Address: 119122 Lone Pine Gulch Rd, Butte, MT 50750-9703
Spouse: Lynn Hemming (Classmate)

Died July 13, 2025
Obituary: David Martin Mason: David Mason was born on October 11, 1945, in Pontiac, Michigan. From an early age, he was drawn to the natural beauty of his home state—spending his youth fishing for lake trout and smelt in Michigan’s abundant waters. As a high schooler in Traverse City, Dave worked as a cook at the Pinestead Restaurant and proudly played varsity football. It was during these formative years that he met the love of his life, Linda Dianne Hemming, beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in devotion, adventure, and shared dreams.

Dave pursued higher education with determination, funding his way through college by working at the Oldsmobile Plant while earning his degree from Michigan State University. His first teaching role was in Okemos, Michigan, where he taught Biology and Physical Education. In 1972, seeking new opportunities, Dave and Linda—along with their young son David—relocated to Butte, Montana. Their early days in Butte were marked by resilience and humor, living in a KOA campground as winter snow fell until they found permanent housing.

Dave began teaching at West Junior High before transitioning to Butte High School, where he continued to impact countless students in the classroom and in the athletic training room. He eventually built the family’s forever home in Silver Bow, Montana — a place that became the heart of many treasured memories.

Dave’s love for the outdoors never waned. Summers were spent as a wilderness ranger with mules in tow often with his son Justin by his side. Dave also was a horse packer in Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness with Linda joining many expeditions. Dave found both peace and purpose in the wild landscapes he cherished.

After raising their family and watching their children start families of their own, Dave and Linda set out on a new teaching adventure in Alaska. There, Dave embraced the state’s rugged beauty—hunting, fishing, and forging friendships while living life to its fullest. Upon retirement as principals in the far north, the couple returned to their Montana ranch, where Dave could often be seen tending the land from the seat of his tractor, behind the wheel of his plow truck, or exploring in his side-by-side.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, one brother, and his eldest son, David. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda Mason; son, Justin Mason (wife Jeni Mason; grandchildren Jaydyn and JT Mason); daughter-in-law Jodie Mason (grandchildren Erik and Lauryn Mason, Ryan Mason & Brooke Reynolds, MaKinzie Mason; and great-granddaughter Davie Mason). He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will carry his memory forward with affection and admiration.

Dave lived a life of purpose, guided by love for family, respect for nature, and unwavering dedication to his community. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those he touched. In respect of Dave’s wishes, the family is not planning any services.

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