Gardner Lee Mason

Gardner Lee Mason passed away peacefully on May 30th, 2018 at the age of 72 years.   Gardner suffered a stroke and fought valiantly for 90 days.

Known as a sailor, pilot, cyclist, and diver, Gardner was most fond of the role of husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. His passion for life was exceeded only by his passion for a good argument.

A native of Chelmsford, Mass. and son of John and Mae Mason, Gardner graduated from Chelmsford High before enlisting in the US Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict, where he served from 1966 to 1969. His service to our country prepared him to become a high-achieving and award-winning salesman for Digital Equipment Corporation, where he worked for 23 years.

After losing his first wife (Sandra Hines) to cancer, Gardner married Caryl Mason and together, they raised four children. In his second career, Gardner become a passionate advocate for cycling. He was certified as a bicycle mechanic and opened his own store, Saybrook Cycle Works, in Connecticut. Finally in 2010, Gardner and Caryl moved to Florida (first to Siesta Key then ultimately to Bradenton), where they enjoyed their winters after adventuring on their boat and RV through the summers.

Gardner will miss spending time with his wife Caryl, and children Peter, Robert, Pamela, and Jon and their spouses; as well as grandchildren Caoilinn, Saorla, Dylan, Ian, Zachary, and Reagan. Gardner was especially fond of his sister Idris and brother in-law Steve; and niece Kristi. Gardner will also miss his extended family at Palma Sola Trace and Mote Marine Laboratory where he was a volunteer guide and researcher.

Celebrations of Gardner’s life will be scheduled for this summer in New England and in Bradenton in the Fall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gardner’s name can be made to the Mote Marine Laboratory or to Tidewell Hospice House.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Attn: Development Office
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236

Tidewell Hospice
Philanthropy Department
5955 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34238