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Phelps, Mason Mason Phelps passed away at his home in La Jolla, California on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at the age of 88. He is predeceased by his parents, Mason Phelps and Louise Lamb Cowles, and his son, Taylor Phelps. Mason is lovingly remembered by his wife of 32 years, Elizabeth, of Monessen, PA; sister Marian Phelps Pawlick of Lake Bluff, IL; son Mason Phelps Jr. of Miami, FL; daughter Evans Phelps of Nevada City, CA; step-daughters Maria Toglia and Kristen D'Alessio; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Mason was born in Evanston, Illinois on January 18, 1925. His early childhood years were in Lake Forest until he attended Andover Academy. When WWII broke out he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was deployed to the Pacific Theater on the battleship USS Indiana. When he returned to Lake Forest after the war in November of 1945, he attended Yale University. After graduating in 1948 he returned home and went to work for the family business, Pheoll Manufacturing in Chicago. As CEO in the early 1950s, he acquired Voi-Shan Industries (VSI), an aircraft fastener manufacturing company, and moved with the business to Pasadena, CA. Mason served as CEO and Chairman of the Board of VSI from 1953 to 1980. During his time at VSI, he was responsible for developing the threading technique of titanium bolts and fasteners for the aerospace industry. This innovation led to contracts with NASA supplying fasteners which held together the Saturn V rockets used through the Apollo missions to the moon. During this time, VSI also supplied fasteners to Boeing and McDonald/Douglas for most all of their aircrafts. From his Marine Corps experience of being apart of a well disciplined unit, he translated this philosophy to his approach to business. What resulted was a fiercely loyal team that worked hard (and played hard) toward a common goal. In 1980 Fairchild Industries acquired VSI and Mason remained as Senior Vice President and Director of Fairchild through 1981 before retiring in 1982. In 1985, Mason and Elizabeth moved to La Jolla, CA. Mason's interest in the world and desire to make a difference led to his dedicated involvement a number of non-profit organizations both before and after his retirement from business. A personal relationship with Louis Leakey led to Mason becoming a lifetime trustee of the L.S.B. Leakey Foundation in 1976, serving as it's President from 1988 to 1992. In retirement Mason broadened and cultivated his love of art, compiling with Elizabeth an exquisite and highly personal collection reflecting their shared experiences and sensibilities. His interest in art also led to his being a trustee of the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego from 1986 to the present and President from 1991 to 1993 as well as a lifetime trustee of the Museum of Photographic Arts in San Diego since its inception. He served as trustee of the La Jolla Playhouse from 1984 to 1990 and President from 1989 to 1990. Mason also notably served as a Director of Marshall Industries from 1962 to 1990 and Director of Clow Corporation from 1970 to 1985. Mason, above all, loved his family and friends. From this foundation, he served as mentor, sounding board and foil to his sister, children, cousins, nephews, nieces, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great many friends. Beneath his playfully gruff and boisterous exterior, he was principled, loyal, generous, compassionate and real. His love of life was infectious and ever-present. He was simply the most fun guy to be around. A true exemplar of the greatest generation, Mason left a large and lasting footprint on the world. He will be profoundly missed by the many people whose lives he enriched.
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I went to work for him when he had his R and D facility in Norfork, California and transferred down to Los Angeles when they close the plant in Norfork I got to meet him and thought he was one of the nicest person I had ever met enjoyed working for him very much. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I met his wife and sit next to her at dinner and found her to be a great person. Also will always have great memories of both
don trainer
October 22, 2015
So sorry for your loss of both your son and your husband. I knew and loved Taylor many years ago in 1974-5. I have a cassette tape of his voice still in my keepsakes. He was a delightful person.I'm sure you and his dad were great influences. I am sorry I never had the opportunity to meet you both. Taylor and I drafted apart after I moved back to Toledo,oh after the summer of 74.we had some wonderful times that I cherish to this day. So sorry he had a rough time of it. Sincerely Joanie
You can email me at [email protected] if you'd like. If not I understand. My condolences to you and your grief filled heart. I wish you peace and love.
June 5, 2014
I worked under his CFO in the Pasadena office in 1981-82. He was a very kind and generous man and Elizabeth is a fine lady as well. I remember many Friday late afternoons when Mason would either personally tell his office staff that he unlocked the bar at the lunch room in the back of the building or his secretary Linda would. He and Elizabeth genuinely cared for people even those on the lower parts of the totem pole. Those were the good old days! He left a very positive mark on my life.
Alex Asta
July 8, 2013
Dear Liz and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Mason's passing. Your family and Mason affected me profoundly and I think of the wonderful times we spent together often. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and pass my love along to everyone. Mason was one-of-a-kind, and it was sheer joy to have spent such cherished moments in his, and your, company.
All My Love,
Chris Quinn
May 24, 2013
Mason and I were roommates at Phillips Academy Andover in 1940-1941. I have a home in Wellington, Florida where his son, Mason Jr.,is in charge of equestrian activities. Mase was fun, athletic, and an all-around great friend. I was hoping that he would be coming to our 70th reunion at Andover this June. I will miss him greatly and send my sincere condolences to his family.
Walter Cahners
May 23, 2013
My condolences to Mason Phelps' wife and family. I worked at an art gallery in La Jolla in the early 80's, and met Mason and Elizabeth. I remember being invited to their home for a small gathering after an opening. I was impressed by the art decorating their home, but even more impressed with the couple themselves. They were kind and respectful, and made me feel welcome. I've never forgotten that evening, and have told many people about it over the years. Mason Phelps was an honorable man, and I was lucky to have met him.
Claudia Hardin
May 12, 2013
May you draw close to God in prayer and find comfort in reading his Word.
May 10, 2013
May the God of all comfort be with the Phelps family and friends.
Cheryl
May 10, 2013
Al Huhn
May 8, 2013
Elizabeth and family, inlcuding Linda Rich .You are in my thoughts and prayers. I was part of your banking team and you were my favorite client. Such a special man and family.
Debbie Green
May 8, 2013
Mrs. Phelps,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your lovely way of describing Mason in the paper will touch many.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Dan Palmer
Dan Palmer
May 8, 2013
Peggy Phelps
May 7, 2013
Mary Andreoli
May 6, 2013
While working with Taylor I had the chance to meet Mason and spend time at your home. I'll always remember him as gracious, humorous, and supportive.
Robin DeLugan
May 6, 2013
Dear Elizabeth and Family,
With our sincerest condolences of the passing of your loving husdand Mason.
Love,
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Nicolaidis and Family
Steve Nicolaidis
May 6, 2013
What a wonderful tribute to so honorable a man. Im so very sorry for your loss Mason and thinking of you and your family. Sincerely, John Posey
John Posey
May 6, 2013
Dear Elizabeth. My family and I send our deepest sympathy for your loss. Mason was a true gentleman and always made me feel welcome in his presence. He leaves a wonderful legacy and will live forever in your hearts. He is now at peace and in God's arms. It was a pleasure to have known him!
Jim Pieri and family
James Pieri
May 6, 2013
Dear Liz and family,
We are among the lucky ones to be a 'friend of Mason' ... and will treasure our memories of both fun times and inspiring talks in your home. It might be a cliche but he was truly "one of a kind" and we will miss him.
Much love,
Susan & Richard
May 5, 2013
Dearest Liz, all our heartfelt sympathy to you and yours on such a great loss. I told Robert that I will always remember being at the light on Nautilus and Muirlands West watching you cajole Mason to continue his walk when he so clearly was over it! What a great love you both shared.
Fondly, Judith and Robert
May 5, 2013
A beatiful tribute to Mason.
I will always remember Mason living by "the code"..Family, Friends, God and Country.
Nora Coleman
May 5, 2013
Elizabeth and Phelps family
I am so sad to hear that Mason has gone to God. You both were so generous and sharing your lovely home and garden for the Secret Garden Tour.
what a honor it was to meet Mason.
Helen Fox
May 5, 2013
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