Josef Mason

His Life’s Journey: 

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT

 A Time to be Born: 

Josef Mason was born on May 21, 1964, in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. The loving son of Fred and Anita Mason, he was the youngest of two children. From an early age Joe was rambunctious and full of energy. He was that little boy who never walked and always ran. Everyone knew he needed to be watched at all times. 

 A Time to Learn: 

As a military child, Josef started school in Okinawa. The family then moved to Massachusetts and ultimately Denver, where he attended Barney Ford Elementary and Place Middle school in the 70s. Josef started High School at Thomas Jefferson, eventually graduating from Montbello High School in 1981. He always had “warrior” pride. Josef attended The University of Southern Colorado receiving a full ride scholarship for football. 

 A Time for Sports:

A natural athlete Josef started playing sports on Lowry Airforce Base and fondly remembered meeting his father after practice for lunch at the NCO club. Recognized for his exceptional ability in football at a young age, Josef played for the Montbello Falcons and then at Montbello High School. He was recognized by Who’s Who in High School Football and was named to All State. His love for sports carried on through his adult life, including playing flag football with his team the Bills. 

 Josef was somewhat of a savant when it came to sports. Josef could cite a sport statistic about any sport, any player, at any time. He loved to call into sports radio talk shows and his ability to discuss any sports topic won him the nickname “Freeze” (he would carry this name on to his flag football career). 

 Josef’s love of sports led him to his career in boxing. Josef was instrumental in bringing professional boxing to Colorado. Josef’s career included working as a judge, official and eventually as the Director of the Office of Boxing for the State of Colorado. After 23 years of service, Josef retired on June 30, 2018. After retirement he was able to continue his involvement with boxing and mixed martial arts through judging. 

 A Time to Love:

Josef had a fierce love for family and friends. His love for his mom and dad intensified (if possible) after the death of his brother, Frederick (Mike) in 2001. His heart opened even more to comforting and caring for the needs of his parents. He spoke to them every day. 

 Josef met the love of his life, Lisa, while camping out for Prince concert tickets. The two quickly became inseparable and eventually married on August 6, 1988. Josef had four children - Mckenzie, Josef Jr., Denzell, and Evan. His love for his children moved him to keep a notebook with their interests as well as the prayers he had for each of them. As his family grew, his love for family gatherings spread out to his grandchildren and extended family. You could count on Josef being front and center supporting his family. Playing with his great nephews, cheering on his grandchildren in their extracurricular activities and taking his grandsons home every day from school, Josef made sure the children knew they mattered and that they were loved. 

 Always ready with a wise crack and a smart remark, Josef’s colorful humor always left you either shaking your head or laughing. A devoted friend, he never hesitated to lend a helping hand, to listen, and to give his time. Josef had a talent for connecting with people, making others feel seen, heard, and valued. He was a wonderful friend and did not hesitate to pour all of himself into his friendships. In some cases, he would talk to some friends daily. 

 A Time to Accept God’s Calling

Josef accepted Jesus as his Lord and was baptized on March 22, 1998. As a Christian, he answered the call to love and serve others. Josef served the Denver Church of Christ in a variety of roles, including a Community Group Leader as well as a member of the board of directors. Josef loved and saw the best in people and would encourage them to see the best in themselves. Without judgement he encouraged people and gave them a vision of what God wanted their lives to be. Josef remained humble, always wanting to please God. 

 A Time to Mourn

Josef was preceded in death by his brother – Frederick Mason, Jr. 

 A Time to Say Goodbye, Until We Meet Again:

Josef leaves to cherish his memories, his parents- Anna and Frederick Mason of Aurora, CO; Wife – Lisa; Children – Josef Mason, Jr (Brittiny), Denzell Mason, Evan Mason, McKenzie Ashley (Mario); grandchildren – Cecillia Balderas-Vigil, Adaiah Balderas, Josiah Balderas, Jaelyn Vallot, Raegan Vallot and Amelia Vallot; Chosen Brother and Sister for over 57 years- Julian Clay (Lori) and Jacqui Clay; Sister-in-law – Liana Dyson (Chad); Mother-in-Law – Martha Holloway; Nieces – Tylar Johnson (Zamir), Cydnee Johnson (Donovan) and Luckie Garcia; Great Nephews – Cassius, Kamari and Kamani; Aunts and Uncle – Jimmie and Josephine Clay, Florence Williams, Betty Lee, Agnes Curry(Clarence), Louise Robinson(Walter) and Frances Maben; His best friends for over 29 years – Joseph Lawanson (Norma) and Ocie Corbin (Theresa). 

A host of beloved cousins, the Denver Church of Christ community of friends and prayer partners. Co-workers and friends in the boxing world. 

 A Time to Celebrate:

In his final days Josef shared that he could not wait to go to church. He expressed his love and appreciation for his family and close friends. Due to the nature of his heart disease Josef often talked about his passing. He looked forward to heaven and reuniting with those who were called home before him - especially his brother, Mike. Josef’s departure leaves a big hole, and he will be missed tremendously. Know that he wants us to celebrate his life on earth and that he finished the race. He is watching over us in heaven. Thank you, Father, for lending us such a wonderfully kind, funny, and loving man. 

 There will be a viewing on Wednesday, July 24th 5 to 7pm at Newcomer Funeral Home, 190 Potomac Street, Aurora, CO 80011 and a Celebration of Life on Thursday July 25th 10 am at Denver Church of Christ, 6925 Carr Street, Arvada, CO 80004.