Thursday, November 19, 2009

Sad news

From Matt Haines, Integrity's Province 8 Provincial Coordinator:

Dear Friends,

I am very sad to announce that our brother Bruce Mason of Portland died suddenly Monday morning. He leaves behind his beloved life-partner Robert Byrd, and a host of family and friends.

Bruce was a kind, faithful and loving servant of Christ. For decades he has served in a large variety of ministries at SS Peter and Paul's Episcopal Church in Portland. He worked with that parish's feeding program and was an active member of the Companions of St. Columba. He was well known for his leadership in the Diocese of Oregon as well.

Bruce volunteered locally and nationally for Integrity. As an Integrity Vice-President, Bruce worked tirelessly for the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Christians. He was a true mentor to those who followed in his footsteps.

Bruce's funeral is scheduled for Saturday, November 28th, at 10:00 at SS Peter and Paul Episcopal Church 8147 SE Pine St. Portland OR 97215

Please keep Robert in your prayers as well as the countless people who mourn the loss of such a great friend. We will all miss him greatly

--
Matt Haines
Integrity USA, Inc.
Province VIII Coordinator

Bruce was a member of the Integrity Board when I joined it during the 2000-2003 triennium and is pictured here (back row, second-from-left) in this photo we had with former Presiding Bishop Ed Browning when we met in Oregon in 2003.


May he rest in peace and rise in glory!

3 comments:

Elizabeth Kaeton said...

Ah, Bruce. I will miss him. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Mike Bolaski said...

I have known Bruce for 64 years. As his cousin,we were boyhood pals and constant companions.My memories of Bruce and our escapades together are both vivid and numerous.We were the best of friends. In later years,we drifted apart due to distance,theological differences,and in dis-agreements over life-style choices.However,my desire is to be re-united with Bruce in Heaven,based on BOTH of us truly being born-again!

Mike Bolaski Winchester,California

JCF said...

We were the best of friends. In later years,we drifted apart due to ...theological differences,and in dis-agreements over life-style choices.

How very sad.

Thankfully, I'm sure he forgives you. I truly hope (and trust) you'll join him in heaven, Mike, in God's Good Time.