Mote remembers trustee

Major General Raymond E. Mason Jr., Mote trustee, friend and longtime contributor, died peacefully Aug. 13 at his home in Osprey, Fla. Mason and his wife, Margaret, championed education in Sarasota and fueled Mote’s mission of bringing marine science to life for students.

A decorated World War II veteran known to many as “The General,” Mason joined Mote’s Board of Trustees in 1997, serving with a focus on education, finances and investments. He gave nearly $1 million to various Mote programs and donated many priceless hours of support. Mason was formally recognized earlier this year by his fellow trustees for his dedication to Mote.

“We remember Gen. Mason with immense gratitude,” said Mote President Dr. Kumar Mahadevan in a Mote release. “He strived to help the next generation discover oceans and marine science, and he impressed us all with his energy, generosity and desire to understand and support our scientific and educational missions.”

Mason’s generosity helped many students get their feet wet in marine science by supporting Mote’s college intern scholarships and various education programs. The Masons provided crucial early support to Mote’s Center for Distance Learning, an innovative program that uses live video conferencing to link Mote science educators with thousands of students in the United States and beyond. The impact of their generosity will continue for years to come.

Funeral services with military honors were held Thursday, Aug. 19, at Church of Palms in Sarasota. Mason’s burial took place in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio.