October 26, 1947 – June 2, 2025
With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Melvin Ross Mason. Ross was a vibrant, one-of-a-kind soul who lived a full and adventurous life, surrounded by love, laughter, and family.
With his family by his side, Ross passed away peacefully on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the Selkirk hospital after a short and courageous battle with cancer.
Born on October 26, 1947, to Melvin and Christine Marion Mason (both predeceased), Ross was one of eight siblings: Pat, Alan, Richard, Joanne, Beverly, Cathy, and Craig. He’s now reunited with Pat and Richard — or Dicky, as Ross always called him. Ross also had a special connection with his youngest brother Craig, who he treated more like a son than a brother.
Ross was predeceased by his wife, Nancy Mason, in 1997 — a profound loss that changed his world. In the years that followed, Ross poured everything he had into raising their three daughters: Melissa, Jessica, and Amanda. He wasn’t just their dad — he was their protector, mentor, and greatest source of strength. His girls were the center of his world, and he raised them with unwavering love, fierce loyalty, and a sense of humor that carried them through even the hardest days. They grew up knowing they were deeply loved and endlessly supported.
He also welcomed his sons-in-law, Nytro Ottenbreit and David Walford, into the family with open arms, loving them like his own. The feeling was mutual — they didn’t just gain a father-in-law, they found a best friend in Ross, someone they deeply admired, laughed with, and loved.
His five grandchildren — Brynn Ottenbreit, Kali Ottenbreit, Sloane Mason-Bock, Livi Walford, and Lane Walford — were the absolute light of his life. Grandpa Ross — or as we lovingly called him, Uber Grandpa — was proud beyond words and made each of them feel deeply seen, heard, and loved. Whether it was a silly joke, a warm hug, or a quiet moment on the couch, he had a way of making each grandchild feel like the most special person in the world. They especially cherished movie nights with him — The Polar Express was a favorite, and it will forever hold a magical place in their hearts. Though he’s no longer here, his memory, love, and laughter will live on in each of them always.
He also shared a special bond with his goddaughter, Taylor Bouwman, who held a unique and cherished place in his heart.
Ross lived for connection — whether it was over a good meal, a deep laugh, or a meaningful conversation. He loved restaurants (and wait staff everywhere likely remember his charm), and his Starbucks order was always the same: a flat white with an extra shot — a simple pleasure that brought him joy.
He found peace and built a sanctuary in Winnipeg Beach, where he made a home that became the heart of the family. Whether it was sharing stories on the deck, watching the moonrise, or listening to the sound of “the whiskey train,” Ross found magic in everyday moments. Next time you gaze at the stars and catch yourself asking, “Is that one Jupiter?” he’s probably right there with you.
Ross had a lifelong love of travel, with a special place in his heart for Taichung, Taiwan, where he met Tracey — someone he held close as a daughter and who remained a cherished part of his extended family.
He was a jokester, the life of every party, and made friends wherever he went. His presence lit up a room, and his laughter was unmistakable. He had an incredible ability to connect — to make you feel at home, to find humor in anything, and to offer wisdom with kindness. Ross lived with passion, worked hard all his life, and loved even harder.
He was taken from us far too soon and is missed by so many whose lives he touched. His legacy is one of joy, love, resilience, and warmth. He was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed.
A private celebration of Ross’s life will be held in Winnipeg Beach. We ask that in his memory, you share a laugh, take a moment to admire the moon, and raise a glass to a man who truly lived life to the fullest.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Ross’ memorial page using the comment field below.
We all loved Ross but he always tryed to drive me crazy
So incredibly sorry for your tremendous loss! Ross always made me laugh anytime I was around him! My dad lost an amazing friend who he speaks of so fondly! He loves sharing “Ross stories”, or “something funny Ross said” He will be missed by so many. Sending our condolences and love your way.
Avery and Matt Jones
What a wonderful reflection on Ross’ life. I could hear his comments and see his gestures as I read it. I value my time shared with Ross, both in Thailand and when he came to visit us in Japan. We had many laughs as an expat group and i am thankful to have had those moments. I will miss him. Take care and cherish the memories.
Farewell our beautiful friend. You brought sunshine and laughter into our lives. Until we see you again. Cheers with love.
Our love and blessings to Melissa, Jessica, Amanda, Nytro, David and all the beautiful grandchildren. XO ❤️
Ross , will surely be missed by all who knew him and especially his three girls and the grandchildren which he adored. Please except my deepest condolence’s.
Ross and I talked on the phone daily, him giving me his advice most of the time on almost everything. I also had several sleep overs at Winnipeg Beach where we reminisced about our childhood and life itself.
Now don’t forget to wave when passing Wavey Creek something Ross started and I’m sure will be carried on by all that new him. It’s still hard to absorb the lost of a brother and dear friend.
I’m so sorry for your loss Melissa, Jessica, Amanda and families, also to the Mason family. Ross had a wonderful sense of humour and was incredibly generous. We loved getting to know your family at the Brooklands church. Praying for each of you.
I met Ross when I was 14
Grade 8. He was funny, charming, kind, loyal and a bit of a prankster. Always in a bit of trouble with our teacher, she carried a yardstick just for him. He loved it and I am sure it was why he enjoyed school back then.
I was totally infatuated with him.
Although life and many years have past I will always remember the guy he was and always continued to be.
He loved his girls and his grandchildren above all else, always part of his
Life and conversations when we spoke.
I have carried Ross in my heart all these years and love him very much.
I am so sorry for your loss . There will never be another like your dad and grandpa.
He leaves a beautiful legacy in his girls and families.
When we visited Ross in St B recently, a young doctor came in and was asking Ross questions. He asked him if he was allergic to anything, without hesitation Ross replied”work”. That was Ross. Later we visited him in Selkirk hospital and a nurse came in to take his blood pressure. He was quite weak and didn’t speak much, as he extended his arm I was sitting at the foot of his bed, I saw him look at me then he gave me the finger and grinned. That was Ross. He was a true character. So many good times, so many memories. Love to all👍🇨🇦❤️🙏
I am so very sorry 💙 My heartfelt condolences to all of you girls and your families! Ross was a great friend and was always cheerful and humorous! He will be missed immensely!
Ross was an incredible man. He loved his family and friends with all his heart, and enjoyed life to its very fullest. He loved to travel and take on new adventures. He was a joy to be around, and I am so grateful to have been able to be a part of his life, even now from far away. My heart goes out to the family in this difficult time. Ross, you will be with us always, and you will be terribly missed.
Melissa, Jessica, and Amanda,
What a lovely tribute to your dad. You girls and his grandchildren were definitely the light of his life. I have fond memories of Ross -frying up pickerel like nobody else could and making fantastic soups. Bicycle rides in Taiwan. Sampling Thai cooking ( he could always handle three times the amount of spice than I could. I guess that was his adventurous spirit).
But my fondest memory of him is how he welcomed our granddaughter, Paige, when she and I took trips to Winnipeg Beach. He brought her laughter, encouragement to try out new things ( he even shared cooking up pickerel with her. She said she didn’t like fish, but she sure wolfed that meal down!) and lots of love and affection. And, of course, she loved playing Aggrevation with Ross as her partner! Somehow they always won!
Paige was thrilled to have Ross attend her junior high graduation when she received All Round Student of the Year award. We have a great picture of the 2 of them together.
Ross was an important person in her life, and I know he shared his life freely with many others.
Please know our deepest condolences, thoughts , and prayers are with you and all your families.
Rest in peace, Ross,
Vicki and Cal Webb
My Brother Ross was one of a kind . His humour and sharp wit was contagious. my two brothers and I went to Calgary by plane and drove home with the car I bought from my brother-in-law we had so much fun on the way home. And in 2020 I flew home with Ross to Taiwan for two weeks where I met his friend Tracy and Ross and I took a road trip around Taiwan together had a blast one of my favourite memories.
I am so heartbroken!! I had the honour of sharing grampa duties with Ross. My son Nytro his beautiful daughter Jessica along with their two girls made grampa Ross so proud. He would tell me that my son was the best friend a father in law could have. Never a dull moment. Never a joke not said he always had an open door. Ross used to bring his girls out to watch my son’s hockey team. That’s when and where I first met him. A good father out with his girls. What I didnt know at the time was that he was a single parent. Over time I gained so much respect for how he raised his three girls and how difficult it must have been. Never did I hear him complain and always on the positive side of things. He had a special way. I’m gonna miss the dinners and the get togethers. CONDOLENCES 🥲🥲🥲
I was saddened to hear about Ross ‘s passing. We worked together briefly in Winnipeg in the 80s — just six months — but in that short time, I remember him as a kind, steady presence with a sharp sense of humour and a genuine spirit. Over the years, we reconnected through Facebook and stayed loosely in touch. I always appreciated seeing his updates and knowing he was out there doing well.
Though we hadn’t seen each other in decades, I still carry warm memories of that time working together. Please accept my heartfelt condolences — he made a lasting impression, even from afar.
Wishing your family peace and comfort.
My deepest condolences to the family and many friends of Ross . We have many happy fun memories of Ross. He undeniably had a huge sense of humor and loved to tease. This was something. that Ken and Ross definitely shared in common Every time I see storm clouds, I will hear him saying “Deb, are those Thunderheads ?” When I see a cute squirrel,I will remember “SQUIRREL!!”
In Thailand he introduced me to foods I would never have eaten before and showed me his love and respect for people that we viewed as poor and in need of help. I remember he said we should look at how little they have and yet, look how content , often still willing to share and happy they are. The modern countries should stop trying to change and modernize their culture.
Yet my fondest memories are from when I was only around 13 years old. Ross always happy to bring me to the cottage they had at the time. (Lee lake, I think) He taught me how to drive the car on those side roads , often telling me not to be so scared, drive faster. He would allow me freedom to sleep when I wanted and swim forever.and of course lots of junk food.
Melissa,Jessica and Amanda, I hope that the memories that so many have shared, bring you comfort through your tears. You and your grandchildren were blessed to have been loved so dearly by him.
Ross was my Uncle. I have many memories of spending my childhood summers with him, my sister, Melissa, Amanda and Jessica. My memories of him are ones of deep love and I’m grateful I had the honor of knowing him.