Lemley Chapel
Serving Sedro-Woolley &
All of Skagit County Since 1935
1008 Third Street
Sedro-Woolley, WA
360-855-1288
www.LemleyChapel.com
C. Mason Reiter Memorial
C. Mason Reiter Memorial

C. Mason Reiter

C. Mason Reiter

Wednesday, December 30th, 2015

Clarke “Mason” Reiter, 78, passed away at his home in Olympia, WA on Monday, December 28, 2015.

Mason was born on October 7, 1937 in Seattle, Washington to Raymond and Florence (Beiswanger) Reiter. He moved with his family to the Skagit Valley in early 1946. He was part of the Sedro-Woolley class of 1955, but left his junior year to join the Air Force.

During his time in the Air Force he was based in St. Louis and met his first wife, Lorraine Ensley (Burg) and they had 3 wonderful children together; Nicholas, Annette, and Stacy. Mason was very proud of all his children and their wonderful families. The loss of his son Nick in 1976 always weighed heavy on his mind through the years.

Mason worked much of his early life in construction including spending time working on the Alaska Pipeline and with the Laborers Union. He was a Business Agent for Laborers Union Local 901 in Mount Vernon for several years in the 80’s. He started his next career as a safety inspector for the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries in 1986. He was the lead safety inspector when the new Husky stadium at the University of Washington collapsed and later in his career he became the Explosive Technical Specialist at L & I, helping keep Washington citizens and workers safe.

Mason married his wife, Shari, in 1989. They enjoyed traveling together on road trips and to visit family and friends around country and in Europe. They have two French bulldogs, Maddie and Mo, that have lit up his life and made him laugh every day.

Mason was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Raymond and son, Nicholas. He survived by his wife, Shari Purves-Reiter; his 2 daughters, Annette Medford (Ron) of Concrete and Stacy Moody of Burlington;  his sister, Merrylee Reiter-Wheelhouse (Roger) of Mount Vernon; 5 grandchildren, Bobby Jo (Medford) Drysdale, Heidi (Medford) Aldridge, Nicolas Mason Reiter, Dallas Ann Moody and Dalton Moody; 8 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 2 pm at the  Clear Lake Historical Society Hall in Clear Lake.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity, COPD research or the French bulldog rescue. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.

Guestbook

  • Jon Andrews

    Mason was one of a kind and the best with concern for our safety. Thank you Mason for your years of service to all. All the best to you Shari!

  • Kelly Hawkins

    This sounds wrong… but reading this obituary made me smile… knowing the lovely children/grandchildren and wife he has left behind and reading about his amazing life just made me feel like he was one lucky man and he blessed the world in so many ways with his contribution to it. My heart goes out to all of you for your huge loss and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Leslie Doescher Bates

    Stacy and Annette , your family has been apart of ours for many years beings Annette going to school with my sis Linda to you Stacy being my friend and school mate . We use to have birthday party’s etc . Good times . But I can remember both your mom and dad growing up and always a smile . My father and mother but especially new your dad in their younger days . Between being a Woolley its to Skagit steel to liberty or legion , may all your hearts rest with great memories . Sending you all lots of hugs and love ! Friends always Leslie Doescher Bates ❤️

  • Alan

    Mason was a great man that left an impression with every person he met. A smile that brought comfort. Mason shared personal insights with me at a time in my life when I was directionless and helped me change my life for the better. For that I will always be grateful. Thanks for being you, Mason.

  • Dean Fearing

    Shari,
    I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • Alice Sitton

    Love and prayers Stacy,Annette and your families, I’m so sorry for the loss of your Dad. I will be thinking of you. With love Alice

  • Terri Zenker

    Shari, I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family.

  • Rhonda Johnson

    Shari,
    I am so sorry for your loss of husband, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Thinking of you in you time of grief, condolences to you and Mason’s family. Just know you have a lot of support at work when you are ready for it. Mmay Mason rest in peace. God Bless you all.

  • Helen Kramer

    I have many happy memories of time spent with you both -in Seattle and here in England.

    Mason was full of joy and fun and he will be missed by many. I wish I could be there to celebrate his life with you.

  • Frank Wenzel

    My favorite thing was to ask Mason how was he, his answer always made me smile…”Better than most”. Mason yes you are would be my response. Mason yes you are my friend. Miss you!

  • Kim Cody

    My sincere condolences to you Shari and your family. I had the pleasure of working with Mason during my time with DOSH. He was always very funny, helpful and kind to everyone.
    Those we love don’t go away,
    They walk beside us every day
    Unseen, unheard, but always near,
    Still loved, still missed, but always dear…
    Your Angel is watching over you.

  • Elli

    Sending sympathy and love to you and your families, Stacy and Annette. Keeping you all in my prayers during this sad time.

  • Joseph Ratto

    Dearest Shari,

    I am both shocked and saddened by your loss. You are the dearest lady and please know that my prayers are with both you and the entire family. God Bless.

  • Mandi Kime

    Shari,
    I am so sad to hear this news. May your heart be warmed by great memories of Mason during this terribly difficult time. Sending prayers and hugs for you and your family as you mourn a special man.
    I am so very sorry for your loss.

  • Mark Aguiar

    Mason was a friend and mentor to me. He left big shoes for me to fill. I thank him for all the patience and insight to life he gave me. Rest well my friend.

  • Scott and Dena Plendl and Family

    Shari

    We are so sad to hear of Mason’s passing. He was a wonderful and kind man. Hugs to you and may you find peace in the memories that you shared with your one true love. Our prayers and deepest sympathies to the entire family.

  • Richard Ervin

    I will always appreciate and now miss Mason’s jokes and sense of humor.

  • Jim Monahan

    I was shocked by this news. Mason worked hard all his life to enjoy the years of retirement. I started also in 1986 in the Seattle office as a logging inspector for King County. Mason and I worked closely during that time and at various times throughout my 21 year career. Mason will be missed by many, his smile, laughter and caring attitude. Rest in peace Mason!

    So very sorry, Shari.

    Jim Monahan

  • Jeff K.

    Mason was a good man. Based on his adventurous and colorful stories, Mason clearly lived a full and adventurous life and was a devoted family man and friend. He will be greatly missed.

  • Michael Thrams

    My thoughts and prayers go out to you Shari.
    Mason was my first supervisor with this agency, and I thought the world of him. I very much enjoyed his zest for life, and friendly nature. I will miss him.

  • Angi Dailey

    Shari,
    I’m so sorry for your loss! He is now an angel protecting you! If you need anything, please let me know. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.

  • Chris & Wendy Bowe

    Mason was a great man with a delightful sense of humor. He was always pleasant to run into and be around. When passing Mason in the halls and asked how he was doing his answer was always “Better than most,” often times following it up with “Do you know my wife?” Mason adored his family, puppies and especially his wife Shari. He will be incredibly missed.

    Shari, you and your family are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers

  • Lou

    Reiter family, I’m sorry for your loss.

    Hey big guy, I’m going to miss you. I enjoyed your mentoring, conversations, stories and good humor.

  • Reasa Pearson

    Shari and Family,

    I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.

  • Rich Metcalfe

    Hi Shari, so sorry to hear this sad news. Mason was a good man and supervisor.

  • Monte Hanks

    I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Reiter family. Masons friendly nature and willingness to assist and share with us youngsters will truly be missed. His extensive knowledge of the various industries and his status as a go to guy on historical resources is a true loss to the department.

  • Kurt Kaufold

    So sorry for your loss Shari.

    I remember Mason as an outspoken advocate for workers. When I first met him in Everett, he explained how when he was a safety inspector they “cited and fined employers on-the-spot and it worked just fine! Nowadays there is too much b.s. in writing up reports!”

    He was right. I’ll miss his courage and candor.

  • Pedro

    Mason is a great friend and I’ll miss him. The “goofy” conversations we had in the mornings kept me smiling all day. Mason left an indelible imprint in my memory, and I find comfort in knowing that my life has been enriched by his friendship.

  • Mary Jo Boies

    I was saddened to hear of Masons passing. Mason was such a kind man. May you find comfort in your many memories.

  • Jamie

    Babe,

    Mason adored you and you him. May your years of beautiful memories warm your heart and bring smiles to your face. He is now your guardian angel protecting you from above.

  • Deanna Ensley

    To Mason’s Family,
    I am sorry for your loss.
    Madonna was a great person to know and a good supervisor in the my first days of working compliance with L and I.
    All my sympathies,
    Deanna Ensley

  • Bill McCutchin

    Mason was a dear friend and will be missed by all that knew him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

  • Greg Taylor

    Shari,

    Very sorry to hear about Mason. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  • Janean Jolly

    Shari,
    I am so sorry to learn of Mason’s passing and remember with great fondness. He was a very kind man and I loved his laugh. We are thinking of you and your family during this time of great loss. Our love is with you.