes or shriveled up apples or anything we can use for ammo?" Next thing we went charging into the house asking Lois for hairspray, but it was the good kind, not suitable for cannon fire. While Lois & John looked for ammo, and I set up the cannon, Judy ran to Walmart to get some Aquanet. 

We shot potatoes into the field all afternoon, just a couple of boys making noise, having fun. That evening we went to the Bay Pony Inn for supper, and John asked the waitress if she knew was a potato gun was. "I'll give you an extra hundred dollar tip if you can tell me right now what a potato cannon is."  He was generous and fun-loving.  The waitress said, "I gotta get this order in first, I'll be right back."  When she came back, she rattled off the definition of potato cannon. 

I have so many memories that include Uncle John. Mom (Irene) and Uncle John were not only siblings, but such good friends and enjoyed spending time together.  As a child, we would spend time at their home, and I remember lots of laughter from the table where the parents were sitting. Over the years, stories involving the uncles including Uncle John were told around the table, always making us laugh!  And then I remember that Uncle John made frequent trips to the hospital and then to the house...

to visit Mom before she passed away. His love for her and for her family was so strong. He will be missed by me and my family so much. He was such a good man and loved by many. I was honored and blessed to be his niece. I love you Uncle John.  

We are so thankful to have had you in the family – your big smile and generous spirit will be forever in our memories. See you on the other side, Uncle John! 

I was so sad to hear of Johns death. I was Lois' hairdresser for many years and had grown to know them both over the years. When john was going through his cancer in the early stages, he and Lois were so devoted to one another. Lois was at that time not herself but always a gracious and refined woman. God will hold their hands as they travel this last journey together. How blessed I was to know them. I no longer work there because my own dear husband died three years ago. They are in my prayers.

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Dear John --

It is with heavy heart that I pen this note. To the best brother-in-law a sister-in-law could ever imagine. John, thank you for all your kindnesses and thoughts you expressed to Willie and his family all these years. We can say with love, you are the bestest!

The little red truck that you and Keith put railings on was purchased by neighbor across the street. So seeing it every day, I'm reminded again of your visits to see your brother Willie.

Your sons have continually shown love and appreciation in their caring for you. Jesus will welcome you with open arms. The family is waiting for another son to come. We who love you are finding it most difficult to say "good-bye.'

--Willie's Carolyn

(Carolyn West Mast was married to the late Dr. William Mast.)

John (and Lois) welcomed me with open arms into their home and their lives from the first day I met them. I truly appreciated every day I had laughing and learning a lot about love and patience…even though it was less than two years.

To the Mast Boys and their families:  Thank you very much for letting me into your lives and allowing me the opportunity to get to know you and your families.  Your Dad had a kind, gentle soul and a smile (YOU all inherited) that lit up a room!  He is missed dearly. 

John Mast was many things to me; at first he was the one who loved my Aunt Lois beyond comprehension, so that endeared him to me right away. As I got to know him over the years, I saw we had much in common: planting trees and landscaping, travel, music, family gatherings, thoughtful conversation, and shared ideas. We became friends and confidants and I miss his voice, whether laughing or arguing with me, which we did quite frequently. 

I always saw him as "large and in charge," almost like a father to me, but better. He was welcoming, generous, and appreciative of my help in later years. He was so happy and excited the last time we spoke, because he was finally cancer free; then it was just a few days and he was gone.  (Hey John, I hope you approve of the changes I made in your landscape this week - I finally moved some sun-loving plants into the sun and the shady ones in the shade. Also, the dawn redwoods are still thriving.)

I bring greetings from Canada. There is a group of people in Ontario whose lives have been touched and enriched by John & Lois. I counted 30 connections within my circle including my parents Roy & Bea Steckley, Mutual friends of John & Lois & my parents, myself, my siblings, and our children. John and Lois took the time to engage with my children and my nieces and nephews.  To know them, learn about them and of course to play and tease with them.

John was a very special man. He knew how to Love!! Genuine Love. His warmth radiated through his smile, his attentiveness, his ability to Listen well, and with his occasional momentary pause. When he replied, you knew as he spoke you were important, accepted and loved. I challenge each of us to do this; it is important what we say.